/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Patrick_Svitek_Aug_2021TT_03.jpg)
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.
Gov. Greg Abbott declared five emergency items in his State of the State speech, clearing the way for lawmakers to act quickly on them if they so choose. Here's a guide to the five items, related bills and where things stand. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/17/BDS_4260CMS.jpg)
Likely 2016 presidential candidate Rand Paul is scheduled to open his Austin office Monday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/31/Munisteri_and_Paul.jpg)
Signs identifying some state lawmakers as former fetuses are generating controversy at the Capitol. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/11/Former_fetus_Stickland_copy.jpg)
Four Democrats have filed to run in the March 31 special election for Texas House District 124, the Bexar County seat formerly held by now-Sen. José Menéndez. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8154446431cfff64292894ff8fbb3dd7/BD%20INC%20Mendez%2001%202013)
A bill before a Texas Senate committee is bringing into focus the simmering debate over local control in the state. It's a charge that has been backed by Gov. Greg Abbott and state legislators who see cities overstepping their authority. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2014/01/10/TPPF_Abb612CMS.jpg)
Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush is stepping up to help raise money for a super PAC supporting his dad's likely 2016 presidential campaign. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/02/_F5U6969.jpg)
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, says the timing of the pending indictment against U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., "seems awfully coincidental." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Cruz_Freedom_Summit_.jpg)
Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz made their presidential cases to the heavyweights of Iowa agriculture Saturday, and each made no apologies for opposing one of the state's favorite programs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/23/PerryCruz.jpg)
When they attend the Iowa Ag Summit on Saturday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Gov. Rick Perry will almost certainly be asked about their criticism of the Renewable Fuel Standard, an issue that packs a political punch in the Hawkeye State. Full Story
Three new House members are sworn in, and a new vacancy opens with the departure of José Menéndez for the Senate. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/03/7C2A2899.jpg)
No clear front-runner has emerged days before the State Republican Executive Committee meets to vote to replace Texas GOP chairman Steve Munisteri. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/05/ReplaceSteve.jpg)
Allies of former Gov. Rick Perry have announced the creation of a super PAC that could boost his 2016 presidential bid. It is one of several signs his presidential apparatus is kicking into high gear. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/28/7C2A1586.jpg)
Despite his criticism of Hillary Clinton, former Gov. Rick Perry is no stranger to using a private email account for government business, according to two lawmakers. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/25/Perry_IA_Freedom_Summit_2.jpg)