Jerry Patterson has announced his intention to run against Land Commissioner George P. Bush in 2018.
Patterson, a former Texas Land Commissioner, is planning to challenge Bush to reclaim his seat, according to sources. The Texas Tribune reported that sources say Patterson is expected to announce his candidacy on Monday, the final day of filing for the primary elections.
Patterson most recently served as Land Commissioner until 2015. In 2014, Patterson opted not to seek re-election his Land Commissioner seat in order to run against incumbent lieutenant governor David Dewhurst. Patterson finished fourth in a four-person primary.
Bush, the son of former Florida governor Jeb Bush and nephew of President George W. Bush, is the incumbent Texas Land Commissioner. Bush won the seat easily in 2014 and has since come under controversy for his office's "Reimagining the Alamo" project.
Commissioner Patterson is the third Republican to announce a challenge to George P. Bush. Other Republican candidates running include: land surveyor Davey Edwards and historian Rick Range. Miguel Suazo, an Austin attorney, announced his candidacy on Thursday as a Democrat.
Candidates have until Monday to file for a spot on the ballot. Primary election day is March 6th.
