AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst announced that he’s still running for re-election in 2014.
Dewhurst has been saying for months he planned to seek a fourth full term and on Wednesday issued a formal announcement in an e-mail to his supporters. First elected in 2002, Dewhurst would be one of the longest-serving lieutenant governors in state history if he wins again.
But he’s already drawn a long list of prominent opponents in the Republican primary.
Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and state Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston are challenging Dewhurst for one of the state’s most powerful elected offices. The Texas lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and controls the flow of legislation in that chamber.