With New Pledges, Straus Likely to Remain Speaker
Twelve more Republican House members publicly pledged their support for House Speaker Joe Straus on Tuesday, making the path to victory for challenger Scott Turner exceedingly difficult. Full Story
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Aman Batheja
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Aman Batheja was a political reporter and editor for the Tribune from 2012 to 2019. Previously he worked for eight years at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, most of that time covering state and local politics. A native of Cedarhurst, New York, he has an undergraduate degree in journalism and psychology from New York University and a master's in economics from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Past Contributions
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![House Speaker Joe Straus (l) faces a challenge from Frisco state Rep. Scott Turner]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman / Laura Buckman -
Texas' Emptiest County Filling Up with Oil Workers, Hope
The smallest county in Texas may not hold that distinction for much longer. Loving County has about 90 people but swells by hundreds each day due to a flood of oil workers. This video is part of our Shale Life project. Full Story
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Consultants Get a Cut of State Incentive Deals
California has stopped letting companies pay consultants a commission based on the size of tax cut and incentive packages they help land. Texas has no such restriction. Full Story
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Hegar Announces Key Hires at Comptroller's Office
State Sen. Glenn Hegar announced 11 hires Monday as he prepares to take the reins at the comptroller's office in January. Full Story
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![Glenn Hegar, who was elected state comptroller in November 2014, is shown at the State Republican Convention on June 6, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Cruz Explains His Opposition to Net Neutrality
During a speech at an Austin tech incubator Friday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz explained why he has called President Barack Obama's proposal to enforce net neutrality as "Obamacare for the Internet." Full Story
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Hegar Resigns Senate Seat; Dec. 6 Special Election Set
State Sen. Glenn Hegar sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry Friday resigning his Senate seat as of Dec. 5. The Katy Republican will be sworn in as comptroller in January. A Dec. 6 special election for his seat was announced later Friday. Full Story
![Glenn Hegar, who was elected state comptroller in November 2014, is shown at the State Republican Convention on June 6, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Straus Backers Claim Support of Most of GOP Caucus
Seven Republican members of the Texas House issued a joint statement late Thursday claiming Speaker Joe Straus has the support of nearly the entire Republican caucus for the next legislative session. Full Story
![House Speaker Joe Straus (l) faces a challenge from Frisco state Rep. Scott Turner]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman / Laura Buckman -
Cornyn Picked to Be Next Senate Majority Whip
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas will be the Senate's next majority whip, Republicans in the upper chamber decided Thursday. The majority whip is tasked with counting votes and helping communicate the majority leader’s position. Full Story
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Turner Vows Floor Vote in Challenge to Straus
In his bid to unseat House Speaker Joe Straus, Frisco state Rep. Scott Turner is making it clear that he plans to force a vote on the first day of the legislative session. Full Story
![House Speaker Joe Straus (l) faces a challenge from Frisco state Rep. Scott Turner]()
Credit: Todd Wiseman / Laura Buckman -
Judge Strikes Down State Plans for "Historical Racing"
State District Judge Lora Livingston has ruled that the Texas Racing Commission did not have the authority to allow the installation of historical racing machines — which critics call glorified slot machines — at Texas racetracks. Full Story
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Credit: Robert Hensley