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Ross Ramsey co-founded The Texas Tribune in 2009 and served as its executive editor until his retirement in 2022. He wrote regular columns on politics, government and public policy. Before joining the Tribune, he was editor and co-owner of Texas Weekly. He did a 28-month stint in government with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Before that, he reported for the Houston Chronicle, the Dallas Times Herald, as a Dallas-based freelancer for regional and national magazines and newspapers, and for radio stations in Denton and Dallas.
Shootings in Odessa and El Paso added pressure on Republican state leaders to do more to protect Texans. But in a state that prides itself on lenient firearms laws, the politics are treacherous. Full Story
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After the Odessa shootings, Gov. Greg Abbott said actions are louder than words. That may be right. But don't forget about the words. Full Story
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Straight-ticket voting helped candidates down-ballot in 2018, and according to a new study, it helped Democrats, too. But that method of voting will go away in 2020. Full Story
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After a month of allegations and denials about a political meeting between a conservative activist, the speaker of the Texas House and a committee chairman, there's still a missing link: proof. There's a recording of the meeting, but the activist who taped it won't share it with the public. Full Story
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While the state's political class is entranced with allegations that Republican House leaders would like to see some of their GOP colleagues replaced, the real stakes are on what happens when the 2020 primaries are over — and which party is in control when it's time for redistricting in 2021. Full Story
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After a month of silence, a state representative tangled in a political misadventure in the Texas Capitol emerged to say he'll seek reelection with the endorsement of the governor. But the harmony is tentative, and the scandal is still under investigation by the Texas Rangers. Full Story
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Arguments over standardized tests in Texas public schools obscure another problem with accountability: Why does it take so long to respond when educators think a school isn't educating its students? Full Story
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As they retool and adjust their campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination, two Texas politicians are finding their answers in the familiar — home and heritage. Full Story
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A school in Texas can fail to meet state education standards for four years before the state shuts it down. A lot of students can go without the education they're due in four years' time. Full Story
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In May, the House speaker was at the top of the political world. In terms of influence, Sullivan and his Empower Texans organization were near the bottom. And now? Full Story
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