Camp Mystic Withdraws Their Application to Open Camp This Summer
After two days of heartbreaking testimony, including from the Heaven’s 27 families, who lost their daughters at Camp Mystic, and from investigators, I was hopeful the Eastland family would consider withdrawing their 2026 Camp Mystic license application for this summer.
I am thankful to hear that on Thursday, the Eastland family withdrew their application.
Given the tragic circumstances, this is the correct decision to protect Texas campers and to allow time for all investigations to be completed.
For those of you who missed the hearing, here are just a few of the many reasons why Mystic should not have been allowed to reopen this summer.
→ Camp Mystic’s 2026 license renewal application had 22 deficiencies that were either incomplete, insufficient, or missing, including a flash flood evacuation plan.
→ Mary Liz Eastland, the Chief Health Officer and Camp Director, testified that after 10 months, she still has not reported a single death, as required by law.
→ Children in multiple cabins were left to fend for themselves and fight for their lives.
→ Campers were told to stay put for over two hours when they could have walked to safety only yards away.
These points were all reasons for DSHS to revoke and not renew their camp license. What I believe made the biggest difference, however, was the moment when the Heaven’s 27 families sat before the Eastland family for the first time since the July 2025 flood and shared their testimonies.
My Interview with Fox 4 Dallas
On Thursday, I interviewed with Amelia Jones of Fox 4 Dallas to discuss my reaction to Camp Mystic’s withdrawal of their 2026 camp application. There is still lots to be done, but this was a huge win for the Heaven’s 27 families and future Texas campers.
Click here to watch my interview.
A WIN at the Supreme Court!
The Supreme Court has handed Texas, President Trump, and Republicans nationwide decisive victories through their decisions in Abbott v. LULAC and Louisiana v. Callais.
This means that Texas’ Big Beautiful Map is legal, and can be used in November! The Big Beautiful Map delivers 5 new Republican congressional districts in Texas, giving President Trump and Republicans a better chance of maintaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November.
After the primary runoffs, Republicans MUST unite behind our nominees to defeat the Democrats in November to ensure we deliver 5 new Republican members of Congress to pass President Trump’s agenda into law.
Catching Up with Mark Davis
I was on the Mark Davis Show Friday morning to discuss Camp Mystic’s withdrawal of their 2026 camp application and the GOP Primary run-off elections.
Click here to listen to my interview.
Rest In Peace, My Dear Friend
Yesterday, I had the great honor of joining Chuck Norris’s family and friends for a small, private funeral in Texas. I’ve known Chuck and his beautiful wife, Gena, for about 15 years. They were two of the earliest people to endorse me for Lt. Governor in 2013.
For all of you who have seen his movies or watched Walker, Texas Ranger, let me tell you, he was the most humble, kind, and nice person you could ever meet. I truly don’t know that I’ve ever met anyone better, and I’ve met a lot of people.
Things you may not know about his life story: Chuck was the oldest of the Norris children. His dad left the family early, and Chuck took care of his mother and siblings as soon as he could start working odd jobs as a teenager. He was extremely shy as a child. His younger brother, Wieland, was killed in Vietnam in 1970.
Chuck joined the Air Force at 18 and was stationed in South Korea. It was there that he learned and began to love martial arts. He went on to win six consecutive world championships.
After training movie star Steve McQueen, McQueen told Chuck to get into the movies. He went from stuntman, to bit parts, to starring in many movies, and of course, as Walker, Texas Ranger.
Because of his brother’s death in Vietnam, Chuck always respected the military. It’s estimated he shook hands with over 40,000 soldiers.
His other brother, Aaron, co-produced and directed his movies and Walker, Texas Ranger. They had one theme: good defeats evil, every time.
He started KickStart for Kids to teach martial arts in Texas schools.
First and foremost, he was a lifelong believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. The pastor said yesterday that when Chuck got to heaven, the Pearly Gates opened and saluted him.
Rest in peace, my friend. The world was a better place because of Chuck Norris.
I was greatly touched when Chuck and Gena surprised me at the Capitol in 2017 with a birthday song.
A Big Loss for West Texas and All of Texas
I am saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and long-time West Texas talk show host Chad Hasty.
Chad will be remembered as a strong conservative voice for West Texas, and he will be dearly missed on the air.
Please join Jan and me in prayer for his loved ones.
🚨 SD 4 SPECIAL ELECTION TODAY 🚨
Today is the Senate District 4 SPECIAL ELECTION! I need conservative Brett Ligon in the Texas Senate. He has my full endorsement and support.
SD 4 Republicans must get out and vote for conservative Brett Ligon TODAY. Polls are open until 7pm. Go vote!
Thank you for all your support over the years and for everything you do to keep Texas red. May God bless you and your family, and may He continue to bless the greatest state of all—Texas.
Sincerely,
Dan Patrick
Lieutenant Governor of Texas