A GOP leader, Patrick has been a staunch advocate for conservative Christian values in his role presiding over the Texas Senate.
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.
Posted in
Politics
At GOP convention, Abbott vows to “demolish” Democrats, calls for crackdown on H-1B visas and Sharia law
The governor sought to tie the minority party, and its U.S. Senate nominee, James Talarico, to “Bernie Sanders socialism” in a fresh look at his message for the fall midterms.
Posted in
Politics
Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command D’rinda Randall
Randall’s supporters were animated by a mix of factors, including the perception that George was too friendly to establishment Republicans.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Abbott recommends sweeping data center regulation, including eliminating sales tax exemption
The recommendations for legislative action amount to a striking call for industry regulation by the Republican governor in a state that has long prided itself on being a favorable environment for business.
Posted in
Courts
Federal court allows Texas immigration law to take effect, continuing legal seesaw
A U.S. judge on Thursday granted a preliminary injunction against critical sections of Senate Bill 4, but a provision allowing police to arrest people suspected of illegal entry did activate.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
One in five Latino Trump voters in Texas would not repeat vote if given redo, poll finds
The survey is the latest to measure eroding Latino support for the president and the GOP after historic gains in 2024. But a polling expert said Democrats were “still underperforming” among the bloc.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Vikki Goodwin defeats Houston union leader in lieutenant governor Democratic runoff
The Austin lawmaker now faces an uphill battle against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the state’s second-highest executive, in November.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Christian Menefee defeats longtime Houston Rep. Al Green in Texas’ new 18th Congressional District
Green’s loss means the Texas House delegation is losing one of its most senior members, who served more than 20 years in Congress.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ raucous primary runoffs end today. Here’s what to watch.
John Cornyn is trying to fend off Ken Paxton. Both parties are picking attorney general nominees. And an oil and gas regulatory race has become uncharacteristically costly.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Rallies, ad blitzes and a Trump endorsement: inside the final days of the Cornyn-Paxton runoff
Nearly 14 months and $135 million later, Texas’ blockbuster Republican Senate primary will finally be decided Tuesday.
