The governor is Texas’ chief executive, with a hand in everything from enforcing laws to setting budget priorities and responding to crises. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 primary and where they stand.
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
State Government
Alcohol commission finalizes rules for hemp industry in Texas, but debate likely to continue
The new rules apply to 60,000 TABC license holders, like convenience stores and restaurants. The Department of State Health Services is also working to finalize its own rules for smoke shops.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
New Texas poll finds Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in Senate Democratic primary
Texas’ Senate Republican primary, meanwhile, looks headed for a runoff. The survey found U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in a dead heat against Attorney General Ken Paxton, with neither eclipsing 30%.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett’s pastor, Frederick Haynes III, sees Congress as stage to pursue social justice
Haynes staked out several progressive policy positions at his recent campaign launch event, including support for Medicare for All and dismantling U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Posted in
Health care
More Texans have signed up for ACA health coverage despite expiring subsidies and falling national enrollment
The Jan. 3 snapshot, though incomplete, indicates a stabler marketplace and less coverage loss than many experts and insurers feared.
Posted in
Immigration
In border visit, John Cornyn resists calls to expand visas for foreign workers
The Republican U.S. senator praised Trump’s border initiatives and said fully securing the border should take priority over changing immigration law.
Posted in
Health care
Texas GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz joins Democrats in vote to pass three-year ACA subsidy extension
Edinburg Rep. Monica De La Cruz was the only Texas Republican to break with her party and vote with all Democrats and a handful of Republicans on a key healthcare bill.
Posted in
Congress
U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz wants legal status for migrant workers in struggling construction industry
South Texas builders said a growing number of ICE arrests at construction sites have made it difficult for work to continue.
Posted in
Health care
Dallas County sues Trump administration over clawback of public health funds
Dallas is the second Texas county to sue over public health cuts after a judge ordered the Trump administration to return $20 million to Harris County last summer.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Statewide battles, Latino voters and down-ballot contests: the biggest Texas political stories to watch in 2026
The Texas Tribune’s politics team has compiled five of the top stories we’re watching this year, when voters will have their first chance to make their opinions known on the events of 2025.