/https://static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/Robert_Downen_2x3.jpeg)
Robert Downen is a reporter covering democracy and the threats to it, including extremism, disinformation and conspiracies. Before joining the Tribune in 2022, he worked for five years at the Houston Chronicle. As a Hearst Media fellow, he developed what would become "Abuse of Faith," a landmark investigation into child sexual abuse in the Southern Baptist Convention that prompted a Department of Justice investigation. Before coming to Texas, Robert was a business reporter in New York's capital region, and the managing editor of six newspapers in his home state of Illinois. He is a 2014 graduate of Eastern Illinois University.
Republicans who vote against party leaders’ preferred candidate could be barred from running in primaries. Lawsuits could follow. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a416025e4c3b20056ef00b0d39ae2eff/0525%20GOP%20Convention%20EH%20TT%2027.jpg)
John Devine, Jane Bland and Jimmy Blacklock won their reelection bids over Democrat challengers backed by groups that support expanding abortion access. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/870a3610e491e82a6fa55637e920b8d2/SCOTX%20REUTERS%202024%20TT.jpg)
Texas might not be a swing state, but many of its races will have major consequences to the national political landscape and on the lives of everyday Texans. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7b0951cca85203b3f597b1e1a5ed0b34/1105%20Election%20Day%20Houston%20MF%20TT%2024.jpg)
Donald Trump has built close ties to many Texas Republicans, from judges to elected officials to policy experts. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/b1db882e330d29e990c9f5591517b9ec/1025%20Trump%20Rally%20LW%20TT%2014.jpg)
It’s the latest backlash over Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French’s online behavior. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/37b4fd46c7c5671d1c4c4266d7f08922/Bo%20French%20FB%20TT%2001.jpg)
Despite objections from her family, John Devine oversees the trust of Elvie Kingston, a clear violation of Texas’ judicial ethics rules, experts said. His wife is also her legal guardian. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7e878a1638c587e153b7f1da3c5ed530/Justice%20John%20Devine%20REUTERS.JPG)
From cutting social services to changing election rules, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare has pushed his agenda with an uncompromising approach. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/cbad68104aec576a913fde3981c1bb51/0418%20Tarrrant%20Co%20CommCo%20ST%2023.JPG)
Several local party officials have signed an open letter warning that “grave and deteriorating” fundraising and voter outreach efforts could leave some candidates vulnerable. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/745024054f1620f7e84e14242c83d164/0525%20GOP%20Convention%20EH%2022.jpeg)
The new list includes many right-wing priorities, and would escalate Republicans’ wars against diversity, equity and inclusion programs and review laws to keep noncitizens off voter rolls. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1924a0a8c3c260184eb6be58e20c951b/0523%20GOP%20Convention%20EH%2038.jpg)
The Houston Democrat lost her seat after backlash for voting with Republicans to ban transition-related care for minors. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/cc5d3e669e22c820b9f0856795bb0a1b/0215%20Shawn%20Thierry%20MF%20TT%2008.jpg)