Jerry Patterson, a Republican, endorses Democrat Miguel Suazo over George P. Bush

Former Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, a Republican, has endorsed Democrat Miguel Suazo in his bid to replace current Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. Patterson, a former political rival of Bush, cited what he called mismanagement of the Alamo and Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.

Patterson isn't the only Republican taking the unusual approach of withholding support from Bush. Three other former Republican primary opponents of Bush — Rick Range, Davey Edwards and David Watts — signed onto a letter with Patterson saying they would not be voting for Bush in November.

“There are things that are more important than your party," Patterson said. "The Alamo is Texas."

Bush won the primary easily in March, with 58 percent of the vote. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Patterson told The Texas Tribune he had spoken with Suazo and liked what he heard. He acknowledged that it is unlikely Bush loses in November; Texas hasn't elected a Democrat to statewide office since 1994. But he said there was a "very, very remote chance."

"The statewide candidates in Texas in November, some of their fortunes may be dependent of the fortunes of Donald Trump," Patterson said. "But that's not the point. I don’t have any compulsion to always back the winner. My compulsion is to be true to my convictions."

Suazo said he was "honored" to have Patterson's endorsement, saying the former commissioner had put "Texas before Party."

Disclosure: The Texas General Land Office and Jerry Patterson have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.