No GOP candidate for the Texas Senate has ever defeated a Patrick-endorsed primary opponent since he became the state’s second-in-command over a decade ago.
Alejandro Serrano
Alejandro Serrano writes about Texas politics and government, with a focus on immigration and education issues. Since joining the Tribune, he has helped investigate the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, lived for half a year in Eagle Pass during a temporary assignment covering immigration and documented a variety of major occurrences in the state from Houston, where he used to live. He previously covered education for the Houston Chronicle and breaking news for the San Francisco Chronicle. The Long Island, New York, native received his bachelor's degree in journalism from Northeastern University. He is based in Austin and speaks fluent Spanish.
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2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico reports raising nearly $7 million, continuing cash influx to U.S. Senate bid
His primary opponent U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, said in a statement that every quarter last year was a record one for her as a fundraiser, but did not say how much she had hauled.
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2026 Texas Elections
Statewide battles, Latino voters and down-ballot contests: the biggest Texas political stories to watch in 2026
The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we’re watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas comptroller GOP primary attracts big money from donors with business before the agency
One candidate received about $1 million within an eight-day span from the head of a Dallas tax firm — and 72 of his employees — that helps corporations secure tax breaks under comptroller-run programs.
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Courts
Feds and Colony Ridge agree to settle predatory lending lawsuit, court records show
The Houston-area developer came under fierce GOP scrutiny two years ago for selling land to undocumented people.
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LGBTQ+ Texans
Enforcement of Texas’ “bathroom bill” draws challenges as colleges, cities implement new policies
In its first week, one group’s test of the new restrictions was met with ID checks at women’s restrooms at the Capitol while the Austin City Council moved to circumvent the law’s intent.
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State Government
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick wants to increase the homestead exemption for school property taxes again
The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
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2026 Texas Elections
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
The Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
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State Government
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues to stop Muslim housing project in North Texas
Paxton began investigating the East Plano Islamic Center in March for potential violations of consumer protection laws.
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State Government
Head of Texas’ largest business organization accused of sexual assault in lawsuit
An unidentified woman on Monday sued Glenn Hamer, Texas Association of Business president and CEO, alleging he sexually harassed and assaulted her, then retaliated when she rejected his advances.