Texas Legislature

“California Dade” And Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Catch Waves In Twitter Battle


The Texas legislative session is entering its final month, and tensions between the House and Senate are heating up over major differences in policy-making. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been attacking House Speaker Dade Phelan by name, calling him “California Dade” and mocking the House’s property tax plan as “bad math” in an attempt to pressure the House to pass the Senate’s version of the bill. 

Patrick has also threatened to force a special legislative session if action stalls on some of his priority bills, including incentivizing the building of more natural gas plants and allowing the use of state dollars to send Texas kids to private schools.

The House, Patrick complained, has been slow to act on Senate priorities, and unless it picks up the pace in sending legislation to the upper chamber, some of those bills will die before they can even be considered.

House Speaker Dade Phelan, in an attempt to reduce the inter-chamber discord, has adopted a more conciliatory approach, highlighting legislation the House has already passed. On Tuesday, Phelan attempted to counter Patrick’s criticisms using humor, by sharing a photo of himself standing shirtless in between two surfboards on Twitter.

“Stoked for some tasty waves on the Texas Coast this summer after #txlege hits its gnarly Sine Die!” Phelan tweeted, playing off his “California Dade” nickname while joking about his plans after the regular session’s final day. 

After Phelan’s humorous tweet, Patrick retaliated by showcasing his own sense of humor. He posted a badly photoshopped picture of himself on a surfboard, with the caption, “Glad to see “California Dade” has a sense of humor – gotta admit he’s in better shape than me, but homeowning surfer dudes, especially those over 65 (and their surfer buddies under 65), all know the Senate’s Homestead Exemptions are the better wave to ride.”

Ultimately the tweet was another dig at Phelan for his House property tax plan.

“The House bill is just wrong on its math,” Patrick said during a recent TV interview. “The Senate bill — seniors, if you’re watching, our bill gives you $1,060 every year you homestead your home from 65 on.”

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

Texas Democrats Focus on Winning Back Working-Class Voters

As Texas Democrats prepare for the 2026…

11 hours ago

Conservatives Criticize Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Selection

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is among…

1 day ago

Ted Cruz Misspeaks in Senate: ‘Stop Attacking Pedophiles’ Goes Viral

During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on…

2 days ago

Hidalgo County Cracks Down on Roadside Animal Vendors

Hidalgo County Commissioners Court has adopted a…

3 days ago

“Not Safe, Not Hosting”: Trump Issues World Cup Ultimatum

President Donald Trump issued a warning Thursday…

3 days ago

After More Than a Decade, Rep. Bobby Guerra to Step Down, Opening District 41 Seat

With Democratic State Representative R.D. “Bobby” Guerra…

3 days ago

This website uses cookies.