While the Democrats could technically derail the GOP’s redistricting map, such efforts have been largely symbolic and had limited success blocking past legislation, experts say.
Stories by Texas Tribune fellows
The Texas Tribune welcomes a group of student fellows into our newsroom each spring, summer and fall. Here is a sampling of their work. Learn more about the fellowship program here.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In draft congressional map, Texas Republicans bet big that gains with Latino voters will persist
The plan increases the share of Hispanic voters in three of the five districts targeted by the GOP, banking that enough will turn out and vote for Republicans without Donald Trump on the ballot.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
“Nobody came”: Hill Country flooding survivors recount anguish, neglect during emotional hearing
Residents told state lawmakers about what they’ve lost and the hardships they’re experiencing almost a month after the July 4 disaster devastated the region.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Newsom will move to redraw California map if Texas redistricts, teeing up national fight
The governor plans to go through the Legislature to usher in a map with more Democratic seats if Texas tilts its map to the right, according to a person with knowledge of Newsom’s thinking.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas Democrats are fundraising to potentially leave the state to block GOP-backed redistricting
The money could be used to cover the $500-a-day fines lawmakers would incur under House rules set to discourage members from absconding after Democrats fled the state in 2021.
Posted inEnvironment
Texas buys land for new state parks that will be developed using $1 billion voter-approved fund
The fund opens a new era of public land acquisition and park development for Texas, which ranks 35th nationally in state park acreage per capita.
Posted in
Politics
Cornyn calls for special counsel investigation into Obama’s handling of 2016 Russia probe
The Texas senator maintains that Russia did meddle in the 2016 election but that there was no collusion between the Kremlin and the Trump campaign.
Posted inHealth care
Texas hospitals, clinics spared the worst of GOP Medicaid cuts. An expected rise in the uninsured rate could change that.
Texas clinics, in particular, are worried about their ability to meet patient needs once people begin losing insurance under changes from Republicans’ recent megabill.
Posted in
Health care
1.7 million Texans could lose health coverage under expiring tax credits, ACA changes in GOP megabill
Having never expanded Medicaid, Texas avoided most of the looming federal cuts other states will face. But the Affordable Care Act is a different story.
Posted in
Hill Country floods
Plans for flood warning system floundered before Hill Country floods, witnesses tell legislative flood committee
Lawmakers serving on special committees investigating deadly floods blasted a river authority for failing to build a flood warning system on the Guadalupe River.