Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick seeks more power in Congress: 'We’re a red state, we deserve more representation'

Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick seeks more power in Congress: 'We’re a red state, we deserve more representation'
Texas Lt Gov Dan Patrick calls for more congressional power for red states like Texas (Getty Images)



 

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick has ignited fresh political controversy by declaring that Republican-dominated Texas deserves more influence in Congress, asserting, “We’re a red state. We deserve more representation.”

His statement aired during a Fox News segment on Sunday, sparking reactions across the political spectrum amid a growing national fight over redistricting.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 01: Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick arrives for a National Day of Prayer event hosted by President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC The National Day of Prayer is a congressionally recognized observance that calls on people of all faiths to participate in a day of prayer and reflection. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Texas Lt Governor Dan Patrick arrives for a National Day of Prayer event hosted by President Donald Trump in the Rose Garden at the White House on May 1, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Texax Lt Governor Dan Patrick doubles down on GOP power

During a Sunday, August 3, interview with Maria Bartiromo on 'Sunday Morning Futures', Patrick defended Republican-led efforts to strengthen conservative control at the national level, blaming Democrats for obstructing legislation and redistricting reforms.

“We’re a red state. We deserve more representation. We send about 30 Republicans to Congress, and we have two Democrat senators who don’t represent the values of the state,” he said.


COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - OCTOBER 09: Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick at Kyle Field on October 09, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick at Kyle Field on October 09, 2021 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The Texas lieutenant governor expressed frustration with perceived imbalance, noting how Texas Republicans feel stifled by federal policies that don’t reflect the state’s conservative electorate.

His call for “more representation” was seen by critics as a veiled justification for aggressive redistricting efforts that have drawn national attention.

Patrick’s remarks come amid reports that Texas Republicans are considering mid-decade redistricting to gain up to five additional GOP seats in the US House.

Typically, states redraw congressional maps only after the decennial census, but Texas Republicans argue that the state’s population shifts and political lean warrant more immediate adjustments.

HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 15: Texas Lt. Govenor Dan Patrick speaks at a watch party for Republican preside
Texas Lt Govenor Dan Patrick speaks at a watch party for Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on March 15, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)
 

Democratic lawmakers and voting rights groups have condemned the move, calling it a blatant power grab and a potential violation of the Voting Rights Act. The proposed changes have also fueled a broader conversation about minority voter suppression, particularly among Latino and Black communities that have fueled Texas’s population growth.

Dan Patrick roasted over red state remark

Patrick’s viral apperance has triggered a wave of online backlash, especially in the comment sections of news outlets like Mediaite.

Many commenters mocked the lieutenant governor’s claim, calling it “nonsensical,” “undemocratic,” and a “desperate stunt” to grab more GOP power.

“70% of America’s GDP comes from blue states. Surely they deserve more representation than the takers,” one user wrote, calling out the economic imbalance between red and blue states.

Others criticized Patrick’s logic by comparing Texas to California. “California is now the 4th largest economy on Earth… by Patrick's twisted logic, it deserves FAR more representation,” one person noted.

Some broke down the math to debunk his claim: “Percent of Texans who voted for Kamala: 43. Percent of Dems in TX House delegation: 32. They already have ‘more representation.’”

Mockery ran high as well, with users calling the segment a “stupid stunt” and joking, “Just when you thought Republicans couldn’t get any dumber, they surprise you on Trump TV.”

An X user wrote, "They deserve to be their own country. They can call it Trumpistan. It will be glorious. Texas, Oklahoma, and who else?"



 

"Translation: We are white, we are entitled to more." another wrote. "Texas isn’t just red or blue. It’s diverse. Representation should reflect everyone, not just wins."



 



 

Another wrote, "No one deserves anything. This is a democracy. The voters have the power to decide. And it is not a right nor a perpetual guarantee"



 

Texas GOP pushes back on federal influence

Patrick also used the segment to criticize Texas's two Democratic U.S. senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, though Cruz has been a staunch conservative.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a roundtable discussion on the
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) speaks during a roundtable discussion on the 'Take It Down Act' in the Mike Mansfield Room at the U.S. Capitol on March 03, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Patrick claimed they fail to represent the “values” of Texas voters, signaling growing pressure on national lawmakers from within the GOP base.

“We need our members of Congress to stand strong, because we’re under attack from the federal government,” Patrick added, reinforcing claims that federal agencies and policies are encroaching on state rights.

Texas is widely expected to play a pivotal role in the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential election. Patrick’s statements may foreshadow increased redistricting activity not just in Texas but in other Republican-led states looking to lock in gains amid a highly polarized political climate.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online

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