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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. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Tuesday morning that the plagiarism charges against Melania Trump are a "trivial matter" and predicted they would not harm her husband's standing with voters. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry and retired Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell joined forces Monday night to pitch presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump to veterans. Full Story
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The Republican National Convention on Monday approved rules of the convention over vocal opposition from delegates looking to upend Donald Trump's presidential nomination, including a sizable contingent from Texas. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry says he is open to serving in the administration of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, his former rival in the race for the White House. Full Story
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Texas Republican leaders and delegates prepare to have an impact on the gathering this week in Cleveland amid lingering ambivalence about the presumptive presidential nominee. Full Story
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It may be the political offseason, but some statewide officials are already building sizable war chests with more than two years until they are up for re-election. Full Story
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State Rep. Borris Miles of Houston has captured the Democratic nomination to replace state Sen. Rodney Ellis, putting him on track to win the seat in November. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan are among those speaking to the Texas delegation next week at the Republican National Convention, according to a tentative schedule obtained by The Texas Tribune. Full Story
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Also, potential vice presidential candidate Julián Castro makes keynote address on Latino issues in D.C. with Hillary Clinton set to make her choice in the next few days. Full Story
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Also, Gov. Greg Abbott forced to skip the Republican National Convention as he receives treatment for severe burns and Donald Trump Jr. holds a Dallas fundraiser July 25. Full Story
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