Congress

Running for speaker in a chamber that's nearly two-thirds Republican seems like a long shot for Rep. Eric Johnson, D-Dallas. But there might be things he could gain other than the gavel. 

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Two years ago, Texas won a case blocking an immigration policy just one letter different from DACA. As it challenges the narrower, more popular program, Texas has come armed with the same legal arguments that succeeded last time around. 

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Farenthold resigned in April, months after it came to light that he settled a sexual harassment claim from a former staff member with $84,000 in taxpayer money.

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On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Emma about who's debating whom in the Senate and gubernatorial matchups, what's next for Austin's scooters and the latest names to emerge in the Texas House speaker's race.

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Four congressional Democrats objected to the pamphlet this week, saying it includes "blatant lies about the safety of abortion."

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Nine candidates have filed for the June 30 special election to finish former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold's term, according to the secretary of state's office. The deadline was 5 p.m. Friday.

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A special election doesn't play out like normal elections. For starters, there are no primaries. Every candidate who files for the seat – regardless of party affiliation – will appear on one ballot.

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If history is any guide, candidates that earned first place in their primary race are likely to win their runoff — especially if they finished with a lead of more than 10 percentage points. But there are instances when second-place primary finishers come out on top.

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In the Democratic primary runoff in Texas' 7th Congressional District, Laura Moser and Lizzie Pannill Fletcher discuss what propelled them to run for office and why they think they can unseat the 17-year Republican incumbent. They also show off their drawing skills.

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Citing a congressional request, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Wednesday said the department won't end a program that helps federally detained immigrants obtain legal advice and other resources.

 

 

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In a letter Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott told former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold he should return $84,000 that he used to settle a sexual harassment claim to taxpayers by funding a June 30 special election to finish his term. 

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U.S. District Judge John D. Bates ruled Tuesday that the administration's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was never fully explained and could not be justified. However, Bates did allow for a 90-day hold on his ruling “to afford [the Department of Homeland Security] an opportunity to better explain its view that DACA is unlawful.”

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Gov. Greg Abbott has called a June 30 special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi. The candidate filing deadline is Friday. Farenthold abruptly resigned in April.

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As the U.S. Supreme Court took up Texas' redistricting case, several justices questioned whether they even had the authority to pick up where a lower court left off.

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Under pressure to keep up with rising expenses, colleges in Texas and across the country have turned to outside groups to underwrite certain initiatives. But bringing in outside funders can lead to questions about whether their donations come with strings attached. 

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Two congressional districts are part of a Texas redistricting case the U.S. Supreme Court will take up Tuesday. Here's a detailed look at what's at issue in one of them: the 27th Congressional District.

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Cruz, a Texas Republican, is at the forefront of revamping the U.S. Senate's internal sexual harassment policies. Last year he joined a New York Democrat in introducing legislation proposing such an overhaul.

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In a livestreamed conversation with The Texas Tribune, state Sen. Sylvia Garcia hints that she doesn’t plan to leave her Senate seat until after her race. Watch some clips or read the recap.

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Democrats took a shellacking during President Barack Obama's first midterm election in 2010, and U.S. Rep. Solomon Ortiz's loss was one of the biggest surprises. Eight years later, some are wondering if Republicans have some overly confident incumbents unprepared for a potential "blue wave" in November.

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On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Ross, Patrick, Alexa about the Supreme Court-bound Texas redistricting case, Ted Cruz's latest fundraising numbers and former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman's criminal conviction. Democratic congressional candidate Rick Trevino joins the conversation.

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