Complete this analysis of how Texas's two most powerful elected officials control the legislative process:

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Gov. Abbott controls special ELECTION timing (sets the date for vacant seats), Lt. Gov. Patrick controls senate COMMITTEE assignments (appoints all chairs and members), and together they empower ESTABLISHMENT candidates (endorsements signal who has insider backing). This combination creates a control loop: Abbott times elections to benefit allies, Patrick promises committee power to loyalists, and both endorse preferred candidates who will support their agendas. Texas' constitution concentrates executive power in the governor (veto, appointments, emergency powers) and legislative power in the lieutenant governor (presides over Senate, controls committees, casts tie-breaking votes). Unlike systems with diffused power, Texas' structure lets two people shape policy across 30 million residents. Understanding why candidate selection matters more than elections—if Abbott and Patrick both endorse you, you're almost certain to win and gain power after winning.

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