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Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick called for unity in the Republican Party in wake of contested primaries as he spoke on the opening day of a major conservative gathering in Dallas.
Patrick spoke at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday afternoon, focusing on faith and telling the crowd it’s time for the GOP to build a united front to take on the Democrats in November’s pivotal midterm elections.
Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton faced numerous primary challengers, but Patrick told the crowd it’s time to come together.
“That’s democracy. That’s what primaries are about. But when it’s over, we are not the enemy. We must come together as one,” Patrick said. “Because make no mistake, this election in November is not going to be easy.”
Patrick went beyond rallying the crowd of conservatives for the Nov. 8 vote and stirred enthusiasm for taking back the White House in 2024.
He said if former President Donald Trump chooses not to attempt to recapture the presidency in 2024, whoever runs needs to carry on the MAGA agenda. Trump is scheduled to speak at CPAC on Saturday.
Patrick was part of a stacked Thursday afternoon lineup at the Hilton Anatole near downtown Dallas. Abbott kicked off the slate of speakers, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán told the crowd that “Western civilization” is in doubt.
Paxton and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will speak at the conference Friday.
The lieutenant governor led the crowd in a prayer seeking healing for the nation and a Republican victory at the ballot box in November.
“We have to be ready for the fight, because we are not in a fight any longer of Republicans and Democrats in the old days,” he said. “We’re in a fight of light and darkness. We’re in a fight of power and principalities.”