Dan Patrick endorsed by Texas-sized gas station

Dan Patrick and Buc-ee's beaver mascot Dan Patrick and Buc-ee's beaver mascot Photo: Dan Patrick Facebook, Courtesy Photo: Dan Patrick Facebook, Courtesy Image 1 of / 86 Caption Close Dan Patrick endorsed by Texas-sized gas station 1 / 86 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — OK, so Buc-ees is a little more than a gas station, but the one-of-a-kind roadside megastore apparently endorsed state Sen. Dan Patrick for lieutenant governor Sunday.

Patrick, a conservative radio host from Houston, posted a photo with the store's beaver mascot and the businessmen behind the store on Facebook.

The Houston Republican, who's campaigning for a runoff election against incumbent David Dewhurst, said he is “VERY PROUD” to have the support of “BUC-EE and his owners.” “The service is great, the food is great, especially my favorite the Pastrami sandwich,” Patrick wrote. “My wife loves the clean bathrooms... We did a lot of Christmas shopping there.”

Buc-ee's has 28 locations across the state, mostly in central and southeast Texas, and was founded in 1982, according to the store's website. It opened it's largest store New Braunfels on Interstate 35 in 2012, which features 120 gas pumps.

Patrick finished with 41 percent of the Republican primary vote last week while Dewhurst finished second with 28 percent. The runoff election is May 27.

Although Patrick wrapped up the big name in gas retail, Dewhurst was endorsed in February by the Texas Oil and Gas PAC. But, of course, they don't have pastrami sandwiches.

Patrick and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro have traded barbs on social media on immigration policy and are working out details for an April debate.

kparker@express-news.net

Twitter: @KoltenParker