Here's what to expect in the Texas runoff elections
Texas voters will decide major-party nominees Tuesday in 33 primaries that went to an overtime round after the March elections. 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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![Democratic candidates for governor Lupe Valdez and Andrew White.]()
Credit: Robin Jerstad: Valdez/Marjorie Kamys Cotera: Andrew White -
Texas candidate for border county judge allegedly calls local Democratic chairman and makes threat referencing “damn Zetas”
Rudy Bowles, a candidate in the Democratic runoff for Maverick County judge, is accused of leaving the county party chairman a voicemail in which he makes a demand and promises to call the "damn Zetas" if he does not get his way. Full Story
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![Rudy Bowles faces incumbent David R. Saucedo in the Democratic runoff for Maverick County judge.]()
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A familiar tragedy sparks a familiar debate as Texas politicians react to school shooting
After a deadly school shooting in Santa Fe, Democrats called for swift action on guns. Gov. Greg Abbott said he'd convene roundtable discussions. And Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said schools have "too many entrances and too many exits." Full Story
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![Amulances arrive at a middle school set up as a reunion point for parents and students in Santa Fe, Texas on Friday, March 18, 2018 after a gunman killed at least 10 people at Santa Fe High School.(Photo by Michael Stravato)]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
In Central Texas congressional runoffs, candidates with traditional advantages face scrappy underdogs
Two spirited runoffs are underway for the major-party nominations to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio. Joseph Kopser and Mary Wilson are vying for the Democratic nod, while the two Republicans squaring off are Matt McCall and Chip Roy. Full Story
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![Clockwise from top left: Matt McCall, Mary Wilson, Joseph Kopser and Chip Roy, candidates in the Congressional District 21 runoff.]()
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Lance Gooden’s biggest donor in the Texas Legislature is now spending big to get him into Congress. The two go way back.
Monty Bennett has spent generously to help state Rep. Lance Gooden win a Republican runoff for a seat in Congress. The pair own property together and, as a state legislator, Gooden passed special interest legislation benefiting Bennett. Full Story
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![State Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Terrell, speaks to Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Houston, on August 2, 2017.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera for The Texas Tribune -
Lupe Valdez bounces back in fundraising but Andrew White has more to spend ahead of runoff
In the Democratic runoff for governor, Lupe Valdez raised $208,000 from Feb. 25 through Saturday, while White received $179,000, according to new filings with the Texas Ethics Commission. Full Story
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![Democratic candidates for governor Andrew White (left) and Lupe Valdez (right) hold a debate at St. James Episcopal Church in Austin on Friday, May 11, 2018.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
In Texas' Republican runoffs, you're either with Trump or you're not
As early voting begins in Texas' Republican congressional runoffs, just about every race has devolved into a battle over which candidate supports President Donald Trump more. Full Story
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Lupe Valdez, Andrew White clash over abortion, immigration in debate
The two Democratic candidates for governor sounded out their differences — sometimes with rancor — at a church in Austin on Friday evening in their first and likely only debate before the May 22 runoff. Full Story
![Democratic candidates for governor Andrew White (left) and Lupe Valdez (right) hold a debate at St. James Episcopal Church in Austin on Friday, May 11, 2018.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
The son of a governor, Andrew White long avoided politics. Then a health crisis, his dad's death and a hurricane changed his mind.
A series of life-changing events propelled Andrew White to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Gov. Mark White, and launch his own bid for Texas' highest office. Full Story
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![Democratic candidate for governor Andrew White is interviewed in his home in Houston on Friday, April 20, 2018.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas Tribune -
Texas House District 13 special election set for runoff
The special election Saturday for House District 13 is on track for an overtime round late this summer. Full Story
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![Jill Wolfskill and Ben Leman, candidates for Texas House District 13.]()