In a move that underscores the ongoing influence of former President Donald Trump in Texas politics, State Representative Jared Patterson has announced his intention to rename the Dallas North Tollway in honor of Trump. This comes after U.S. Senator John Cornyn stepped back from a similar initiative.
Cornyn’s Initial Proposal
Senator Cornyn had previously introduced a bill to rename U.S. Highway 287 as Interstate 47, in tribute to Trump as the 47th president. However, following his loss to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican Senate nomination runoff—a race where Trump endorsed Paxton—Cornyn has indicated that the bill may no longer be a priority.
Haley Crow, a spokesperson for Cornyn, stated that the senator remains focused on securing infrastructure funding for Texas, particularly through the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization bill.
Patterson’s Commitment
Taking up the mantle, Rep. Patterson, a Republican from Frisco, expressed his commitment to honoring Trump by proposing a resolution to rename the Dallas North Tollway. Patterson, who is running for reelection in District 106, announced his plans on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
“That’s why next session I intend to file a resolution calling on the North Texas Tollway Authority to rename the Dallas North Tollway the ‘Donald J. Trump Tollway,'” Patterson declared.
Patterson is set to face Democrat Joe Mayes in the upcoming November general election.
Political Implications
This development highlights the continued political clout of Donald Trump within Texas, particularly among conservative lawmakers. The proposal to rename a major tollway after Trump reflects the broader trend of local politicians aligning themselves with the former president’s legacy.
The decision to rename infrastructure in honor of political figures is not uncommon, yet it often sparks debate about the appropriateness and timing of such honors. As the proposal moves forward, it will likely generate discussion among constituents and within the broader political landscape of Texas.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
