The Texas First movement isnt just growing in the race for Governor. It’s doubling down on the lieutenant governor’s office.
Timothy Mabry and Perla Hopkins have both signed the Texas First Pledge, committing to put Texas interests ahead of Washington directives. That’s two candidates in the Republican primary for lieutenant governor who’ve made the explicit commitment to Texit priorities, not just one.
Mabry, a 33-year-old Navy veteran and firefighter, has been vocal about his Texas First stance from the start of his campaign. His campaign website emphasizes Texas-first policies, and his commitment to the pledge is confirmed in the Texas First candidate database.
Perla Hopkins, an Air Force veteran and grassroots conservative, has also signed the pledge. She’s run her campaign on eliminating property taxes, securing the border, and restoring education, framed explicitly around Texas sovereignty and self-determination. Shes been involved with conservative grassroots groups across the state and wrote a children’s book about patriotism.
Both candidates are challenging incumbent Dan Patrick in the March 3 Republican primary. Patrick has held the lieutenant governor’s office since 2015, consolidating enormous power over the Texas Senate.
The significance: For months, critics have framed the Texas First movement as a fringe element. But having two viable candidates in a statewide race, each signed, committed, and running, demonstrates the movement’s institutional momentum. This isnt a protest campaign. Its a structural challenge to the establishment.
Voters in the Republican primary now have a clear choice: four years more of Dan Patrick’s Washington-aligned leadership, or candidates who’ve explicitly committed to Texas First governance.
Early voting runs through February 27. Election Day is March 3.
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