Past Contributions

• GOP officials say Harris County party chair-elect is reneging on commitment to step aside after sharing racist Facebook post

  By Patrick Svitek July 13, 2020

  The incoming chair, Keith Nielsen, had faced calls to give up the position last month after sharing a Facebook post juxtaposing a Martin Luther King Jr. quote with a banana. Full Story 

• U.S. Sen. John Cornyn's reelection war chest grows to $14.5 million, expanding advantage over Democratic challengers

  By Patrick Svitek Updated: July 13, 2020

  The U.S. senator's campaign announced the numbers a day before Democratic voters select their nominee to face the Republican incumbent. Full Story 

• Donald Trump, Ted Cruz back opposing candidates in competitive GOP runoff to replace U.S. Rep. Will Hurd

  By Patrick Svitek Updated: July 13, 2020

  As early voting got underway, Cruz shook up the TX-23 runoff by endorsing conservative underdog Raul Reyes. Three days later, Trump backed national GOP favorite Tony Gonzales. Full Story 

• Three Texas House runoffs give warring GOP factions chance to settle up before November

  By Patrick Svitek and Cassandra Pollock July 12, 2020

  A quieter-than-usual primary season is coming down to three runoffs Tuesday. Two incumbents are fighting for reelection, and there is a fierce battle for an open seat. Full Story 

• Early frontrunner Kim Olson faces momentum from Candace Valenzuela in bid to flip GOP-held U.S. House seat

  By Patrick Svitek July 10, 2020

  The political trajectories of the two women are set to collide Tuesday, when Democrats will pick their nominee to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Coppell. Full Story 

• County Republican parties in Texas' GOP strongholds say Gov. Greg Abbott going too far in coronavirus response

  By Patrick Svitek and Cassandra Pollock July 9, 2020

  The Republican parties in some of the state's biggest red counties are rebuking the governor over his use of executive authority during the pandemic. Full Story 

• Democrats zero in on health care and electability in final days of race to challenge U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul

  By Patrick Svitek July 8, 2020

  Mike Siegel, who ran a surprisingly close race against McCaul in 2018, faces newcomer Pritesh Gandhi in a tense runoff centering on each candidate's suitability for the general election. Full Story 

• EMILY’s List adds to massive spending on behalf of MJ Hegar in Democratic runoff against Royce West

  By Abby Livingston and Patrick Svitek July 7, 2020

  The two are competing to take on Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in November. The primary runoff is Tuesday. Full Story 

• In GOP runoffs for the Texas House, viability in November is a leading concern

  By Patrick Svitek and Cassandra Pollock Updated: July 7, 2020

  Republicans are hoping to line up their best candidates with control of the lower chamber possibly up for grabs in the fall. Full Story 

• Ector County GOP censures Abbott over executive power amid coronavirus, state Sen. Charles Perry calls for special session

  By Patrick Svitek July 4, 2020

  The developments came two days after Abbott announced an executive order requiring Texans to wear masks in most public places. Full Story