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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.
Gov. Greg Abbott is well aware that some lawmakers, particularly in his own party, are interested in reining in his authority. However, it remains to be seen how much power Abbott is willing to relinquish. Full Story
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The field for the May 1 special election features 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, one independent and one Libertarian. Full Story
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The president's comments came the day after Gov. Greg Abbott announced he was ending the statewide mask requirement and letting businesses reopen at 100% capacity. Full Story
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Abbott's announcement Tuesday that he was fully reopening Texas capped a nearly yearlong stretch of the most intraparty dissent he has seen in his time as governor. Full Story
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The change, which comes as the seven-day average of new coronavirus deaths remains above 200, will go into effect March 10. Full Story
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On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called for PUC Chair DeAnn Walker and Electric Reliability Council of Texas CEO Bill Magness to resign. Full Story
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Biden was joined by Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, among other officials. Full Story
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Cruz appeared at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, as President Joe Biden headed to Texas to see the state’s recovery from last week’s storm, which left millions of Texans without power and potable water. Full Story
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Abbott has kept Texas under a mask mandate since July. Full Story
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At least 11 candidates have surfaced for the May 1 special election, including Wright's widow, Susan Wright. Full Story
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"Tragic does not even begin to describe" the suffering Texans endured, Abbott said Wednesday evening. Full Story
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David Spiller, a Jacksboro attorney and school board member, faced fellow Republican Craig Carter for the seat previously held by Springer, who is now in the state Senate. Full Story
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Candidates have until March 3 to file, and early voting begins April 19. Full Story
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In addition to bills responding to COVID-19 and the recent winter storm, Patrick is calling for legislation related to abortion, gun rights and the national anthem at sporting events. Full Story
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She could launch a bid as soon as this week, according to sources close to the Wright family. Full Story
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The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Wednesday that its initial list of targets includes three representatives from South Texas: Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen and Filemon Vela of Brownsville. Full Story
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The lieutenant governor is not starting the biennial legislative session in his characteristically outspoken style, particularly when it comes to making clear his policy priorities. Full Story
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The race for the solidly red seat in Northwest Texas pits David Spiller against fellow Republican Craig Carter. Full Story
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The group of hardline conservatives made waves in 2017 by sparring with House leadership and fellow Republicans. Now members say relationships with the broader chamber have improved. Full Story
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The Republican governor said his office is "offering up some legislation ourselves" to deal with some intraparty concerns about executive authority that have cropped up during the coronavirus pandemic. Full Story
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