Sources close to state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, say she is poised to make an announcement on her political future on Friday. But the likely Democratic contender for lieutenant governor is expected to do what gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis did: reveal a future date for a formal announcement.
“I can't think of somebody who would be a better lieutenant governor for Texas," Democratic consultant Glenn Smith said. "With her legislative experience, the deep care she has for Texas and its future, her work ethic, her honesty, I mean she’d be darn near perfect.”
If Van de Putte throws her name in, she'd be the only Democrat seeking the post currently held by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who is facing a Republican primary challenge from state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
Van de Putte's formal campaign kickoff is expected to be Nov. 23. In a September interview with The Texas Tribune, Van de Putte said that if she jumps in, "it’s not just because I want to help out the team."
“If I put my name on the ballot," she added, "I would only do that if I was convinced that there is a way to win. It’s just not in my nature to do something just to place or show.”
State Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, previously said he had been approached about seeking the position. While he believed he was qualified for it, he said he decided to stay in the Senate.
