Patrick Warns GOP Could Lose State House Majority

Texas Lt. Gov. urges party unity ahead of key runoff election

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00pm

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A photorealistic painting of the Texas state capitol building, its grand architecture and imposing presence rendered in warm, muted tones and dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.The Texas state capitol building stands alone, a symbol of the political power struggles unfolding within its halls.Longview Today

Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick warned that the Republican Party risks losing its majority in the state House of Representatives this November. Patrick urged party unity behind the winner of the upcoming May runoff between U.S. Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, saying that without it, the Democratic nominee James Talarico could win the Senate race.

Why it matters

The Texas House of Representatives has been under Republican control for over 20 years. If Democrats are able to flip 14 Republican seats, they would gain a majority in the 150-member chamber, marking a significant political shift in the state.

The details

State House Speaker Justin Burrows said he believes the GOP will keep its majority in the chamber, but agreed that unity is critical. 'We've got to be on the same page,' Burrows said. 'We've got to be working and rowing in the same direction.' Democrats would need to flip 14 Republican seats to achieve a majority in the Texas House.

  • The Texas legislative session will begin in January 2023.
  • The May runoff election between Cornyn and Paxton will take place before the November general election.

The players

Dan Patrick

The current Lieutenant Governor of Texas and a prominent Republican leader in the state.

John Cornyn

The current U.S. Senator from Texas and a member of the Republican Party.

Ken Paxton

The current Attorney General of Texas and a member of the Republican Party.

James Talarico

The Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate race in Texas.

Justin Burrows

The current Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives and a member of the Republican Party.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to be on the same page. We've got to be working and rowing in the same direction.”

— Justin Burrows, Texas House Speaker

“Without that unity, Patrick said state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, could win the U.S. Senate race.”

— Dan Patrick, Texas Lt. Governor

What’s next

The May runoff election between Cornyn and Paxton will be a key test for Republican unity in Texas ahead of the November general election.

The takeaway

The potential loss of the Texas House majority by Republicans would mark a significant political shift in the state, underscoring the importance of party unity and the ability of Democrats to make inroads in traditionally Republican strongholds.