David Spiller, a Jacksboro attorney and school board member, faced fellow Republican Craig Carter for the seat previously held by Springer, who is now in the state Senate.
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
Texas Legislature 2021
Dan Patrick announces 2021 priorities focused on pandemic, power grid and socially conservative issues
In addition to bills responding to COVID-19 and the recent winter storm, Patrick is calling for legislation related to abortion, gun rights and the national anthem at sporting events.
Posted in
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott sets May 1 special election to fill seat of late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright
Candidates have until March 3 to file, and early voting begins April 19.
Posted in
Politics
Susan Wright, GOP activist and wife of late U.S. Rep. Ron Wright, moving toward campaign to replace him
She could launch a bid as soon as this week, according to sources close to the Wright family.
Posted in
Politics
National Republicans say they’ll target five U.S. House seats held by Texas Democrats in 2022
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced Wednesday that its initial list of targets includes three representatives from South Texas: Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen and Filemon Vela of Brownsville.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick starts 2021 legislative session with an unusually low profile
The lieutenant governor is not starting the biennial legislative session in his characteristically outspoken style, particularly when it comes to making clear his policy priorities.
Posted in
Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott sets Feb. 23 special election runoff date for race to succeed Drew Springer in Texas House
The race for the solidly red seat in Northwest Texas pits David Spiller against fellow Republican Craig Carter.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Four years in, the Freedom Caucus finds a less contentious role in the Texas House
The group of hardline conservatives made waves in 2017 by sparring with House leadership and fellow Republicans. Now members say relationships with the broader chamber have improved.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott open to reforming his emergency powers after months of criticism from both parties
The Republican governor said his office is “offering up some legislation ourselves” to deal with some intraparty concerns about executive authority that have cropped up during the coronavirus pandemic.
Posted in
Immigration
With John Cornyn’s support, new Texas coalition forms to push for congressional fix for “Dreamers”
The Texas Opportunity Coalition includes chambers of commerce, other economic development groups and institutions of higher learning.
