Gov. Greg Abbott designated five emergency items, which are matters the Legislature can vote on within the first 60 days of the session that began Jan. 12.
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
Texas GOP fires staffer after he posted video from Capitol riot and spread false conspiracy theories at D.C. pizzeria
The field organizer was fired after The Texas Tribune asked about the posts on social media, which also included him praising the far-right Proud Boys.
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Politics
Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke spar in what could be a preview of the 2022 governor’s race
The Republican governor, who is up for reelection in 2022, and the state’s best-known Democrat exchanged words Thursday after O’Rourke said he will consider challenging Abbott.
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Politics
Gov. Greg Abbott says he’ll fight Joe Biden’s energy and climate agenda
Abbott on Thursday signed an executive order that he said would “direct every state agency to use all lawful powers and tools to challenge any federal action that threatens the” energy sector in Texas.
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Texas Legislature 2021
The late Sheldon Adelson’s gambling empire pushes forward with goal to bring casinos to Texas
Las Vegas Sands has hired 51 lobbyists to push for the expansion of gambling in Texas.
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Texas Legislature 2021
“If we’re all sick, we can’t legislate”: Coronavirus cases at Texas Capitol put lawmakers further on edge
At least four Texas House members have tested positive for the coronavirus since the legislative session began this month.
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Politics
Two Republicans headed to runoff for Northwest Texas House seat
David Spiller advances along with second-place finisher Craig Carter in the race to replace outgoing state Rep. Drew Springer, who was elected to the Texas Senate.
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Politics
Top two staffers at Texas Democratic Party to step down
The party’s executive director, Manny Garcia, and deputy executive director, Cliff Walker, are leaving their posts at the end of the month. Their exits come two months after an election in which Texas Democrats underperformed expectations throughout the ballot.
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Politics
Texas Republicans embraced Donald Trump for four years. Now they face a reckoning.
The president is leaving office Wednesday, but signs suggest his influence on the Texas GOP remains strong.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Dade Phelan raised $4.4 million as he ascended to Texas House speakership
The Beaumont Republican saw a flood of campaign cash in the weeks before he was elected speaker on Tuesday.
