AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is in quarantine following a positive COVID test last week, according to a statement from his campaign. After having experienced mild symptoms, Patrick is continuing to isolate, though he has since tested negative.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick last week tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement from his campaign

  • The campaign further said Patrick, 71, only experienced mild symptoms and has since tested negative, though he continues to isolate 

  • Patrick, a Republican who has been the lieutenant governor of Texas since 2015, is seeking reelection in 2022 

  • Patrick has in the past created some controversy over his opinions about the spread of COVID-19 as well as the shutdowns that occurred at the outset of the pandemic

“His symptoms were mild and no one else in the household was infected. He continues working from home and will return to a public schedule by the end of the week,” said Allen Blakemore, Patrick campaign senior adviser.

Patrick, 71, a Republican, has served as the 42nd lieutenant governor of Texas since 2015. He’s seeking reelection this year and in May 2021 received the endorsement of former President Donald Trump.

Patrick is likely to win the Republican nomination but does face a primary challenge from candidates including Trayce Bradford, Todd Bullis, Daniel Miller, Aaron Sorrells and Zach Vance.

Vying for the job on the Democratic side are Mike Collier, Michelle Beckley and Carla Brailey.

Patrick has created some controversy when it comes to his opinions about COVID-19. In August 2021,  appearing on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Patrick addressed the spread of COVID-19 in the state and elsewhere and placed the blame for the uptick in cases on Democrats and the Black community.

"Most of the numbers are with the unvaccinated and the Democrats like to blame Republicans on that. Well, the biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated,” Patrick said. “The last time I checked over 90 percent of them vote for Democrats in their major cities and major counties."

In March 2020, Patrick, appearing on Fox News, suggested that older Americans should fend for themselves during the coronavirus pandemic in order to keep the economy running.

Appearing on Fox News about a month later, Patrick doubled down on his earlier statement, telling host Tucker Carlson, “And what I said when I was with you that night, there are more important things than living, and that’s saving this country for my children and my grandchildren, and saving this country for all of us.”

“I don’t want to die. Nobody wants to die,” Patrick continued. “But, man, we gotta take some risks and get back in the game and get this country back up and running."