Republican Pete Flores, Democrat Pete Gallego set for runoff for Uresti seat
The race to replace ex-state Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, is headed to a runoff featuring Republican Pete Flores and Democrat Pete Gallego. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Past Contributions
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![Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left), a Democrat, and Republican Peter Flores are running for state Senate District 19.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich: Gallego/Campaign website -
O'Rourke agrees to debate Cruz five times, but has some suggestions
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Beto O'Rourke is accepting a proposal by GOP incumbent Ted Cruz to debate five times over the next three months, though O'Rourke would like to add a sixth debate in El Paso. Full Story
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![U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso (left), is challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera: O'Rourke/Bob Daemmrich: Cruz -
In special election for Uresti state Senate seat, a bipartisan scramble for a runoff berth
In the Tuesday contest to replace former state Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, state Rep. Roland Gutierrez is fighting for a spot in a runoff that is expected to include fellow Democrat Pete Gallego, a former congressman. Meanwhile, Republicans are eyeing a second-round spot for their consensus candidate, Pete Flores. Full Story
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![Left to right: Republican Peter Flores and Democrats Pete Gallego and Roland Gutierrez, three of the eight candidates vying for state Senate District 19.]()
Credit: Campaign and official portraits -
Prospects for "red flag" gun law in Texas plummet as Abbott sees "coalescence" against it
Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday he sees a "coalescence" against the idea of having a so-called "red flag" law in Texas, further dooming the proposal's chances in the Legislature. Abbott asked lawmakers to consider the idea as part of the school safety plan he released earlier this year after the deadly Santa Fe High School shooting. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott gives the keynote Friday speech at the Republican Party of Texas convention in San Antonio on June 15, 2018.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Ted Cruz proposes 5 debates with Beto O’Rourke in U.S. Senate race
In a letter to O'Rourke, Cruz's campaign proposed debates to be held on five Friday evenings, each focused on a different set of topics. Full Story
![U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso (left), is challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera: O'Rourke/Bob Daemmrich: Cruz -
In re-election bid, Attorney General Ken Paxton emphasizes record as Democrat seizes on indictment
Paxton was indicted nearly three years ago in a securities fraud case that is unlikely to be resolved before Election Day. His Democratic challenger, Justin Nelson, sees the race as one of "integrity vs. indictment." Full Story
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![Justin Nelson (left) is the Democratic nominee facing incumbent Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.]()
Credit: Joan Brook: Nelson/Bob Daemmrich: Paxton -
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has "no plans" to debate Democratic opponent Mike Collier
"There isn’t anyone in the Lone Star State who isn’t absolutely clear about where Dan Patrick stands on the issues," Patrick spokesman Allen Blakemore said. Full Story
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TribCast: More fundraising headlines, Texas GOP reaction to Trump and Russia, SD-19 special election
On this week's TribCast, Patrick talks to Ross, Aman and Evan about the latest campaign finance reports, how Texas Republicans reacted to President Donald Trump's summit with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and the July 31 special election for Senate District 19. Full Story
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Valdez commits to a gubernatorial debate with Abbott — but not the one Abbott has agreed to
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez has agreed to debate Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Oct. 8 in Houston. A week ago, Abbott committed to a different debate — on Sept. 28 in Austin. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera: Abbott/Laura Buckman: Valdez -
Valdez has $222,000 for general election, a fraction of Abbott's millions
Abbott, who is seeking a second term, has $28.9 million in the bank — or 130 times Valdez's balance. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Lupe Valzez.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich: Abbott/Laura Skelding: Valdez
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