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Patrick Svitek is the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covers elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state. 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 and is based in San Antonio.
Former Gov. Rick Perry expressed support Monday for taking down the Confederate flag in South Carolina that has become a lightning rod of controversy since a deadly shooting at a church there. Full Story
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A number of elected officials from Texas are parting ways with campaign donations from the white supremacist leader of a group tied to the recent massacre at a church in South Carolina. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has issued 42 vetoes in the aftermath of the 84th legislative session. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry, who is seen as having a thin margin for error in his second bid for the White House, apparently misspoke Friday, calling a shooting massacre in South Carolina an "accident." Full Story
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Potential and declared candidates are lining up to replace Troy Fraser in Senate District 24. Full Story
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Students who skip school will no longer be sent to criminal court, facing fines and possible jail time, under legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott late Thursday. Truancy will be a civil offense. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott is officially getting rid of the state's controversial "pick-a-pal" system, signing legislation reforming the selection of people who serve on grand juries in Texas. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed four criminal justice and public safety bills, bringing to eight the total number of vetoes he has issued in the aftermath of the 84th legislative session. Full Story
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A case against Attorney General Ken Paxton is heading to a grand jury next month, according to one of the special prosecutors investigating him. Full Story
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Land Commissioner George P. Bush made his debut this week as a surrogate for his dad's presidential campaign. The younger Bush hit the campaign trail in early-voting Nevada, making a pitch for his father in personal and political terms. Full Story
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