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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.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, made his re-election bid official Saturday, brushing off his competition's criticisms and looking to keep the focus on the Republican agenda in Congress. Full Story
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House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, on Friday questioned Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to endorse against a GOP member of the lower chamber, suggesting it could lead to a Democrat capturing the seat. Full Story
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Texas House Republicans agreed Friday to change their rules for selecting the next house speaker, potentially paving the way for a more conservative leader of the chamber in 2019. Full Story
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Democratic Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez says she's still considering a run for governor, but that reports that she has resigned are false. Full Story
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Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is getting a primary challenge from Trey Blocker, the longtime lobbyist, ethics adviser and attorney from Austin. Full Story
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First elected in 1992, Giddings is vice chairwoman of the powerful House State Affairs Committee and also serves as chairwoman of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that he will appoint Jimmy Blacklock, the governor's general counsel, to replace Don Willett on the Texas Supreme Court once Willett is confirmed to the federal bench. Full Story
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As Democrats look for a serious candidate for governor, another big-city official is surfacing as a potential contender: Houston City Councilman Dwight Boykins. Full Story
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After Gov. Greg Abbott panned the Trump administration's $44 billion request to Congress for hurricane recovery, the White House quickly responded by calling on the state to pony up its own dollars. Full Story
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Bruce Jacobson, a Christian TV executive from North Richland Hills, announced Thursday that he is challenging Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in 2018. Full Story
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