On Friday, Abbott told reporters that he wants to stay in Texas and plans to run for reelection for governor.
Matthew Watkins
Matthew Watkins began serving as editor in chief of the Tribune in September 2024. He is a Texas native, born in Houston and raised in Austin. He attended Texas A&M University and has spent his entire professional career in Texas journalism, including stints at The Eagle in Bryan-College Station and The Dallas Morning News. Matthew joined The Texas Tribune in 2015 has held various roles, including higher education reporter, breaking news editor and politics editor. He has helped guide the Tribune's award-winning journalism that has included coverage of six legislative sessions, multiple election cycles, natural disasters and political scandals. He lives in Austin with his wife, Susan, and their two children.
T-Squared: We the Texans
In 2024, weโll be throwing the weight of The Texas Tribune behind listening closely to Texans about their lives and communities and how they engage in public life.
Looking back at some of the best Texas Tribune reads of 2023
Our journalists brought life to the experiences of everyday Texans, held powerful institutions accountable and surfaced stories that went beyond the daily news cycles.
TribCast: Big changes in Houston ISD after state takeover
In this weekโs episode, we discuss the changes at Houston ISD after a state takeover in June.
TribCast: Turmoil at Texas A&M
In this weekโs episode, we discuss two cases at Texas A&M University that raised questions of academic freedom โ and the fallout that ensued.
TribCast: Texasโ tough border security tactics under scrutiny
In this weekโs episode, we discuss the half-million people booted from Texasโ Medicaid rolls and the stateโs deployment of razor wire and buoys along the border in Eagle Pass.
TribCast: Texas lawmakers approve property tax cuts after 7 months of trying
In this weekโs episode, we discuss the winners and losers โ politically and financially โ after lawmakers approved an $18 billion tax cut bill.
TribCast: How will Texas universities maintain diversity without considering race in admissions?
In this weekโs two-topic TribCast, we discuss the U.S. Supreme Court blocking the consideration of race in college admissions and the dangerous heat inside Texas prisons this summer.
TribCast: The rise of renewable energy in Texas
In this weekโs episode, energy expert Doug Lewin discusses how wind and solar power are supplying an increasing amount of power in Texas whether state leaders like it or not.
TribCast: Why canโt Texas Republicans get along?
In this weekโs episode we check in with radio host Mark Davis and politics reporter Patrick Svitek about the GOP intraparty fighting over property taxes and Ken Paxtonโs impeachment.


