Sen. Leticia Van de Putte
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.
It’s not actually true that Van de Putte would be the only Dem in the race so far – Maria Alvarado had previously announced her candidacy. As it happens, Wendy Davis will also have a primary opponent, former Corpus Christi Mayoral candidate Ray Madrigal. Van de Putte will have her official campaign kickoff on November 23. Note that unlike Davis, Van de Putte does not have to give up her Senate seat to run, as she is not on the ballot till 2016. I’m thrilled she’s taken the plunge, and I look forward to voting for both her and Wendy Davis.
This is very exciting! Over the weekend I posted a tweet about Wendy filing formal paperwork for TX Gov, and I also re-posted the cover photo of Wendy and the Castro Bros. from Texas Monthly last summer. Over 130 Dems & Progressives from across the country retweeted these tweets about Wendy and replied wishing her well. There’s a great buzz out there for this race, and Leticia getting into it will heighten the excitement. All eyes are on Texas!