Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Dan Patrick (politician)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 10, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Dan Patrick (politician).

Dan Patrick (born Dan Goeb Patrick) is an American radio talk show host, television broadcaster, and politician. He currently serves as the 42nd Lieutenant Governor of Texas, a position he has held since 2015, under Governor Greg Abbott. Prior to his political career, Patrick gained prominence in media. As Lieutenant Governor, he has been a key figure in Texas politics, advocating for conservative policies and playing a significant role in the state's legislative agenda.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

April 2004: Announced Boycott of Houston Chronicle

In April 2004, Dan Patrick announced a boycott of the Houston Chronicle newspaper and owned a blog called Chronically Biased, which criticized the newspaper.

May 2012: Acrimony with John Carona

In May 2012, acrimony between Dan Patrick and fellow Republican state senator John Carona was widely reported throughout Texas, with accusations and denials exchanged between them.

January 2014: Patrick on Abortion Exceptions

In January 2014, Dan Patrick stated that the only exception to outlawing abortion would be if the life of the mother was truly in danger, characterizing such cases as rare.

2014: Patrick Opposes Same-Sex Marriage

In 2014, after a federal court ruled that Texas' ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, Dan Patrick expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage.

2014: Patrick on Illegal Immigration

In 2014, questions arose regarding Dan Patrick's commitment to halt illegal immigration during the lieutenant governor's race, due to the immigration status of one of his employees, Miguel "Mike" Andrade.

May 2016: Patrick Criticizes Obama Administration on Transgender Directive

In May 2016, Dan Patrick criticized the Obama administration's directive regarding transgender students' bathroom access, vowing not to yield to 'blackmail'.

2016: Tweet after Orlando Nightclub Shooting

In 2016, hours after the Orlando nightclub shooting, Dan Patrick tweeted a Bible verse that was later deleted after generating controversy. He stated the tweet was pre-scheduled.

January 5, 2017: Patrick Pushes for Bathroom Bill

On January 5, 2017, Dan Patrick pushed for a bathroom bill in Texas, encouraging state Senator Lois Kolkhorst to introduce legislation similar to North Carolina's law.

April 2019: Patrick Calls O'Rourke 'Light in the Loafers'

In April 2019, Dan Patrick called Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke "light in the loafers" and a "moron," later stating the insinuation was unintentional.

October 17, 2019: Remarks at Trump Rally

On October 17, 2019, at a political rally for President Trump, Dan Patrick told a crowd of 20,000 that liberals "are not our opponents, they are our enemy."

2019: Patrick on El Paso Shooting

After the 2019 El Paso shooting, Dan Patrick listed video games as a factor that he believed contributed to the shooting.

2019: Patrick on Gun Sales and Rights

In 2019, Dan Patrick initially called for required background checks for gun sales between strangers, but later backed away from this position and supported legislation to expand gun rights, including constitutional carry.

March 23, 2020: Patrick Willing to Risk Life for Economy

On March 23, 2020, Dan Patrick stated in an interview with Fox News' Tucker Carlson that he was willing to risk his life from COVID-19 to avoid an economic shutdown.

May 2020: Patrick Pays Fine for Salon Owner

In May 2020, Dan Patrick paid a $7,000 fine imposed on a Dallas businesswoman who defied Texas's lockdown orders to keep her hair salon open.

2020: Support of Trump's False Claims

After Joe Biden won the 2020 election and Trump made false claims of fraud, Dan Patrick backed Trump as he refused to concede. Patrick said he would pay up to $1 million for reports of voter fraud across the country.

2020: Patrick Calls Vote-by-Mail Expansion a Scam

In 2020, Dan Patrick referred to efforts to expand vote-by-mail during the COVID-19 pandemic as a "scam by Democrats to steal the election."

2021: Prioritized Legislation and Profile

In 2021, Dan Patrick made legislation requiring the U.S. national anthem at state-funded events a priority, along with legislation to protect "election integrity" in Texas. Later, he was described as a driving force behind a hard right turn in Texas.

2021: Patrick Presides Over Voting Rights Restrictions

In 2021, Dan Patrick presided over the passage of legislation in the Texas Senate that restricted voting rights.

2021: Patrick Supports Limiting Civil Rights Writings in Schools

In 2021, Dan Patrick supported legislation aimed at preventing public schools from requiring students to read writings by civil rights figures such as Susan B. Anthony, Cesar Chavez, and Martin Luther King Jr. in social studies classes.

2022: Patrick Pledges to End Tenure

In 2022, Dan Patrick pledged to end tenure for new hires at Texas public universities and revoke tenure for faculty teaching critical race theory.

2022: Inaccurate Absentee Ballot Mailing

In 2022, Dan Patrick's campaign sent a mass mailing with inaccurate instructions on how to send requests for absentee ballots.

March 7, 2023: Dr. Joy Alonzo's Guest Lecture

On March 7, 2023, Texas A&M professor Dr. Joy Alonzo gave a guest lecture at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). During the lecture, she suggested that the Patrick administration's opioid crisis policies had resulted in more opioid deaths.

August 2, 2023: Patrick Defends Conduct in Houston Chronicle

On August 2, 2023, Dan Patrick defended his conduct regarding the Dr. Joy Alonzo controversy in an op-ed published in the Houston Chronicle.

2023: Patrick Supports DEI Ban

In 2023, Dan Patrick supported legislation banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices at public universities.

March 2025: Patrick Visits Hemp Store

In March 2025, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick visited The Happy Cactus Apothecary and declined to show ID when asked, later expressing concerns over industry practices.