Texas collected $2.98 billion in sales tax revenue in July — 4.3% more than in July 2019. Comptroller Glenn Hegar said the number was “better than expected.”
Cassandra Pollock
Cassandra Pollock was a state politics reporter for the Tribune. She joined the Tribune full-time in June 2017 after a fellowship during the 85th Texas Legislature. Pollock spent her first two years at the Trib as an engagement reporter, which meant her name likely landed in your inbox every weekday morning with “The Brief,” a newsletter on all things Texas politics and public policy. Pollock is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s School of Journalism. Pollock left The Texas Tribune in 2021.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
“I truly thought last Friday was gonna be my last,” says Texas lawmaker who was hospitalized for coronavirus
State Rep. Tony Tinderholt told The Texas Tribune he is recovering from a serious case of COVID-19, which he thought last week might kill him. His wife and two of his children also tested positive.
Posted in
Politics
Sarah Eckhardt wins special election for Texas Senate seat after Rep. Eddie Rodriguez forgoes a runoff
Rodriguez said he would focus his efforts on helping gain a Democratic majority in the House.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas faces a looming $4.6 billion deficit, comptroller projects
The coronavirus pandemic and low oil prices are driving down projected general revenue in the state’s current budget by more than $11 billion.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Texas GOP convention chaos prompts delegates to create a second gathering for unfinished business
The original convention still kept going overnight, though, as delegates met to vote on key leadership positions — including the state party chairmanship.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas GOP will stick with virtual convention, even though federal judge ruled in-person Houston event is an option
The ruling was a striking last-minute development as party officials have struggled to get a virtual gathering underway.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
With high-stakes election season looming, Texas GOP Chair James Dickey faces formidable opposition
Dickey is competing against Allen West, a former Florida congressman, and activist Amy Hedtke.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Three Texas House incumbents — Dan Flynn, Anna Eastman and J.D. Sheffield — lose in primary runoffs
Two other incumbents — Democrats Lorraine Birabil and Harold Dutton — were also on the ballot Tuesday.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Republican Party of Texas leaders opt for virtual convention after loss at state Supreme Court
An executive committee vote late Monday capped a weekslong whirlwind of controversy and legal battles over the party’s initial plans for an in-person event.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Three Texas House runoffs give warring GOP factions chance to settle up before November
A quieter-than-usual primary season is coming down to three runoffs Tuesday. Two incumbents are fighting for reelection, and there is a fierce battle for an open seat.