Texas has a history of being a predominately red state, but Jeffrey Payne wants to change that. That’s why the Dallas Democrat is running for governor against one of the most popular and well-funded incumbents in recent memory.
Alex Samuels
Alex Samuels was a reporter for The Texas Tribune from 2017 to 2021. She helped with national campaign coverage, wrote stories about the intersection of race and politics in Texas, and covered the hottest political news bubbling out of local communities. She was also one of the primary authors of The Blast, the Tribune’s subscription-only daily newsletter for political insiders. Alex began at the Tribune as a fellow in 2016. She graduated in 2017 from the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. She originally is from Massachusetts and is the best pingpong player at the Tribune.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Will Texans ever get a remedy for the state’s alleged illegal redistricting?
If judges ultimately agree that Texas’ current political boundaries discriminate against minority voters, we could see new maps ahead of the 2018 elections. Judges could also impose a more consequential penalty.
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Power Trips
Here’s what Texans said about the Texas Legislature regulating bathrooms
Here’s a look at the state-vs.-local fight over bathroom regulations, the legislative debate on the issue and how some Texans feel about the proposed measures.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: What will the special session cost taxpayers?
The special session starting Tuesday is expected to be the costliest to date. But as government spending goes, a special session is actually pretty cheap.
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Health care
This Texan’s daughter needed medical marijuana, so he moved to Colorado
Emmanuel Garza moved from Texas to Colorado so his baby daughter could get the medical marijuana treatment she needed. Legislation to legalize the same treatment in Texas failed to pass during the regular legislative session.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Does the Texas lottery fully fund public education?
Under state law, lottery revenue — including ticket sales and money from unclaimed prizes — must contribute to Texas causes and programs. However, only 27 percent of that money goes toward Texas education.
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State Government
Power Trips: Who should regulate access to Texas bathrooms? Give us your take
The Texas Tribune wants to learn more about how the “bathroom bill” debate is affecting people across Texas.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why can’t all Texans vote by mail?
Allowing all mail-in votes for elections is legal in 22 states, but not in Texas, where only certain voters can mail in their ballots. The Legislature’s special session will address mail-in ballot fraud but won’t expand mail-in voting.
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Guides
Hey, Texplainer: Why don’t local police departments pay for rape kit testing?
There’s no rule on who foots the bill for rape kit testing across the country — it depends on the state and city you live in.
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State Government
Abbott signs measure that tightens state law on child brides
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Thursday to prohibit people younger than 18 from marrying unless a judge consents. The measure also prohibits anyone under 16 from getting married.
