Gina Hinojosa, Vikki Goodwin and Senfronia Thompson tapped Republican politicians who clashed with Greg Abbott and Dan Patrick to help guide them into office in January.
Dade Phelan
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2026 Texas Elections
In historic first, women poised to hold top three leadership positions in Texas government
Texas made history Tuesday night by electing the first Latina governor and first female lieutenant governor. In January, the state House is expected to elect the first female Speaker.
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Courts
Federal judge pauses Texas Republicans’ bid to close primaries
U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said in his ruling that he expects Republicans to succeed in restricting primaries to voters registered with the party during the next legislative session.
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Politics
Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command D’rinda Randall
Randall’s supporters were animated by a mix of factors, including the perception that George was too friendly to establishment Republicans.
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Politics
Texas Republicans open state convention projecting unity after years of infighting
Gov. Greg Abbott is a top sponsor and Speaker Dustin Burrows will be the first sitting speaker to address the gathering, as Republicans close ranks ahead of a tough midterm.
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2026 Texas Elections
From Cornyn to Paxton: How Trump helped accelerate the Texas GOP’s transformation
The power struggle between old-school Bush Republicans and hardline conservatives predates President Donald Trump. But he has used his clout to help tip the scales.
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2026 Texas Elections
Turnover in East Texas politics may jeopardize regional sway at the Legislature
Some advocates for the region worry freshmen lawmakers will start deal-making at a deficit, while other voters see a chance for new blood.
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The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Former Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan says he’s “not a MAGA Republican” and couldn’t carry Trump’s agenda
At a Texas Tribune Festival event on Thursday, the Beaumont Republican said his opposition to Trump and his agenda informed his decision to give up the speaker’s gavel last year.
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2026 Texas Elections
Former Speaker Dade Phelan won’t seek reelection to Texas House
As speaker, Phelan oversaw passage of numerous conservative priorities, but he gave up the gavel under pressure from the far right over the House’s impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Once again, Texas Legislature unlikely to pass ethics legislation this year
Lawmakers filed dozens of bills that would increase transparency around spending in elections and strengthen penalties for campaign and lobbying violations. None are poised to pass.
