The latest Texas House of Representatives news from The Texas Tribune.
After being ignored for much of this year's legislative session, the hardline conservative group claims to have a recording of House Speaker Dennis Bonnen offering media credentials in exchange for targeting 10 lawmakers in the 2020 elections. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1014fdfe0c885b52c3ae071077ae32c6/MQS%20JF%20TT.jpg)
A just-released recording of a June 12 meeting between House Speaker Dennis Bonnen and conservative activist Michael Quinn Sullivan could have major implications for the House and Texas Republicans, who are trying to fend off bullish Democrats from potentially flipping the lower chamber in 2020. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/d762a029caf998500388e4a87fff9149/02_Dennis_Bonnen_BD_TT.jpg)
Allegations that the House speaker politically targeted 10 GOP members have roiled the lower chamber, but some lawmakers say they need more evidence. “It’s a wait-and-see thing,” said one. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/6f9dc933699fa001171c1eff1ada0d56/Dennis%20Bonnen%20Sine%20Die%20Weekend%20MKC%20TT.jpg)
The crisis around Bonnen is heating up as newly revealed recordings add some credence to allegations that he and a trusted lieutenant plotted with a political activist against some GOP House members. Will his members believe him — or his accuser? Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/26a95942a2af132e726a9c6152e97c57/Dennis%20Bonnen%20Stickland%20MG%20TT.jpg)
The recording of a meeting between Bonnen and hardline conservative Michael Quinn Sullivan has not been publicly released, but Sullivan has said that Bonnen offered Sullivan's activist group media credentials in return for politically targeting 10 House members. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/89ff41417c28b5b8a81da983f2efb664/Bonnen_waiting_2_BD.jpg)
The Richmond Republican was first elected in 2006 and resigns as chairman of the powerful budget-writing House Appropriations Committee. He will serve until Sept. 30. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/05/27/Zerwas_budget_BD_TT.jpg)
A political activist who accused Texas House leaders of offering government favors for political help still hasn't offered any evidence. At least two reputations hang in the balance. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/1adb9eb841106a07a48ad48d2fa65ad9/DONT%20USE%20Dennis%20Bonnen%20EW)
Conservative firebrand Michael Quinn Sullivan made the allegation Thursday. Full Story
"I look forward to vigorously campaigning and supporting every one of you in both the upcoming primary and general elections," House Speaker Dennis Bonnen told his colleagues. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/a4d40513bab692d98aee434bc4361132/09_Dennis_Bonnen_EW.jpg)
A political activist accused Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen of trying to undermine the campaigns of 10 members of his own party, an allegation that — true or not — could ruin the goodwill Bonnen built up in a successful legislative session earlier this year. Full Story
The new Criminal Justice Reform Caucus in the Texas House will set its sights on changes in 2021. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/52c4ca08aab75e41053c5dcf6b72e776/10%20Juvenile%20Justice%20Committee%20EW%20TT.jpg)
Bonnen, an Angleton Republican, announced he is infusing his new political action committee with $3 million to support GOP House incumbents running for reelection in 2020. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/51c76130f6fcf97d5399faa2c7c18875/07_Dennis_Bonnen_EW.jpg)
The top races are more exciting and will get more attention, but the Texas trophy in the 2020 election will go to the party that wins control of the state's House of Representatives. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/Redistricting_Map_Tweasers_jpg_800x1000_q100_1.jpg)
Two Texas House committees — International Relations and Economic Development, and Homeland Security and Public Safety — will meet at 2 p.m. to discuss the situation at the border. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/48d9c75cde4f21a162c5e2e87ab1ad91/05%20Shelter%20for%20Migrant%20Children%20in%20Clint%20IPA%20TT.jpg)
Wray has served in the Texas House since 2015, representing a district that includes Ellis County and parts of Henderson County. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/7d835783105f39beba4edd6d69e78219/John%20Wray%20and%20Kolkhorst%20MKC%20TT.jpg)
As one of the most rambunctious officeholders in Texas leaves the political scene, one of the quietest is swooping back in. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/10ee50f1bf829daf687cdab08985ff97/Stickland%20and%20Straus%202.jpg)
A statement from the political action committee, called Texas Forever Forward, said, "Texas should embrace diversity and promote inclusive, non-discriminatory policies and laws." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/01/28/Joe_Straus_Campaigning.jpg)
Abbott said the measure "is an unnecessary invasion of parental rights and an unfortunate example of over-criminalization." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/23293ac690b4e5d562cc7b20ff6f020e/Baby%20Car%20Seat%20Safety%20DPS%20IS%20TT.jpg)
Some Democrats are mobilizing in hopes of taking the nine House seats they need for a majority in 2020 as Republican House Speaker Dennis Bonnen tries to prevent intra-GOP challenges in the primaries. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/3582f5351ada0b1195c1900940733fa7/Bonnen%20Swearing%20In%20BD%20TT.jpg)
The conservative groups who made a feast of former House Speaker Joe Straus for 10 years have a new target: Straus successor Dennis Bonnen. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/35b1d70b9897cbf36c6dafe20cce94a9/0017_Dennis_Bonnen_Juan_Figueroa_May_6_TT.jpg)