State Rep. James White, an East Texas Republican, won't seek another term in Texas House
White, chairman of the House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee, has served in the lower chamber since 2011. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek is the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick logged countless miles on the 2016 campaign trail, covering the many Texas angles of the momentous presidential race. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. He graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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![Rep. James White, R-Hillster, testifies regarding HB 1708, legislation he proposed relating to an electronic voting system …]()
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In a period of conflicts and crises, Gov. Greg Abbott goes all in on the border
The governor's announcement Thursday that Texas would build its own border wall was Abbott's boldest move yet in an intensifying focus on the region. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott addresses the media about border security at a press conference at Anzalduas Park in Mission on March 9, 20…]()
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Kamala Harris to host White House meeting with Texas Democrats who blocked voting bill
The meeting will take place Wednesday, according to Harris' office. Full Story
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![State Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, speaks at a press conference at Mt. Zion Baptist Church near the state Capi…]()
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Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announces run for Tarrant County judge
One of the last remaining Republican mayors of a big city is jumping back into the political arena after not seeking reelection. Full Story
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![Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 29, 2018.]()
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After 2020 disappointments, Democrats look to prioritize year-round organizing
Two former congressional candidates, Julie Oliver and Mike Siegel, are hoping to help Democrats learn the lessons of 2020 with a new group called Ground Game Texas. Full Story
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![The Travis County Democratic Party office in Austin.]()
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Mattie Parker declares victory in Fort Worth mayoral runoff
Parker, the former chief of staff to retiring Mayor Betsy Price, declared victory in the runoff against Deborah Peoples, who recently stepped down as chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party. Full Story
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![Fort Worth mayoral candidate Mattie Parker.]()
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Republican state Sen. Dawn Buckingham running for Texas land commissioner
The news of her decision comes two days after the current land commissioner, George P. Bush, announced he was running for attorney general next year, challenging fellow Republican Ken Paxton. Full Story
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![State Sen. Dawn Buckingham, R-Lakeway at the Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 23, 2017.]()
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Allen West resigns as chair of Texas Republican Party, says he's mulling statewide run
West declined to say whether he was eyeing any particular statewide office, though he told a radio host earlier Friday morning that the host was "safe" to assume West was mulling a gubernatorial run. Full Story
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![Texas Republican Party Chairman Allen West speaks to a crowd gathered at the Governor’s Mansion on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020 t…]()
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Texas’ GOP leadership already at odds over plans for special legislative session
Since House Democrats staged a walkout that killed Republicans’ priority elections bill for the regular session, the governor and the leaders of the state House and Senate have diverged notably in interviews about how they are approaching the overtime round. Full Story
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![The sun sets on the state Capitol in Austin, on May 27, 2021. People gathered outside of the Governor’s Mansion to mourn the…]()
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Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announces run for attorney general against Ken Paxton
Bush made his challenge official Wednesday evening during an event at a downtown Austin bar. Former President Donald Trump said last week that he would issue an endorsement in the race "in the not-so-distant future." Full Story
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![Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announces his candidacy for Attorney General at an event in Austin on June 2, 2021.]()
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Donald Trump endorses Gov. Greg Abbott for reelection
The endorsement comes as Abbott faces a primary challenge from former state Sen. Don Huffines of Dallas and as other fellow Republicans eye the race. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott greeted then-President Donald Trump upon arrival at the Orange County Airport Landing Zone to visit areas d…]()
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Republicans say they’ll tweak part of Texas elections bill criticized for impact on Black churchgoers
The provision deals with the window for early voting on Sundays, and the current version of the bill raised concerns that it would hinder get-out-the-vote efforts by Black churches. Full Story
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![State Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches, on the House floor on May 7, 2021.]()
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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott vows to defund state Legislature after voting restrictions bill fails, threatening salaries
“No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities,” Abbott tweeted Monday. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks with lawmakers on the House floor during the legislative session on Sunday, May 23, 2021.]()
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Democrats’ defeat of Texas voting bill adds an asterisk to Republicans’ “most conservative” legislative session
Republicans were assigning blame after the measure’s dramatic failure Sunday night, but were also already looking ahead to a special session. Full Story
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![The House Floor on May 5, 2021.]()
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Leadership tensions, potential special session loom as Texas legislative session hits uncertain end
Tensions between the two chambers are peaking, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is putting pressure on Gov. Greg Abbott to call a special session for unfinished business on conservative priorities Full Story
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![From left, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dade Phelan.]()
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Donald Trump says he'll endorse in likely primary battle for Texas attorney general between Ken Paxton, George P. Bush
The former president said in a statement Tuesday that he'll issue an endorsement "in the not-so-distant future." Full Story
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![Then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign event in The Woodlands in June 17, 2016.]()
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Speaker Dade Phelan once criticized anti-LGBTQ efforts. Now he’s signaling support for a bill targeting transgender Texans.
Democrats supported Phelan for House speaker, reassured he would avoid controversial social issues that target LGBTQ Texans. They say they’re disappointed he is now signaling support for bill targeting transgender student athletes. Full Story
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![State Rep. Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, held a press conference at the capitol to declare that he had enough votes to become Spe…]()
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Bill legalizing permitless carry of handguns in Texas on brink of passage after compromise reached
The agreement advances the legislation even closer to becoming law. Gov. Greg Abbott has said he will sign such a proposal. Full Story
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![A M&P Shield handgun, small enough to be ideal for conceal carry, in Austin on April 23, 2021.]()
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Allocating $16 billion in coronavirus relief funds will be part of special legislative session in the fall, Gov. Greg Abbott says
Abbott already planned to call a special session later in the year for the Legislature to do its decennial redrawing of Texas political maps. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference regarding Texas’ emergency response to an unprecedented winter storm gripping …]()
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Gov. Greg. Abbott says no public schools or government entities will be allowed to require masks
While 30% of Texans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the vast majority of children are unvaccinated. The Pfizer vaccine was authorized last week for children as young as 12. Full Story
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![Two students sit under a sign encouraging students to wear a mask on the first day of classes for the fall semester at Texas…]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune