Democrat Mike Collier embraces his GOP past as he tries to unseat Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

Mike Collier, Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, at a campaign event in Cedar Park last year. Collier is touting his past as a Republican to try and woo GOP voters in his bid to oust Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. (Credit: Allie Goulding for The Texas Tribune)

Democrat Mike Collier is increasingly leaning into his background as a former Republican as he tries to pull off an upset against GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

After making it through a Democratic primary and runoff in which his GOP past was a sensitive issue, Collier is making overt appeals to Republicans with his advertising, endorsements, stump speeches and public comments.