Graphics and data reporting

Beto O'Rourke surged to a 15-point edge over Ted Cruz in Hays County during last week's election, even though the Central Texas county hadn't voted for a Democrat at the top of the ticket since 1992. Full Story 

In Williamson, Hays, Collin and Fort Bend counties, Republicans saw their dominance falter on Tuesday. Full Story 

Tuesday's elections fired up more Texas voters than any midterm in a generation. Turnout even eclipsed the 2000 presidential race in which Texans helped put George W. Bush — one of their own — in the White House. Full Story 

It was the closest a Democrat came to toppling a Republican incumbent U.S. senator since 1978. And while O'Rourke beat Cruz in some traditional GOP strongholds, it wasn't enough to overcome rural Texas counties and some suburbs that remain fiercely loyal to Cruz. Full Story 

Tuesday, Texas voters decided who represents the state in the first national election of the Donald Trump era. See the results in the U.S. Senate contest, statewide races for governor and more — and find out who won where you live. Full Story 

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz won re-election in 2018 against Democrat Beto O'Rourke by about 2.6 percentage points. Here's a look at the margins of victory for every U.S. Senate election in Texas since 1961. Full Story 

Early voter turnout in the 2018 midterms surpassed turnout from the 2012 presidential election in the 30 Texas counties where most registered voters in the state — 78 percent — live. Full Story 

On Nov. 6, Texas voters will decide who will hold several statewide, legislative and congressional seats. To help Texans navigate Election Day, we’ve compiled an overview of everything you need to know about casting a ballot in the 2018 midterms. Full Story 

We analyzed housing data in hundreds of Texas ZIP codes to create a searchable tool so readers can see how affordable their neighborhood is. Full Story 

Demographics, income and location all play roles in the difficulties Texans face finding an affordable home in a neighborhood they like. Full Story 

The U.S. Senate race between Ted Cruz and Beto O’Rourke isn’t the only race worth watching this cycle. Here are snapshots of 33 other interesting races on the ballot in Texas. Full Story 

New data shows the number of migrant children held in privately run shelters in Texas reached a new high in September, even after the Trump administration said it would reunify families separated under the now-paused “zero tolerance” policy. Full Story 

As school communities and state officials discuss their school districts' official state ratings, many disagree on what the results actually mean. Full Story 

For the first time Wednesday, Texas school districts received official ratings that show their performance on a scale from A through F, perpetuating a debate on whether the new system is more accessible for parents. Full Story 

Texas will hold its 2018 general election on Nov. 6. View the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and independent candidates who will be on the ballot in races for statewide, congressional and legislative offices, as well as the State Board of Education. Full Story 

Several new facilities have already opened this summer, and the federal government has requested up to 15,500 beds at two Texas military bases. Full Story 

Last month, Texas Republicans and Democrats approved the latest versions of their party platforms. A close look at these documents provides a snapshot of where the two parties stand on guns, gay rights, marijuana and other issues. Full Story 

The Trump administration’s now-paused “zero tolerance” policy has placed a significant strain on Texas’ shelters for unaccompanied children, creating an influx of more than 1,600 children that has pushed the facilities close to capacity, state data shows. Full Story 

This year's surge in women candidates could result in a record high percentage of female representation in Texas’ congressional delegation and the state legislature. But regardless of the outcome in November, Texas women will still fall short of equal representation in their government. Full Story 

Texas hosted more than 30 primary runoff races on Tuesday. View full results from every contest here. Full Story