The Race For Texas Lt. Governor: Patrick Hopes To Hold Off Milder

HOUSTON, TX — Can Dan Patrick win a second term as Lt.Governor?

It depends really on who you ask on election day, and here we are.

The veteran lawmaker who enjoyed success as a state senator from 2006 to 2014 representing the northwest Houston area, faces a challenge from educator Scott Milder who has made the rounds throughout the state lobbying fellow educators for support in the primary.

Patrick, who was elected Lt. Governor in 2014, has sold himself to voters since taking office as a principled conservative who is tough on border security and an advocate for education funding.

And many voters still believe Patrick is the right man for the job.

"I think he's done a good job this term," Rafael Hernandez, a Cypress area voter said. "I think he needs more time though with the border issues, and I think he he's done fine for our schools."

Gail Simmons, however, said she voted for Milder, because she feels he's the right person for the office, and she says she just doesn't trust Patrick.

However, a majority of the voters leaving the Tomball aea polling center were casting votes for Patrick, indicating the primary may be Patrick's to lose, especially since he had solid support in early voting.

The winner will face off against either Mike Collier or Michael Cooper.

According to a Texas Tribune poll, Collier led Cooper with 55 percent of the votes to Cooper's 45 percent.

The polls will remain open until 7 p.m. statewide.

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