The leader of the Texas Senate, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, announced he will seek reelection as Lieutenant Governor in 2018 at a press conference Monday morning at the Republican Party of Texas' headquarters. Patrick said he called the press conference to put an end to stories speculating at his future gubernatorial aspirations in 2018. "Put it in cement," he said. "I am not in 2018 and am never running against Greg Abbott for governor." Patrick announced his war chest is the largest of any lieutenant governor's in Texas history at $13.6 million. He said he has raised close to $5 million since the last campaign finance report and would continue raising money to prepare for a future campaign. Patrick also endorsed Greg Abbott for governor in the 2018 election, even though Abbott has not yet announced aspirations to seek a second term. The lieutenant governor did leave the option open to run for governor should Abbott not seek reelection or be named to a higher office. Patrick was first elected in 2006 to the Texas Senate from a district in Northwest Houston, which is currently represented by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston.