Phelan’s primary has emerged as a last stand for the Republican Party’s business-minded establishment against an insurgency primarily motivated by social and cultural issues.
Joe Straus
Posted in
Politics
Former Texas House speaker says GOP megadonor Tim Dunn told him only Christians should hold leadership positions
Straus, who is Jewish, publicly confirmed the conversation for the first time Thursday. It had previously been reported by Texas Monthly.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2023
When showing up at the Texas Capitol made a difference
Readers sometimes ask us if the outcomes in governing are predetermined and whether civic engagement makes a difference. There are plenty of examples of Texans influencing lawmakers’ decisions.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2021
Former legislative leaders from both parties oppose Abbott veto of legislative funding as state defends him
In a new court filing, the attorney general’s office said the governor properly used his veto power when he nixed funding for the Legislature in response to House Democrats walkout over a Republican priority bill on elections.
Posted in
Point of Order
Point of Order: Former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus explains why he voted for Joe Biden last year
In the latest episode of our podcast about the Texas Legislature, Evan Smith talks to former speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus about life as a civilian, what he’d do about repricing electricity, the conservative case for expanding Medicaid, why he didn’t vote for Donald Trump — twice — and whether he’ll run for something again.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: The middle is intriguing but uncrowded in Texas politics
In a state that has been closely tied to conservative politics for decades, some Texas politicians are edging into a political desert: the middle.
Posted in
Politics
Former Texas House Speaker Joe Straus calls on Supreme Court to protect workplace rights for LGBTQ Americans
Straus’ op-ed comes a month after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for three employment discrimination cases in which a person was fired for being gay or transgender.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: A race for speaker of the Texas House? Not so fast.
With Dennis Bonnen not seeking another term, state representatives are once again at the start of a race for Speaker of the Texas House. This could take a while.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: A haunted House story about Texas speakers and redistricting
Texas House speakers come and go. So do redistricting sessions in the Texas Legislature. And maybe — just maybe — there’s a relationship between those two cycles.
Posted inState Government
Analysis: Jonathan Stickland and Joe Straus, still sailing in opposite directions
As one of the most rambunctious officeholders in Texas leaves the political scene, one of the quietest is swooping back in.