TribCast: Texas’ congressional map goes to court
While a three-judge panel hears a legal challenge to Texas’ new congressional map, TribCast breaks down the arguments. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8f9393a9a23e7de37f43db23985cbebb/TribCast%20Oct%207.jpg)
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/1130_Eleanor_Klibanoff_2x3.jpeg)
Eleanor Klibanoff is the law and politics reporter, based in Austin, where she covers the the Texas Legislature, the Office of the Attorney General, state and federal courts and politics writ large. She also co-hosts the weekly politics podcast, TribCast. Eleanor previously spent three years as the Tribune’s women’s health reporter, covering abortion, maternal health and LGBTQ issues. Before coming to Texas, Eleanor worked for the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting, where she reported, hosted and produced the Peabody-nominated podcast, “Dig.” Eleanor was born in Philadelphia and raised in Atlanta, and attended The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Latest Contributions
-
![A map of Tarrant County sits on a desk in the House chamber in Austin on Aug. 20, 2025.]()
Credit: Kaylee Greenlee for the Texas Tribune -
At hearing, Democrats say the redistricting process was flawed from the start
On the first day of a two-week trial, the plaintiffs’ lawyers honed in on who drew the new map and whether race was a factor. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bc023f80f98a80206fbab9fba2bb7980/20251001%20El%20Paso%20Redistricting%20Trial%20AS%2002.jpg)
![The Albert Armendariz Sr. U.S. Courthouse in El Paso on Oct. 1, 2025. A three judge panel is presiding over a nine day trial on whether Texas can use the newly redrawn congressional map for the upcoming 2026 elections.]()
Credit: Alberto Silva Fernandez for The Texas Tribune -
Can Texas use its new congressional map for 2026? A trio of judges will decide.
The same plaintiffs who are challenging the state’s 2021 maps have asked the court to block the new GOP-approved districts from being used in the fast-approaching midterms. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/c7d153a5a062db252c1e7f5cad716bd6/0730%20Special%20Session%20Senate%20BD%20TT%2007.jpg)
![A newly released redistricting map of Texas is visible on a laptop during a Senate session on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
TribCast: Texas’ changing congressional delegation
In this week’s episode, Texas Tribune Washington, D.C. correspondent Gabby Birenbaum explains how redistricting and retirements will reshape Texas’ representation on the Hill. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/9c0eb2bb7f80ff438c227c38110783e3/TribCast%20Sept%2023.jpg)
![The U.S. Capitol in January 2022.]()
Credit: Shuran Huang for The Texas Tribune -
While praising Charlie Kirk’s commitment to free speech, Texas leaders move to punish students celebrating his death
Gov. Greg Abbott called for a student to be expelled for celebrating Kirk’s death. Legal experts say the student’s speech is likely constitutionally protected. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/670131b1a3f8d89ec79d19a52a9d2e36/0815%20Screw%20Worm%20Presser%20RB%2002.JPG)
![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Abbott spoke about Texas’s response to screwworm as well as addressed California Governor Gavin Newsom's comments and actions regarding redistricting.]()
Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune -
Ken Paxton’s legal crusade against Beto O’Rourke is faltering before an all-Republican appeals court
The court, appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, recently allowed O’Rourke to continue raising and dispersing donations, and cast doubt on Paxton’s main arguments. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/439296dd3247d7081df560e6edede006/Beto%20and%20Paxton.jpg)
![From left: Former U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.]()
Credit: The Texas Tribune -
TribCast: Texas A&M firing reignites campus free speech battles
After a firing at Texas A&M and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, free speech on-campus is back in the spotlight. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/661cff5f879fdc0dec821a9f2d42f6c9/TribCast%20Sept%2016.jpg)
![Charlie Kirk speaks at a rally for gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix on May 31, 2025.]()
Credit: Gage Skidmore/ZUMA Press Wire via REUTERS -
Texas Rep. James Talarico to launch Democratic primary bid for U.S. Senate
The Austin Democrat has made a name for himself with his viral social media presence. His entry to the race pits him against former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in the increasingly crowded primary. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/62b1e0df5e356726aa1c6e9f12b92537/0725%20Beto%20Talarico%20RB%2011.jpg)
![Texas Rep. James Talarico D-Austin speaks during a redistricting rally at Delco Activity Center Friday, July 25, 2025 in Austin, Texas.]()
Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune -
In rapidly diversifying Tarrant County, a summer of GOP redistricting hits Black and Latino representation
Despite explosive growth turning Tarrant into a racially diverse swing county, two new political maps will leave it with whiter, more Republican representation. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3e2348f559050d2a74f973cd83a72f95/0822%20Fort%20Worth%20Redistricting%20DR%20TT%2014.jpg)
![U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth, outside the Eastside YMCA he helped bring about with federal funding, on Aug. 22, 2025. Under the newly-approved redistricting map passed by the Texas Legislature, his congressional district will become majority-white with a majority-Republican electorate.]()
Credit: Desiree Rios for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott signs new Texas congressional map designed to give GOP five more seats
The governor was expected to sign off on the new district lines, which passed the Legislature last week and aim to flip five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterms. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/62632c23391122e92b14101e1328c33c/0630%20Texas%20Capitol%20RB_25.jpg)
![The Texas Capitol seen on Monday June 30, 2025 in Austin, Texas.]()
Credit: Ronaldo Bolaños/The Texas Tribune