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.
Congress
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State Government
Texas 2025: The stories that mattered most to readers
Texans closely followed 17 constitutional propositions, the growth of one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities and a controversial plan to move billions of gallons of groundwater.
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State Government
A look back at some of The Texas Tribune’s best reads of 2025
As 2025 draws down, the Tribune reflects on some of its most memorable storytelling of the year.
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Congress
Another exodus in Congress means Texas will need to start rebuilding its clout in 2027
At least 10 Texas incumbents will not be returning to Congress next term, a high-water mark for turnover in the delegation.
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Health care
With ACA subsidies set to expire, Texas Republicans in Congress remain hazy about path forward
Texas’ entire House GOP delegation voted this week for a health care package that lets the tax credits lapse. They will be forced to vote on a three-year extension of the subsidies in January.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democratic candidates unite in the Rio Grande Valley to court Latino voters
State Rep. James Talarico faces an uphill battle in his U.S. Senate bid while 15th Congressional hopeful Bobby Pulido aims to flip the district, but he must first win his primary.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democrats fill every state and federal race on 2026 ballot, a first for either party
Texas Majority PAC and the Texas Democratic Party recruited 104 candidates to fill uncontested races. Gov. Greg Abbott’s strategist said it amounts to a gimmick “if they don’t back it up with serious resources.”
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Marc Veasey drops bid for Tarrant County judge
The Fort Worth Democrat had filed to challenge GOP incumbent Tim O’Hare just before last week’s deadline to get on the 2026 ballot. His withdrawal gives Commissioner Alisa Simmons a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
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2026 Texas Elections
Trump’s pardon of Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar leaves local Republicans surprised and disappointed
Some county GOP officials said the president’s pardon could complicate their plans to unseat the Laredo Democrat in South Texas’ battleground 28th Congressional District.
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2026 Texas Elections
In North Texas, game of musical chairs culminates in primary between Democrats Colin Allred and Julie Johnson
The primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and the entry of Rep. Jasmine Crockett into the U.S. Senate race, which prompted Allred to drop out.
