The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
Gabby Birenbaum
Gabby Birenbaum is the Washington Correspondent for the Texas Tribune. She covers the Texas congressional delegation and the impact of federal policy on Texas. Gabby previously covered Washington for The Nevada Independent, where she wrote the weekly D.C. Download newsletter and covered the 2024 presidential election and competitive Senate race. Prior to The Nevada Independent, Gabby worked at The Washington Monthly and Vox. Gabby graduated from Northwestern University, where she studied journalism and political science. She is a native of Arlington, Virginia and is based in Washington, DC. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, watching movies and being a long-suffering fan of DC sports teams. Her work is supported by a partnership with Report for America.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Donald Trump pardons Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Cuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Houston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett, leaning toward Senate bid, schedules campaign event Monday
The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.
Posted in
Congress
Speaker Johnson defends Crenshaw after he was reportedly banned from congressional overseas travel
Punchbowl News reported that the Houston congressman was banned from taxpayer-funded travel for 90 days after toasting a Mexican official who made an inappropriate joke.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Court order striking down Texas redistricting map upends plans for candidates across the state
Republicans who were planning to run for newly gerrymandered districts may have to reassess, while Democrats who were drawn out of their seats could suddenly have a path back to Congress.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas Republicans started a national redistricting arms race. They may be losing.
With Texas’ new map blocked by a federal court, California Democrats are emerging victorious — though the Supreme Court has yet to weigh in.
Posted in
Congress
Entire Texas congressional delegation votes to release Epstein files
Rep. Troy Nehls of Richmond was among House Republicans who had previously opposed releasing the files, but reversed their stances this week.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Abbott sets Jan. 31 runoff for special election to replace U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner
The Houston-based seat will have been without representation for about 11 months.
Posted in
The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore doubles down on his state’s redistricting response to Texas
Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, the Democrat also emphasized he wasn’t running for president in 2028.
