French will face commission Chair Jim Wright in the Republican primary. The three-person panel is in charge of the agency that oversees Texas’ oil and gas industry.
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
TribCast
TribCast: Kate Rogers on her ousting from the Alamo Trust
Rogers ran the state’s most beloved historical site until she resigned amid political pressure last month.
Posted in
State Government
Dan Patrick pledges $1 million in campaign funds to install Turning Point USA at every Texas college and high school
Turning Point USA was founded by the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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2025 Texas Elections
It’s Election Day in Texas. Here’s what to watch.
Texans will decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the state Constitution and vote in special elections for Congress and the state Senate.
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Public Education
Texas put its chief financial officer in charge of school vouchers. Here’s what you need to know.
The Texas comptroller holds tremendous power over the program, including choosing which companies the state will pay millions to help manage it. Voters will decide who runs the agency next year.
Posted in
State Government
North Texas Rep. Nate Schatzline won’t run for reelection
Schatzline, who represents Fort Worth, is one the most conservative members of the Legislature’s lower chamber.
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2026 Texas Elections
How John Cornyn’s historic gun safety bill has become a reelection liability
Critics accuse Cornyn of capitulating to Democrats’ gun control demands — even though the bill largely did not restrict gun owner’s existing rights.
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Politics
Alamo Trust president resigns after Dan Patrick calls for her removal
The lieutenant governor has insisted that the Alamo’s story remain focused on the 1836 battle over broader narratives addressing Indigenous people and slavery.
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Politics
Trump taps Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell for assistant secretary of defense
The U.S. Senate must confirm the appointment. The Granbury Republican previously announced he would not seek another Texas Senate term.
Posted in
Politics
Abbott sets special election in May for empty Texas Senate seat
The district was left without representation when Republican Brandon Creighton resigned to become chancellor of the Texas Tech University System.
