The son of the late former Gov. Mark White had hoped to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott by running as a moderate, but failed to raise enough money to be competitive.
From school vouchers to flood warning systems, these are the Texas developments to watch in 2026
Several court hearings and policies affecting education, health and more will roll out in the new year.
Dallas County sues Trump administration over clawback of public health funds
Dallas is the second Texas county to sue over public health cuts after a judge ordered the Trump administration to return $20 million to Harris County last summer.
James Talarico reports raising nearly $7 million, continuing cash influx to U.S. Senate bid
His primary opponent U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, said in a statement that every quarter last year was a record one for her as a fundraiser, but did not say how much she had hauled.
Texas’ newest state park gives visitors a sneak peek ahead of planned 2026 opening
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park will be the first to open in North Texas in about 25 years.
Statewide battles, Latino voters and down-ballot contests: the biggest Texas political stories to watch in 2026
The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we’re watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025.
Trump says he’s dropping push for National Guard in Chicago, LA and Portland, Oregon, for now
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously sent the state’s National Guard to Chicago.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick calls audit of Texas Southern University financials “deeply disturbing”
Patrick previously requested a Texas Rangers investigation into any criminal wrongdoing at TSU, one of the nation’s largest historically Black colleges.
Texas 2025: Year in Photos
Photojournalists document another year across Texas. Our photos illustrated the tense redistricting debate at the Capitol, the aftermath of the Hill County floods and more.
Austin police officer Christopher Taylor acquitted in 2019 shooting by appeals court
Taylor’s conviction was the first time a Travis County police officer had been found liable in an on-duty fatal shooting.

