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.
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
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
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.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Greg Abbott vows to spend mightily to turn Harris County red
The county, which includes Houston, is critical to both parties’ statewide ambitions, but has been blue for about decade.
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Meet the candidates vying to be Texas attorney general in the post-Paxton era
At the Texas Tribune Festival, Republican and Democratic candidates made their case for why they should be the state’s top lawyer.
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Texas Democratic candidates pitch themselves as the best to beat Gov. Greg Abbott
Gina Hinojosa said Abbott is to blame for corruption in Texas and Andrew White spoke on abortion and immigration.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Mike Collier to challenge Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick again — as an independent
Patrick has twice defeated Collier, who was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in 2018 and 2022.
