Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez has agreed to debate her runoff opponent, Andrew White, on May 11 in Austin.

White said Wednesday that he won't be able to divest before the runoff. His opponent, Lupe Valdez, accused him of making decisions based on "what’s politically expedient and not doing right by Texas."

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has opened a new front in his crusade to paint his Democratic challenger, Beto O'Rourke, as out of step with solidly red Texas.

"A debate in Spanish would not be very good because my Spanish isn’t good enough," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said at a campaign event Tuesday afternoon, "but I look forward to debating Congressman O’Rourke." 

"This weekend, I fell short," Valdez said in a lengthy statement. "A young woman asked me a question at a forum over the weekend regarding my track record, and she did not get the answer she deserved. I am sorry, and I understand why people are disappointed."

Gov. Greg Abbott has slated a Nov. 6 special election to finish the term of former state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman.

President Donald Trump is set to address the National Rifle Association's annual gathering later this week in Dallas.

Jolt Texas was created last year to mobilize young Latinos in turning the state blue.

State Rep. René Oliveira, D-Brownsville, has been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, according to authorities.

Nine candidates have filed for the June 30 special election to finish former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold's term, according to the secretary of state's office. The deadline was 5 p.m. Friday.

The Sherman Republican will step down April 30. 

In a letter Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott told former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold he should return $84,000 that he used to settle a sexual harassment claim to taxpayers by funding a June 30 special election to finish his term. 

Gov. Greg Abbott has called a June 30 special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi. The candidate filing deadline is Friday. Farenthold abruptly resigned in April.

It's unclear when Gov. Greg Abbott hopes to call the election to represent a district ravaged by Hurricane Harvey. 

Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking guidance from Attorney General Ken Paxton on whether he can suspend certain laws he believes are standing in the way of a timely special election for the congressional seat recently vacated by Blake Farenthold.