Republicans recently announced Mayra Flores’ comeback effort with great fanfare, but Democrats argue that a redrawn district — and Flores’ voting record — are hurdles the GOP can’t clear.
Patrick Svitek
Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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Politics
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises $4.4 million in second quarter as he seeks reelection
The Republican’s haul fell short of the money raised by Rep. Colin Allred, a Democratic opponent who collected $6.2 million in a shorter period — but Cruz prevailed in the 2018 election despite getting outraised then.
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Texas Legislature 2023
Property tax special session is over, but months of acrimony could complicate Texas lawmakers’ mission as more work awaits
Efforts to repair rifts, particularly among Republican leaders, begin as another contentious special session looms on Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for “school choice.”
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Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott raised $15 million in 12-day window after regular legislative session
The governor, whose term ends in 2026, closed June with $23 million in his campaign fund.
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Politics
State Rep. Tracy King, a moderate Democrat in a Republican-leaning district, announces retirement
King was first elected to the House in 1994.
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Politics
Republican Mayra Flores announces bid to retake South Texas congressional seat
Flores won a special election in 2022 but lost to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, a Democrat, five months later in the general election. Redistricting may complicate her comeback.
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Ken Paxton Impeachment
Gov. Greg Abbott taps longtime aide Angela Colmenero as interim attorney general
Governor’s deputy chief of staff replaces John Scott as agency leader while suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton awaits his September impeachment trial.
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Politics
Texas Sen. Roland Gutierrez enters Democratic primary targeting U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Known for pushing gun restrictions after the Uvalde school shooting in his district, Gutierrez will vie for the opportunity to take on Republican Cruz in the general election. U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, is already running in the primary.
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Texas Legislature 2023
State Rep. Abel Herrero announces he will not seek a 10th term
The moderate Democrat from Robstown chairs the Corrections Committee.
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Politics
National GOP recruiting Mayra Flores, ousted from her South Texas seat, to run again for Congress
The Los Indios Republican won a special election in 2022 but lost to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez five months later in the general election.