The latest Texas Legislature news from The Texas Tribune.
Nothing better demonstrates San Antonio's distinction as a political springboard for Hispanic Democrats than the political turnover triggered when Mayor Julián Castro left to join the Obama administration. Full Story
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As the numbers mount in favor of House Speaker Joe Straus' reelection, the establishment wing of the Republican Party in Texas appears to be prevailing over activists who insist the state is more conservative than its Legislature. Full Story
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Two weeks after losing her bid for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte announced that she was running for mayor of San Antonio and would not finish her term at the Texas Capitol. Full Story
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Twelve more Republican House members publicly pledged their support for House Speaker Joe Straus on Tuesday, making the path to victory for challenger Scott Turner exceedingly difficult. Full Story
A new batch of statewide officeholders is preparing to take over Texas government, throwing the "who you know" politics of the Capitol into turmoil. But the biggest change is the Legislature's chance to reassert its traditional power. Full Story
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State Sen. Glenn Hegar sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry Friday resigning his Senate seat as of Dec. 5. The Katy Republican will be sworn in as comptroller in January. A Dec. 6 special election for his seat was announced later Friday. Full Story
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This week in the Texas Political Roundup: Could state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte be eyeing a run for San Antonio mayor? Gov. Gov. Rick Perry's attorneys ask a judge to dismiss his charges. And state lawmakers have begun filing bills ahead of the coming legislative session. Full Story
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State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte's losing campaign for lieutenant governor might have set the stage for a bid for mayor of San Antonio — a prospect she is considering now. Sometimes losing can set up the next campaign. Full Story
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Seven Republican members of the Texas House issued a joint statement late Thursday claiming Speaker Joe Straus has the support of nearly the entire Republican caucus for the next legislative session. Full Story
A special election has yet to be called for the vacant House District 123 seat, but two San Antonio Democrats are already lining up to replace state Rep. Mike Villarreal, who stepped down to run for mayor of the city. Full Story
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Gov.-elect Greg Abbott’s pick for Texas secretary of state voted for a local resolution last year endorsing the expansion of Medicaid — a central tenet of the federal Affordable Care Act that Abbott fiercely campaigned against. Full Story
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The ongoing tension between Texas legislators and the University of Texas System Board of Regents looks likely to bleed into the 2015 legislative session. Full Story
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Two months ahead of the first day of the 84th legislative session, eager lawmakers on Monday filed bills addressing issues including guns, texting while driving, health, transportation and much more. Full Story
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State Reps. Trey Martinez Fischer and José Menéndez both said Monday they will consider running for Leticia Van de Putte’s seat in the Texas Senate if she leaves it behind for the top spot in San Antonio. Full Story
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After a mistrial was declared Monday in the case of state Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, a new trial was scheduled to start Jan. 5. Reynolds is accused of illegally offering legal services to accident victims within 30 days of their incidents. Full Story
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After the winners of Tuesday’s elections are sworn in, there will be only seven white Democrats left in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
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At our 11/6 TribLive conversation, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick talked about the impact of the shale boom on the state. Full Story
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At our 11/6 TribLive conversation, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick reacted to Denton's passage of a ban on fracking. Full Story
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At our 11/6 TribLive conversation, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick talked about the results of the 2014 general election. Full Story
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With the midterm elections now in the rearview mirror, transition time is upon us. Between now and Jan. 13 when the gavel falls on the opening of the 84th Legislature, here are some questions to keep in mind. Full Story
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