![](https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/210929075810-matthew-dowd-texas-lieutenant-governor-super-tease.jpg)
Although Dowd hasn’t identified as a Republican in years, his candidacy is the latest proxy fight in the larger nationwide battle over Republicans who have attached themselves to former President Donald Trump and his brand of politics versus moderate, establishment figures such as Dowd.
In particular, Dowd criticized Patrick’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Texas, saying the No. 2 official in the state “didn’t respond to it based on science and prevented local officials from doing the things they needed to do to keep their community safe.”
“We need more officials to tell the truth, who believe in public service and common sense with common decency for the common good and the idea of servant leadership,” Dowd says in his video, adding, “Dan Patrick believes in none of those, and that is why I’m running for the powerful office of lieutenant governor.”
Dowd, however, faces tough odds to become the next lieutenant governor in a traditionally red state in which Republicans control the governor’s mansion and both chambers of the legislature, though shifting demographics in suburbs have given Democrats hope in statewide elections in recent years.
First elected to the seat in 2014, Patrick won a second term in 2018 by more than 51% of the vote, beating Democratic challenger Mike Collier by less than five percentage points.
Collier, an accountant and former senior adviser to Joe Biden’s campaign in Texas, is exploring a rematch against Patrick by launching an exploratory committee for lieutenant governor.
Dowd made his national name in politics as Bush’s chief campaign strategist for the Republican incumbent’s 2004 campaign.
He also previously worked for Texas Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock, who was the last Democrat to win the office of lieutenant governor in the Lone Star State and served throughout the 90s.
Dowd, a former political analyst for ABC News who stepped away from the role in January, has often criticized Trump and the GOP’s politics, while Patrick, who is seeking his third term in office, was endorsed by Trump in May.
Trump carried Texas in 2020 by more than 52% of the vote.
This story has been updated with additional background information.