The lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries 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.
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2026 Texas Elections
New red-leaning congressional seat in North Texas draws wide-open GOP primary field
The once solidly blue 32nd District is considered the safest bet for Republicans out of the five Democratic seats targeted by the GOP’s new congressional gerrymander.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas governor primary: Who is running and what to know
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.
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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.
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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%.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.