TEXAS — Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who is running for reelection, on Monday issued a statement condemning some Republican and conservative groups for antisemitism.

What You Need To Know

  • Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says his campaign will purchase $30 million in Israel bonds as the country's war with Hamas is ongoing

  • His reelection campaign received $30 million from the conservative PAC Defend Texas Liberty, which was connected to white supremacist Nick Fuentes 
  • Patrick in a statement condemned some Texas Republicans for antisemitism 

  •  Patrick earlier said he met with Defend Texas Liberty and was assured it was making changes. He said, at the time, he saw no need to return the money

He said his campaign will purchase $3 million in Israel bonds as the country’s war with terror group Hamas continues. That’s the same amount conservative PAC Defend Texas Liberty contributed to his campaign.

Patrick came under fire for keeping the contribution when Spectrum News 1 media partner The Texas Tribune revealed that the president of Defend Texas Liberty hosted white supremacist Nick Fuentes.

“Since the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas terrorists, Texans have been horrified and outraged at the brutal slaughter of innocent civilians of all ages. As a longtime supporter of Israel, I share that outrage,” Patrick wrote.

“I am equally appalled about what I am learning about the anti-Semitic activities among some in Texas who call themselves conservatives and Republicans,” he continued.

Patrick earlier said he saw no reason to return the money from Defend Texas Liberty when he was assured changes would be made.

Earlier this month, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the state was purchasing an additional $20 million in Israel bonds. Hegar’s office said the purchase will provide “liquidity to Israel as it defends itself against Hamas.”

Hegar said that since 1994, Texas has invested in Israel bonds annually and with the latest purchase will hold nearly $100 million in them. The fixed-rate bonds mature within five years and carry an interest rate of 5.74%, he continued.