Henry Cuellar wins Democratic primary to keep his South Texas congressional seat, recount finds
A separate recount found that Michelle Vallejo won the party’s nomination for another congressional seat. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/2134151ca9b96a0dd6345f4ffe46cc4d/Henry%20Cuellar%20GOTV%20Rally%20TT%2011.jpg)
/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.
Latest Contributions
-
![U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, at a Get Out the Vote rally in San Antonio on May 4, 2022.]()
Credit: Chris Stokes for The Texas Tribune -
The Texas Republican Party convention starts Thursday. Here’s what we’re watching.
Every two years, the convention is an opportunity for the GOP’s most devoted members to update its platform, craft its legislative priorities and elect party officers. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f3ee8639fb2b7b3faacc1de5479c5e8a/Republican%20Party%20Paraphernalia%20EG%20TT%2002.jpg)
![Republican Party emblems and signs at the Republican Party of Texas office in downtown Austin.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
How Mayra Flores flipped a Rio Grande Valley congressional seat and gave Republicans hope for a new era in South Texas
Her outright victory in a special election is the latest chapter in a topsy-turvy election cycle for South Texas, which Republicans have worked to turn into a new battleground. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/59e5d6c72305ff0c91493531382ea912/TX34%20Reuters%20Mayra%20Flores%20TT%2001.jpg)
![Sabrina Cantu, volunteer coordinator for Mayra Flores, a Republican candidate who is running for the vacant 34th congression…]()
Credit: REUTERS/Veronica G. Cardenas -
Republicans flip U.S. House seat in South Texas, historically a Democratic stronghold
Mayra Flores, a Republican, won a special election to fill the unexpired term of U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela. Another election will be held in November. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/63870695b9fe62f59065fcf571c6766b/Flores%20and%20Sanchez.jpg)
![Article thumbnail]()
-
Jessica Cisneros, Ruben Ramirez demand recounts in two close-call South Texas runoff races
The state Democratic Party confirmed Monday that Ramirez’s opponent, Michelle Vallejo, won by a slim margin. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0385ed09c6f7d2e9388005b95f6de736/Jessica%20Cisneros%20Laredo%20LW%20TT%2011.jpg)
![Democratic candidate for Congress Jessica Cisneros speaks at a "Meet the Candidates" event thrown by the Webb County Democra…]()
Credit: Lauren Witte/The Texas Tribune -
Republicans flood South Texas special election as national Democrats keep distance
The GOP is spending big to capture an open congressional seat in South Texas — if only for a few months — as they try to create momentum toward a November election where they are newly targeting the region. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/41d930391760938c3c9dd99a9ac40e2f/Mayra%20Flores%20Portraits%20MGO%20TT%2004.jpg)
![Mayra Flores stands outside of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in McAllen on Oct. 16, 2021. Flores used to vote Democratical…]()
Credit: Michael Gonzalez/The Texas Tribune -
With 33-vote lead, Michelle Vallejo declares victory in South Texas congressional runoff
Her opponent Ruben Ramirez is not conceding, saying the race is still too close to call. Counties have to submit final vote counts by end of day Thursday. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/552a800176224dc2e654f1c4e37739d1/District%2015%20Dem%20Candidates%20VC%20TT%2022.jpg)
![Michelle Vallejo, U.S. Representative District 15 Candidate, poses for a photo after a Futuro RGV candidate forum in McAllen…]()
Credit: Verónica Cárdenas for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for legislative recommendations in response to Uvalde shooting
The committees are different from a special legislative session, which Democrats — and at least a couple Republicans — have asked for after the shooting. Abbott has not ruled that out. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f8d47edd046a6d56b1eabcebb659e98f/Uvalde%20Abbott%20Presser%2012.jpg)
![Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a press conference at Uvalde High School on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Beto O’Rourke renews calls for tougher gun laws after Uvalde shooting, including on assault weapons
O’Rourke became known on the presidential campaign trail for his “Hell yes” promise to ban assault weapons. He’s been less vocal about the policy in his run for governor but this week, after the school shooting in Uvalde, he’s been newly assertive about the issue. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/661473a734be9d6157e153fc99574d46/Uvalde%20Abbott%20Presser%2011.jpg)
![Democratic candidate for governor Beto O'Rourke watches a press conference held by Gov. Greg Abbott and other statewide and …]()
Credit: Sergio Flores for The Texas Tribune -
Gov. Greg Abbott says he was misled about poor police response to Uvalde shooting
“I am livid about what happened,” the governor said at a tense press conference in Uvalde. “The information I was given turned out, in part, to be inaccurate, and I am absolutely livid about that.” Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0bf5440c3698e311a0bd5a3490365e73/Abbott%20May%2027%20Presser%20REUTERS.jpg)
![Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds a news conference with state agencies and local officials at Uvalde High School, three days aft…]()
Credit: REUTERS/Marco Bello