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Dan Patrick Releases Senate Race Poll

Sen. Patrick (R-Houston) hopes to announce his election plans this summer.
Photo courtesy The Texas Tribune
Sen. Patrick (R-Houston) hopes to announce his election plans this summer.

State Senator Dan Patrick (R-Houston) is continuing down the path of what looks like an inevitable run for the U.S. Senate. Last month, Patrick announced he was creating an exploratory committee to kick the tires on a run to replace retiring Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. If he runs, he could be a stiff challenge for Lt. Governor David Dewhurst, who is considered the front runner in a crowded field, thanks partly to the personal fortune he could spend to run a campaign.Patrick released a privately commissioned poll today that shows him beating all of the "announced candidates" in the race. Dewhurst doesn't make the list, because he hasn't officially entered the race.

  • Dan Patrick 19%
  • Tom Leppert 11%
  • Roger Williams 6%
  • Elizabeth Ames Jones 4%
  • Ted Cruz 2%
  • Not sure/Refused 58%

The poll also showed Patrick easily defeating Ted Cruz in a two person run-off election, even though Cruz only got 2%. The poll did not look at how Patrick would fair against 2nd place finisher, former Dallas mayor Tom Leppert.

In a press release that included the poll, Patrick said he would make his decision this summer.

"As I carefully work through this process there are many questions I still must answer. But this poll confirms that I would be the conservative front runner if I announce for the United States Senate. I am very encouraged by the statewide poll we conducted as part of our exploratory effort, as well as the response I have received from individuals across the state," said Patrick. 

You can read the full press release with poll data below:

Dan Patrick Senate Run Poll

Ben Philpott is the Managing Editor for KUT. Got a tip? Email him at bphilpott@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @BenPhilpottKUT.