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.
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.
Blake Farenthold tells Gov. Abbott he won’t pay for special election to replace him
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.
Debate drama, Austin scooters, the Texas speaker’s race (podcast)
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.
Immigration shelters nationwide ordered to show minors disputed Texas booklet that links abortion to cancer
Four congressional Democrats objected to the pamphlet this week, saying it includes “blatant lies about the safety of abortion.”
Nine candidates file for June 30 special election to fill Farenthold’s seat
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.
Texas is holding a special election to fill Blake Farenthold’s seat. Here’s how that works.
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.
Is the top vote-getter in a Texas primary election most likely to win their runoff? Usually, but not always.
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.
Meet Laura Moser and Lizzie Pannill Fletcher, the CD-7 Democratic primary runoff candidates
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.
Justice Department decides not to halt legal assistance program for detained immigrants
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.
Abbott wants Farenthold to “cover all costs” of special election
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.


