AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) – In a battle between two state senators, Dan Patrick has defeated Leticia Van De Putte, D-San Antonio, in the race for lt. governor.
Patrick, a Houston conservative radio jockey and tea party favorite, ousted longtime incumbent Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst in the Republican primary for the right to run for one of the most powerful offices in Texas.
The lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate.
At 8:30 p.m. central, Patrick received 1,371,335 votes for 57.5 percent. Van De Putte received 953,579 votes for 40 percent.
The Associated Press called the race in favor of Patrick.
Outside groups supported Van De Putte during her run, including Democracy for America, a PAC founded by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean to support liberal politicians.
Patrick refused to debate Van De Putte.
Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com