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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.
Gov. Greg Abbott designated five emergency items, which are matters the Legislature can vote on within the first 60 days of the session that began Jan. 12. Full Story
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The Republican governor, who is up for reelection in 2022, and the state's best-known Democrat exchanged words Thursday after O'Rourke said he will consider challenging Abbott. Full Story
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Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order that he said would "direct every state agency to use all lawful powers and tools to challenge any federal action that threatens the" energy sector in Texas. Full Story
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Las Vegas Sands has hired 51 lobbyists to push for the expansion of gambling in Texas. Full Story
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At least four Texas House members have tested positive for the coronavirus since the legislative session began this month. Full Story
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David Spiller advances along with second-place finisher Craig Carter in the race to replace outgoing state Rep. Drew Springer, who was elected to the Texas Senate. Full Story
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The party's executive director, Manny Garcia, and deputy executive director, Cliff Walker, are leaving their posts at the end of the month. Their exits come two months after an election in which Texas Democrats underperformed expectations throughout the ballot. Full Story
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The president is leaving office Wednesday, but signs suggest his influence on the Texas GOP remains strong. Full Story
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The Beaumont Republican saw a flood of campaign cash in the weeks before he was elected speaker on Tuesday. Full Story
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Lawmakers gathered for the start of the 140-day session Tuesday as the coronavirus continues to rage in Texas. Full Story
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