The state’s six most competitive U.S. House contests include four redrawn seats Republicans hope to flip and two where they are playing defense. All are majority Hispanic.
Congress
Read the latest Texas Tribune coverage of Congress, from the state’s lawmakers in Washington to key legislation and political debates shaping Texas and the nation.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Here’s how to register to vote in Texas before the Oct. 5 deadline
Here’s how to check your registration, see if you’re eligible to vote and how to register in advance of the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm elections for Texas’ U.S. Senator, governor and more.
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Congress
U.S. Senate passes Ted Cruz’s college sports bill that seeks to rein in NCAA “chaos”
The bill, which would regulate NIL deals and athlete revenue among other sweeping changes, now needs to clear the House. The lower chamber is out until after the midterms.
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Politics
Cuellar and progressives form tenuous alliance amid Trump’s immigration crackdown
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar is known as one of the most conservative Democrats in Congress who often diverges from the party on issues like immigration, abortion and gun rights.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
John Fetterman pushes back against allegations he’s a lazy senator, bad Democrat
The Pennsylvania senator has regularly criticized his party, sparking speculation he could caucus with Republicans after the 2026 midterms. At the Texas Tribune Festival, he called on Democrats to embrace a diversity of views.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Paxton, Talarico spar over gas tax suspension amid rising prices
Talarico, who criticized the Iran war, has called for months for a gas tax holiday. Paxton now says the tax should be permanently ended.
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Congress
U.S. should err on the side of innovation in AI regulation, U.S. Rep. Arrington says
Former CEO of Indeed characterized the Texas congressman’s argument about needing to beat China as a false one.
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Congress
Watch: Texas legislators speak at the 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Texans in Congress sit down with Tribune Washington correspondent Gabby Birenbaum at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Posted in
The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
“MAGA is dead”: Marjorie Taylor Greene calls Trump supporters liars and hypocrites
The former U.S. representative from Georgia sits down with New York Times domestic correspondent Robert Draper at 6 p.m. Thursday.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
James Talarico challenges Ken Paxton to Fox News debate
Paxton has yet to accept any debate invitations despite his campaign saying he was eager to confront Talarico in the campaign for U.S. Senate.
