Past Contributions

• Race to replace U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe gathers steam as Republican activists set date to pick his likely successor

  By Patrick Svitek May 12, 2020

  The Heath Republican is on track to be confirmed as the director of national intelligence, which would create a vacancy in his solidly red district. Full Story 

• As her party railed against attempts to expand mail-in voting, a Texas GOP congressional candidate gave a "green light"

  By Patrick Svitek May 12, 2020

  Kathaleen Wall, a Republican activist and donor in a runoff for a battleground U.S. House seat, has said the secretary of state expanded who is eligible to vote by mail. The secretary of state's office says that's not true. Full Story 

• President Donald Trump applauds Gov. Greg Abbott's handling of Texas reopening during White House visit

  By Patrick Svitek May 7, 2020

  During the visit, Trump also inquired about Dallas salon owner Shelley Luther, who was freed from jail Thursday after being sentenced to seven days for violating a court order to close. Full Story 

• How gun control advocates plan to make Texas a top political priority in 2020

  By Patrick Svitek May 7, 2020

  One group, Everytown for Gun Safety, has already committed $8 million to the state this election cycle and is now naming three hires, including two seasoned Democratic operatives, to help see the plan through. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott to allow Texas hair salons and pools to reopen Friday and gyms to open May 18

  By Patrick Svitek Updated: May 5, 2020

  The governor had initially eyed May 18 as the next date to announce further business reopenings, but he faced growing pressure in recent days from some in his own party to move more quickly. Full Story 

• Pete Sessions incurs legal bills — and opponent's criticism — in campaign to return to Congress

  By Patrick Svitek May 4, 2020

  The former Dallas congressman has spent over $80,000 on legal fees since launching his campaign to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan. Full Story 

• Texas reports record coronavirus deaths the day before stores open. But Gov. Greg Abbott sees hope in other metrics.

  By Patrick Svitek April 30, 2020

  Abbott is looking at two figures: the percentage of tests in the state that come back positive and the percentage of patients with COVID-19 who are hospitalized. Full Story 

• Attorney general's office warns local officials that barber shops, hair salons and gyms still can't reopen

  By Patrick Svitek April 30, 2020

  After Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would reopen large parts of the economy Friday, some local leaders argued that his orders were vague. Top state attorneys disagree. Full Story 

• As Texas Gov. Greg Abbott phases in reopening, some in his party are testing his rules

  By Patrick Svitek and Alex Samuels April 30, 2020

  Abbott’s instinct so far has been mostly to deescalate, staving off confrontations that could hobble the careful course he is charting. Full Story 

• Gov. Greg Abbott ends self-quarantine mandate for travelers from Louisiana

  By Patrick Svitek April 28, 2020

  Starting Friday, road and air travelers entering Texas from Louisiana will no longer have to self-quarantine for 14 days. Full Story