The Political Web Behind Texas HB 28: How Dan Patrick’s Influence and Alcohol Industry Ties Shape Hemp Legislation

Chasity Wedgeworth
Apr 4
4 min read

Byline: Investigative Report by Bud and Blooms Cannabis Academy

Date: March 28, 2025

Austin, TX — As Texas lawmakers continue their push to regulate or ban hemp products, House Bill 28 (HB 28) has emerged as a focal point in the ongoing debate. Introduced by Representative Ken King, the bill seeks to transfer oversight of consumable hemp products to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), a move that has sparked controversy and speculation. Behind the legislative push, however, lies a complex web of political alliances, financial contributions, and strategic influence led by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

A Financial Trail: The Alcohol Industry’s Support for Patrick

A critical piece of the puzzle lies in Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s campaign financing. An analysis of public records reveals that Patrick has received substantial financial support from influential figures in the alcohol industry, most notably John L. Nau III, the chairman and CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors, one of the largest Anheuser-Busch beer distributors in the country.

John L. Nau III and Barbara Nau contributed $300,000 to Patrick’s campaign, with individual donations recorded as:
- $50,000 on June 30, 2016
- $250,000 on April 12, 2024

These contributions come at a time when the Texas legislature is debating the future of hemp products, including hemp-derived beverages. The potential conflict of interest becomes evident when examining the goals of HB 28, which aims to regulate hemp products through the TABC—effectively placing them under the same regulatory umbrella as alcoholic beverages.

The Political Connection: Dan Patrick and Senator Phil King

Lieutenant Governor Patrick’s influence over HB 28 extends beyond campaign contributions. In January 2025, Patrick appointed Senator Phil King as Chair of the Senate Economic Development Committee and Vice Chair of the Business & Commerce Committee. This strategic move positioned King to spearhead economic and regulatory initiatives, including those impacting the hemp industry.

Notably, the Senate Economic Development Committee, now chaired by King, recently handled a bill establishing the Texas Alcohol Tourism Development Program, directly overseen by the Governor’s Office. This program aims to boost tourism related to breweries, distilleries, and wineries, highlighting the importance placed on alcohol-related economic growth.

The introduction of HB 28, seeking to transfer hemp beverage regulation to the TABC, conveniently aligns with the broader agenda of consolidating alcohol and hemp product regulation—potentially benefiting major alcohol distributors by restricting the independent growth of the hemp beverage market.

Strategic Legislative Moves: Linking HB 28 to Patrick’s Agenda

Senator King’s introduction of HB 28 appears calculated, following his appointment by Patrick and the endorsement of a regulatory model that would bring hemp beverages under TABC control. This alignment suggests a strategic effort to integrate hemp into the existing three-tier alcohol distribution system, thereby reducing competition between alcoholic and hemp-infused beverages.

Why This Matters: The Alcohol Industry’s Stake

The alcohol industry has historically been wary of the rapid rise of hemp and cannabis beverages, fearing market competition. By regulating hemp products through the TABC, the alcohol industry could maintain greater control over emerging hemp beverages, ensuring that they do not threaten beer and alcohol sales.

John L. Nau III’s financial support of Patrick, combined with Patrick’s influential role in positioning Senator King to introduce HB 28, points to a calculated effort to shape Texas’s hemp laws in favor of alcohol industry interests.

Conclusion: A Clear Motive Behind HB 28

The passage of HB 28 could profoundly impact Texas’s hemp industry by consolidating control within the alcohol regulatory framework. Through strategic appointments, financial backing from alcohol industry players, and carefully coordinated legislative efforts, Dan Patrick and Senator Phil King appear to be positioning Texas to favor traditional alcohol distributors over the rapidly evolving hemp beverage market.

As this story unfolds, it is essential to examine how political influence and financial contributions are steering the future of hemp regulation in Texas. The ties between Dan Patrick, Phil King, and powerful alcohol industry stakeholders raise crucial questions about the real motives behind HB 28 and its potential impact on consumer choice and market competition.

Sources:

Disclaimer:

This article is based on publicly available information, campaign finance records, and credible news sources. The content presented here aims to analyze potential influences on legislative decisions related to hemp regulation in Texas. The views expressed are based on factual reporting and critical analysis of available data. No direct evidence of wrongdoing by any individuals mentioned has been established. The intention of this article is to inform the public on matters of legislative and political interest, in accordance with the principles of freedom of speech and press as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.