Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick used the finale of a Republican midterm convention to frame the November contest as a moral struggle between faith and secularism, invoking the Alamo and the American flag. He criticized Democrats—labeling their approach as "godless" and likening it to communism—and lauded Texas' pro-business, low-tax model, citing 12 million new residents over two decades. Recent polls show Patrick leading Democrat Vikki Goodwin, though about 8% of voters remain undecided.
Dan Patrick Frames Midterms As Faith-Based Battle, Touts Texas Model While Targeting Democrats
DALLAS, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 10: Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks on stage on the second day of the 2026 Republican National Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. U.S. President Donald Trump is headlining the Republican National Committee's first-ever midterm convention as he aims to highlight his administration’s achievements and rally support for GOP candidates just two months before the upcoming elections being held on November 3.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick used the closing night of a Republican midterm convention to cast the upcoming election as a moral contest between faith and secularism, arguing that both religious and political values are at stake.
Known for blending evangelical themes with public policy, Patrick invoked the heroes of the Alamo and the American flag as symbols in his address while sharply criticizing the Democratic Party.
"It's about those of us who love God, and those who want to kick God out of our country because that's what the Democrats want to do," Patrick said. "It's the very definition of communism, because it's a godless government."
Points From His Address
Patrick painted Texas as proof that conservative governance can deliver prosperity. He highlighted the state's pro-business environment, low taxes and the absence of a state income tax as key reasons people and businesses choose Texas.
"In the last two decades, 12 million people have moved to Texas, mostly fleeing blue states and their failed and deadly policies," Patrick said, using migration figures to underline his argument that Texas-style policies succeed where others fail.
He also singled out Democrat James Talarico, a candidate in the high-profile U.S. Senate race in Texas, accusing him and the broader Democratic platform of embracing socialist and communist ideas.
Polling Snapshot
The most recent Texas Public Opinion Research poll, conducted Aug. 27, showed Patrick leading Democratic state Rep. Vikki Goodwin 47% to 41%. Libertarian Anthony Cristo and independent Jeffrey Marshall each polled at 1%, while 8% of respondents remained undecided.
Earlier surveys include Texas Pulse (Aug. 7), which reported Patrick at 49% and Goodwin at 44%, and Texas Southern University (Aug. 4), showing Patrick at 46% and Goodwin at 39%.
Context: The speech was delivered on the final night of the Republican midterm convention and was covered by USA TODAY. Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter who covered the event.
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