State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, announced Tuesday he is not running for re-election, bringing to a close a 27-year tenure at the Capitol.
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.
Posted in
State Government
Abbott Vetoes Overdose Defense, Emergency Detention Bills
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed two bills on Monday, including one aimed at encouraging people to call 911 during drug overdoses, even if they are in possession of illegal substances themselves.
Posted in
Politics
Out of Office, Perry Finds Ways to Make Money
Fresh off the state government payroll, former Gov. Rick Perry quickly turned to two tried-and-true ways of cashing in on a long career in public service: taking a seat on a corporate board and hiring out for speeches.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Grand Jury Reform Legislation Headed to Abbott’s Desk
Legislation that reforms the state’s grand jury system now awaits Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature after the House on Sunday approved a compromise between the two chambers.
Posted in
Politics
Perry Looks to Hold His Own in 2016 Money Chase
When he sets out on his second presidential campaign Thursday, former Gov. Rick Perry will be officially entering a more crowded and competitive dash for campaign cash than he experienced three years ago.
Posted in
Energy
FEMA Gives Texans More Time to Assess Flood Damage
Federal officials are giving Texans more time to assess the damage to their property so they can file insurance claims after the deadly flooding that recently devastated some parts of the state.
Posted in
State Government
Disaster Recovery Proposal Revived in Flooding Aftermath
Surrounded by the aftermath of recent flooding, the Texas Senate has revived a measure that would make it easier for local officials to plan ahead for rebuilding after disasters.
Posted inState Government
Abbott Signs Early Education Bill, a Top Priority
Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday signed House Bill 4, which is aimed at improving early education in Texas.
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Politics
In Austin, Flores Doesn’t Mince Words on Ex-Im Bank
U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, the latest Texas Republican to come out against the U.S. Export-Import Bank, did not shy away from his new position Wednesday as he spoke to business groups fighting to keep the 81-year-old federal agency alive.
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Politics
In Deadly Flood, Abbott Tackles Most Serious Leadership Test Yet
Just five months into his first term, Gov. Greg Abbott is tackling the kind of crisis his predecessor likes to say there is no manual for.
