The state’s two blockbuster Senate primaries dominated the airwaves, and further down the ballot, chaos reigned. The lack of decisive outcomes promises an equally intense runoff season.
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
Politics
Multiple U.S. House members face setbacks in Texas primaries
U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, was defeated and four other incumbents — Democrats and Republicans — found themselves in close races or runoffs as votes were still being counted early Wednesday.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico defeats Jasmine Crockett in blockbuster Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
The Austin Democrat’s win comes after a bitter primary that focused on which candidate’s political and electoral strategy would get the party’s first statewide victory in over 30 years.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales forced into runoff by Brandon Herrera amid affair scandal
The Republican primary was upended in the final days by reports that Gonzales had an affair with a former aide who died last year after setting herself on fire. He’ll face Herrera in a runoff for the second straight election.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
John Cornyn, Ken Paxton advance to runoff to be Republican nominee for U.S. Senate
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt came in third, missing the runoff which is May 26.
Posted in
Congress
Ted Cruz leads bipartisan bill that would void and prohibit confidentiality clauses in child sex abuse cases
Known as Trey’s law, the legislation would make any non-disclosure agreement unenforceable if it prohibits or restricts revealing the sexual abuse of a minor or facts related to that abuse.
Posted in
Immigration
Texas House Republicans ask Congress to halt all immigration after Austin shooting
More than 70 GOP House members signed a letter asking Congress to stop legal immigration until “proper vetting protocols” are in place.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Republican meddling roils Senate Democratic primary in final days
A super PAC supporting James Talarico is running ads online warning that the GOP is “boosting” Jasmine Crockett. Her spokesperson said Republicans “who underestimate her do so at their own peril.”
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas Democrats prepare to decide party’s future after divisive, epic Senate primary
Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico face off in the state’s first blockbuster Democratic primary in decades. The race will likely conclude Tuesday, with the outside chance of a runoff.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ Republican Senate primary is a battle of conservative titans
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt are competing to be the Republican nominee come November, with stakes that will be felt across Texas and in Washington.