Texas Medical Association PAC Backs Patrick

Dan Patrick received the endorsement of TEXPAC, the political action committee for the Texas Medical Association, in his bid for lieutenant governor.

“Senator Patrick has earned grassroots support from physicians across the state, which is key to every endorsement,” TEXPAC Board Chairman Dr. Jerry Hunsaker said in a statement on Tuesday. “We know Dan will fight to increase graduate medical education funding so more medical students can finish their residency training in Texas. We also can count on him to support the development of physician-led teams to provide high-quality health care to Texans. In addition, we know he will work hard to ensure physicians get paid in a fair and timely manner.”

Patrick, the GOP nominee to become the Senate's next presiding officer, is locked in a general election contest against Leticia Van de Putte, the Democratic nominee and fellow senator. The two are vying to succeed David Dewhurst, who lost to Patrick in the Republican primary.

According to TEXPAC, both candidates were interviewed at the TMA fall conference this past weekend. Afterward, the PAC's board of directors voted for Patrick.

A Libertarian, Robert D. Butler, a Green Party candidate, Chandrakantha Courtney, and an independent, Maria Luisa Alvarado, are also running for lieutenant governor.

Disclosure: The Texas Medical Association is a corporate sponsor of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.