Does Dade Phelan have the votes to keep his job as Texas House speaker? It depends on how you count.
Phelan appears to lack support from the majority of House Republicans, but he could still win with some Democratic support. Full Story
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Renzo Downey is the lead writer of The Blast, The Texas Tribune’s premium politics newsletter. Prior to joining the Tribune in February 2023, he worked as a state government and politics reporter and a newsletter editor for Florida Politics. He was previously an intern on the state desk at the Austin American-Statesman. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Renzo received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and political science from Northwestern University.
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![The House floor at the Capitol on Sept. 23, 2021.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Republicans who want to oust Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan unanimously back state Rep. David Cook
Four GOP state representatives suspended their bids to challenge Phelan and 48 Republicans backed Cook, which could threaten Phelan’s shot at a third term. Full Story
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![State Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, takes the oath of office with his hand on a bible on the first day of the 88th Texas legislative session on Jan 10, 2023.]()
Credit: Jordan Vonderhaar for The Texas Tribune -
“It’s time for big change”: Texas Republicans seeking to oust Speaker Dade Phelan present united front
Reps. Tom Oliverson and Shelby Slawson, both members of House Republican leadership, became the first two candidates to challenge Phelan’s speakership. Full Story
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![State Reps. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress, and Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, discuss the speaker of the Texas House position on a panel moderated by politics reporter Zach Despart at The Texas Tribune Festival in Austin on Sept. 6, 2024.]()
Credit: Eddie Gaspar/The Texas Tribune -
Sheila Jackson Lee’s daughter files to finish out her mother’s term
Carter will run against two Republicans for her mother’s seat to hold for a few weeks before the winner of the general election takes over. Full Story
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![Erica Lee Carter, daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is comforted by Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas in the Houston City Hall rotunda on Monday, July 29, 2024.]()
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In competitive South Texas legislative race, a fight emerges over a candidate’s Hispanic surname
The Bexar County GOP accused Democrat Kristian Carranza of using a Hispanic surname to appeal to the district’s largely Hispanic population. Full Story
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![Kristian Carranza speaks at the Lady Bird Breakfast during the Texas Democratic Convention in El Paso on June 8, 2024. Carranza is the Democratic candidate for state House District 118 in San Antonio.]()
Credit: Justin Hamel for The Texas Tribune -
Houston candidates pitching themselves to replace the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on November ballot
At least three Democrats are considering bids for the Houston-area seat. But Texas Democratic officials — not voters — will decide who will be on the November ballot. Full Story
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![The U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on April 15, 2022.]()
Credit: Shuran Huang for The Texas Tribune -
Texas’ DNC delegates vote 260-6 to back Kamala Harris
The delegates voted late Monday, a day after President Joe Biden exited the presidential race and endorsed Harris. Full Story
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![Signage is displayed during a walkthrough of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago on May 22, 2024.]()
Credit: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS/ABACA via Reuters Connect -
Texas Sens. Charles Schwertner, Borris Miles silent after new accusations of sexual harassment in report
A Texas Monthly article revealed fresh allegations of sexual harassment against two senators with a history of scandals. Full Story
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![State Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, leaves the Travis County Jailhouse in Austin on Feb. 7, 2023. Schwertner was booked the previous night for dangerous driving while intoxicated.]()
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Brandon Herrera to request recount in primary runoff against U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales
Herrera said he doesn’t expect the results to change, “but I feel I owe it to my volunteers, voters, and supporters to leave no stone unturned.” Full Story
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![From left: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, and his challenger in the GOP runoff, Brandon Herrera. Election Day is May 28.]()
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Molly Cook holds on to Houston-based Texas Senate seat in Democratic primary runoff
Cook was up 74 votes, according to unofficial results. Johnson has not conceded. Full Story
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![Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse, is running for Texas Senate District 15.]()
Credit: Molly Cook for Texas Senate