After it became clear that Houstonโs non-discrimination ordinance would be trounced at the polls, Houston Mayor Annise Parker said she feared a โdirect, economic backlashโ for the city. So far, there’s no visible evidence of one.
Dan Patrick
Patrick Says He Tried to Draft Nelson for Lieutenant Governor
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick revealed Friday he tried to draft state Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, to run for lieutenant governor last year before he decided to enter the race.
Ahead of 2017 Session, Straus Issues Directives for Texas House
House Speaker Joe Straus issued more than 150 interim charges Wednesday, directing committees to study issues such as the effectiveness of border security operations and the impact of the plummeting cost of oil on the local economy.
Analysis: Words Say One Thing, Actions Another
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has taken to starting interviews by saying he won’t run for governor against Greg Abbott. But it is a question, in part, because of the two men, Patrick often acts more like the governor than the governor does.
Patrick Would Fast-Track Sanctuary Cities Bill
Aides to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, leader of the Texas Senate, say a bill cracking down on sanctuary cities would be fast-tracked in a special session. But so far Gov. Greg Abbott is resisting calls to convene one, meaning any reforms would be put on hold for more than a year.
Roundup: Cruz, Patrick & Dallas County’s “Sanctuary”
In the Roundup: Ted Cruz shines in the latest GOP presidential debate, lays out his tax plan and picks up an endorsement from a popular conservative here at home. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott challenges Dallas Countyโs “sanctuary” policies.
Texas Asks Permission to Cut Therapy Budget
Texas officials have asked an appeals court for permission to proceed with cutting payments to a therapy program for children with disabilities โ the latest development in an ongoing lawsuit over the budget state lawmakers crafted this year.
2015 Tribune Festival: Videos of the Keynote Sessions
During the keynote sessions of the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival, we featured one-on-one conversations with Dan Patrick, Joe Straus, Nancy Pelosi and Juliรกn Castro. You can watch those interviews and videos of our other keynote sessions here.
Analysis: Republicans, Party of Two
When one party overwhelms the two-party system, it tends to develop into a two-faction party. That’s the case with the Texas Republican Party โ as you can see by who the speaker of the Texas House and the lieutenant governor are backing in the presidential race.
2015 Tribune Festival: Audio From the State Keynote Track
The State Keynote track at the 2015 Texas Tribune Festival included interviews with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, as well as a pair of panel discussions focused on the Texas Legislature.


