/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Renzo_Downey_2025_2x3.jpg)
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.
The two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1f76ddc32204fa5b5df44e2a0d3ad1fc/0110%20Lege%20Opening%20JV%20TT%2016.jpg)
Turner served in the Texas House for four years and was also executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council in the first Trump administration. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/13/_F5U8236Turner.jpg)
Hinojosa won the only competitive seat in the Texas Senate this cycle, besting Sen. Morgan LaMantia two years after she narrowly defeated him. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1deab4b83be912b918275aa3bee6b17a/TX%2027%20Rep%20Candidates%20VC%20TT%2043.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott said the House would have enough Republicans to pass school vouchers next year. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8dee21dfee30855ac66462c24b59769d/0529%20Sine%20Die%20EG%20TT%2006.jpg)
From our premium politics newsletter, The Blast: A new ad from Rep. Caroline Harris Davila raises eyebrows in what increasingly appears to be a competitive race. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8c322e07396a2b8c02be3f51a6b1cdfe/Caroline%20Harris%20Davila%20Ad%20TT%2001.jpg)
The debate proved combative from start to finish, with Cruz and Allred trading barbs on nearly every issue that came up. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f7ceeb45a1a8fa087bfb8f719a727ddc/1015%20Cruz%20Allred%20Debate%20ST%2013%20TT%20TT.jpg)
Phelan appears to lack support from the majority of House Republicans, but he could still win with some Democratic support. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/9baac39ebcb8723b7c8817a220695add/House%20Floor%20Sept%2023%20EG%20TT%2011.jpg)
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
Reps. Tom Oliverson and Shelby Slawson, both members of House Republican leadership, became the first two candidates to challenge Phelan’s speakership. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/286ac1e6d94fa9538d9c42efdedfdb64/0906%20TTF24%20Next%20Speaker%20EG%20TT%2009.jpg)
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
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7f49a88c8843268b25acdb1a7625cd50/Erica%20Lee%20Carter%20HC%20TT%2001.jpg)