Democrats are less likely to pick on cities the way Republican lawmakers have, observers said. But a fight over housing affordability will test that.
Joshua Fechter
Joshua Fechter is the Dallas-based urban affairs reporter for The Texas Tribune, covering policy — including housing affordability, housing and property taxes, evictions, policing and transportation — and politics in Texas' major metropolitan areas. Before joining the Tribune in August 2021, Joshua covered City Hall for the San Antonio Express-News. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Surge in voter turnout in urban, border counties carried Texas blue wave
Meanwhile, rural counties saw the smallest growth in turnout.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In volatile Tarrant County, both political parties are on the prowl for moderate Republicans
The Fort Worth area, no longer solidly red, is a midterm election wild card as Democrats and Republicans jockey for supremacy.
Posted in
Demographics
High housing costs cut into Texans’ income gains in 2025, new Census data shows
Incomes grew in some parts of the state and fell in others, according to new U.S. Census Bureau figures. Meanwhile, homeowners are paying more to keep a roof over their heads.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Hundreds of thousands of potentially eligible Texas homeowners aren’t claiming their property tax savings
Homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption because they do not know about it or find the process too complicated, experts say.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Texas homeowners may be missing out on a major property tax break. Here’s how to claim it.
Hundreds of thousands of potentially eligible Texas homeowners aren’t claiming a homestead exemption, which shaves off thousands of dollars from the taxable value of a home. Here’s how to apply.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Texas seniors are getting a huge property tax break. Everyone else is picking up the tab.
State lawmakers passed generous homestead exemptions that have allowed some 60% of Texas homeowners age 65 and up to pay $0 in school property taxes.
Posted in
The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Muslims in Texas are disillusioned as GOP ramps up anti-Islam rhetoric
Being a Muslim in Texas has become more difficult amid a rise in hateful rhetoric from Republicans, panelists at The Texas Tribune Festival said.
Posted in
Texas affordability crisis
Are you a Texan dealing with rising costs? We want to hear from you.
Tell us how the rise in everyday costs like housing, healthcare and groceries has affected you.
