Alana Rocha

Alana Rocha was the director of news partnerships for The Texas Tribune until June 2022. She was previously a multimedia reporter, after working in television and radio news for eight years. Alana covered politics for stations in Florida, Kansas and Texas and traveled the country reporting from the 2012 and 2016 presidential campaign trails. She was the lead reporter on several award-winning projects and launched “The Brief,” a daily audio update. A native of Tampa, Florida, Alana received bachelor’s degrees in journalism and Spanish from the University of Florida.

Past Contributions

First day of 86th session is "launching pad" for new and veteran members

By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Todd Wiseman and Woojae Julia Song Jan. 14, 2019

There's a lot of work that goes on at the State Capitol even before lawmakers gavel in. This "Under the Dome" episode takes you through the behind-the-scenes start of the 86th Texas Legislature. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
There's a new Texas House speaker in town

By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Todd Wiseman and Jianing “Holly” He Jan. 3, 2019

In the latest installment of our mini-documentary series, "Under the Dome," we chronicle the path state Rep. Dennis Bonnen took to become the next likely speaker of the Texas House. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune
In the Texas Legislature, bills filed on marijuana, daylight saving are all fair game

By Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Dec. 19, 2018

Watch the first episode of our mini-documentary series, “Under the Dome,” chronicling the cast of characters passing laws in the Texas State Capitol. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman / The Texas Tribune
Watch victory, concession speeches from Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke

By Alana Rocha and Jianing “Holly” He Nov. 6, 2018

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, defeated U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, after an intense campaign battle that drew national attention. Full Story

Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson: O'Rourke/Bob Daemmrich: Cruz
Though they've never met, Mike Collier and Dan Patrick virtually debate the issues for Texas Lt. Gov.

By Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Oct. 23, 2018

Watch the latest version of our "Split Decision" series, which includes Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Mike Collier, his Democratic challenger. Full Story

Credit: Justin Dehn / The Texas Tribune
Congressional rivals John Carter and MJ Hegar talk immigration, veterans and tattoos

By Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Oct. 19, 2018

Watch the latest version of our "Split Decision" series, which includes U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, and MJ Hegar, his Democratic challenger. Full Story
Watch Ted Cruz and Beto O'Rourke in their second — and likely final — Senate debate

By Alana Rocha Oct. 17, 2018

Three weeks out from Election Day, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, held their second debate in San Antonio. Here's the full video, courtesy of WFAA-TV. Full Story

Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson for The Texas Tribune
2018 Tribfest: Texas midterm elections, Brett Kavanaugh, and other issues

By Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He and Justin Dehn Oct. 5, 2018

Watch as we look back at some of the news made at the 2018 Texas Tribune Festival. Full Story

Credit: Tamir Kalifa for The Texas Tribune
We set up a virtual debate between Beto O'Rourke and Ted Cruz. Hear where they stand.

By Alana Rocha, Justin Dehn, Todd Wiseman and Jianing “Holly” He Sept. 27, 2018

Watch O'Rourke and Cruz virtually debate issues like immigration, guns and health care. Full Story
Abortion, health care and the best BBQ in their congressional district. Roy and Kopser contend for Lamar Smith's seat.

By Alana Rocha, Jianing “Holly” He, Justin Dehn and Todd Wiseman Sept. 25, 2018

In Texas' 21st Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith is retiring, Republican Chip Roy and Democrat Joseph Kopser virtually debate in the latest episode of our "Split Decision" video series. Full Story

Credit: Justin Dehn / The Texas Tribune