Editorial: Collier could unite Texans in Dem bid for lieutenant governor

At a time when the Democratic Party may be at risk of alienating moderates, Mike Collier offers a pragmatic choice in the race for the powerful lieutenant governor's office. We recommend him in the March 1 Democratic primary.

An accountant and former oil company executive who now works as a renewable energy investment consultant in Houston, Collier has pledged to prioritize policies that help the most Texans, not just those who gain from wedge issues. Having run for the office before (he came within five points of incumbent Dan Patrick in 2018), Collier is the Democrats' best chance to unseat Patrick this time around.

With his business background, Collier understands how energy works - or doesn't work. If elected, he vows to "fix the damn grid" after Republicans failed to enact adequate safeguards in the aftermath of the deadly winter storm in 2021. Collier also says he'll stave off property and sales tax increases by making corporations pay their "fair share." He pledges to fight for expanded voting rights, to legalize marijuana (a position polls show at least half of Republicans now favor) and to support the labor movement.

Texas Rep. Michelle Beckley of Carrolton and Carla Brailey, an assistant sociology professor at Texas Southern University and vice chair of the Texas Democratic Party, also are running for the Democratic nomination. Like Collier, Beckley and Brailey want to expand Medicaid, support public education and fix the grid.

Read more: https://www.statesman.com/story/opinion/2022/02/22/editorial-democrat-collier-pick-lieutenant-governor/6878594001/