Latest Contributions

• In first visit, President Joe Biden commits to being "true partners" with Texas through storm recovery, vaccination effort

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 26, 2021

  Biden was joined by Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, among other officials. Full Story 

• Sen. Ted Cruz declares Trumpism among Republicans "ain't goin' anywhere" at Florida conference

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 26, 2021

  Cruz appeared at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, as President Joe Biden headed to Texas to see the state’s recovery from last week’s storm, which left millions of Texans without power and potable water. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott weighing end to mask order, other statewide coronavirus rules, says announcement coming “pretty soon”

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 25, 2021

  Abbott has kept Texas under a mask mandate since July. Full Story 

• Race to replace late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright already crowded — with more candidates likely

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 25, 2021

  At least 11 candidates have surfaced for the May 1 special election, including Wright's widow, Susan Wright. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott, in statewide address, promises answers on winter weather disaster

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 24, 2021

  "Tragic does not even begin to describe" the suffering Texans endured, Abbott said Wednesday evening. Full Story 

• Republican David Spiller wins rural Texas House seat, replacing Drew Springer

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 23, 2021

  David Spiller, a Jacksboro attorney and school board member, faced fellow Republican Craig Carter for the seat previously held by Springer, who is now in the state Senate. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott sets May 1 special election to fill seat of late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 23, 2021

  Candidates have until March 3 to file, and early voting begins April 19. Full Story 

• Dan Patrick announces 2021 priorities focused on pandemic, power grid and socially conservative issues

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 23, 2021

  In addition to bills responding to COVID-19 and the recent winter storm, Patrick is calling for legislation related to abortion, gun rights and the national anthem at sporting events. Full Story 

• Susan Wright, GOP activist and wife of late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, moving toward campaign to replace him

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 22, 2021

  She could launch a bid as soon as this week, according to sources close to the Wright family. Full Story 

• National Republicans say they'll target five U.S. House seats held by Texas Democrats in 2022

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 10, 2021

  The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Wednesday that its initial list of targets includes three representatives from South Texas: Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen and Filemon Vela of Brownsville. Full Story 

• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick starts 2021 legislative session with an unusually low profile

  by Patrick Svitek and Alex Samuels Feb. 9, 2021

  The lieutenant governor is not starting the biennial legislative session in his characteristically outspoken style, particularly when it comes to making clear his policy priorities. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott sets Feb. 23 special election runoff date for race to succeed Drew Springer in Texas House

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 4, 2021

  The race for the solidly red seat in Northwest Texas pits David Spiller against fellow Republican Craig Carter. Full Story 

• Four years in, the Freedom Caucus finds a less contentious role in the Texas House

  by Patrick Svitek and Cassandra Pollock Feb. 3, 2021

  The group of hardline conservatives made waves in 2017 by sparring with House leadership and fellow Republicans. Now members say relationships with the broader chamber have improved. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott open to reforming his emergency powers after months of criticism from both parties

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 2, 2021

  The Republican governor said his office is "offering up some legislation ourselves" to deal with some intraparty concerns about executive authority that have cropped up during the coronavirus pandemic. Full Story 

• With John Cornyn’s support, new Texas coalition forms to push for congressional fix for “Dreamers”

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 2, 2021

  The Texas Opportunity Coalition includes chambers of commerce, other economic development groups and institutions of higher learning. Full Story 

• Texas GOP fires staffer after he posted video from Capitol riot and spread false conspiracy theories at D.C. pizzeria

  by Patrick Svitek Feb. 1, 2021

  The field organizer was fired after The Texas Tribune asked about the posts on social media, which also included him praising the far-right Proud Boys. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott unveils legislative priorities, including police funding, "election integrity," expanding broadband access and more

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Feb. 1, 2021

  Gov. Greg Abbott designated five emergency items, which are matters the Legislature can vote on within the first 60 days of the session that began Jan. 12. Full Story 

• Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke spar in what could be a preview of the 2022 governor’s race

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Jan. 29, 2021

  The Republican governor, who is up for reelection in 2022, and the state's best-known Democrat exchanged words Thursday after O'Rourke said he will consider challenging Abbott. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott says he'll fight Joe Biden's energy and climate agenda

  by Patrick Svitek Updated: Jan. 28, 2021

  Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order that he said would "direct every state agency to use all lawful powers and tools to challenge any federal action that threatens the" energy sector in Texas. Full Story 

• The late Sheldon Adelson's gambling empire pushes forward with goal to bring casinos to Texas

  by Patrick Svitek Jan. 26, 2021

  Las Vegas Sands has hired 51 lobbyists to push for the expansion of gambling in Texas. Full Story