James Talarico ran up the score in the Panhandle, while rural Texans living along the Louisiana border stayed home.
Jayme Lozano Carver
Jayme Lozano Carver is the Tribune’s first Lubbock-based reporter, covering the South Plains and Panhandle through a partnership with Report for America. Jayme previously worked for Texas Tech Public Media, Lubbock’s NPR station, where she spearheaded “Rural Healthcare: The Other Texas Drought,” a series for PBS’ “Frontline” on rural hospital closures in Texas. She also covered a broad range of topics for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, including climate change, agriculture, entertainment and health care. Born in Levelland, Jayme is a native of the South Plains area and studied at South Plains College and Texas Tech University. She loves to talk about her cats, horror movies and pro wrestling.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Clayton Tucker becomes first Democratic agriculture commissioner in nearly 40 years
Tucker will usher in a new era for the agriculture department as the agency’s first Democratic commissioner since Jim Hightower in 1990.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Inside the booth: Faith, economy and immigration inspired these Texans’ votes
Several races in Texas drew national attention. On the eve of the election, Texans share what mattered to them.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With dueling Trump-Talarico rallies, Lubbock became the center of the political universe
Lubbock, the second most populous city in West Texas, has been a reliable Republican stronghold. Democrats, like Talarico, hope to close yawning gaps in rural areas that have kept them out of power.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Sid Miller stops short of endorsing Democrat Clayton Tucker for ag commissioner over Nate Sheets
Sheets, in response, called Miller the most corrupt figure in Texas government and considers his criticism a “badge of honor.”
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2026 Texas Elections
In race to lead Texas agriculture department, Sheets and Tucker clash on data centers, credentials
The race to be the state’s first new agriculture commissioner in more than a decade has turned personal as both men have challenged each other’s ties to farm land.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Data centers pump $340M into rural Texas projects as they try to improve their reputations
The companies have faced waves of public backlash in Texas. To battle that negative public perception, they’ve donated millions to community causes and needs.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas agriculture commissioner candidates trade ineligibility jabs
The candidates accused one another of not having ties to the agriculture industry, a requirement under state law.
Posted in
Economy
Cattle associations say ICE operations are disrupting Texas agriculture industry, will cause higher beef prices
The beef industry has been under pressure recently from market disruptions, record high beef prices and small herd sizes. The groups say the ICE operations are another challenge for the industry.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas agriculture commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to know
Agriculture is the state’s second largest industry. Here’s a look at the 2026 midterm candidates to oversee the agriculture department and where they stand on the issues.