Having never expanded Medicaid, Texas avoided most of the looming federal cuts other states will face. But the Affordable Care Act is a different story.
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
2026 Texas Elections
Tejano singer Bobby Pulido forms exploratory committee for South Texas congressional bid
The music star is considering challenging Rep. Monica De La Cruz in a district emblematic of the GOP’s gains with Latino voters.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas Republicans, including Gov. Abbott, were reluctant to redraw the state’s congressional maps. Then Trump got involved.
The governor eventually agreed to include redistricting on his special session agenda after discussing the matter with the president on a phone call.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas Democrats vow to use delay tactics to drag out GOP redistricting effort
With few options to prevent the Republican majority from passing a new congressional map, Democrats threatened to filibuster, delay hearings and even break quorum.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
GOP Army veteran announces challenge to Democrat Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas congressional district
The prospect of Eric Flores’ candidacy has excited Republicans in Texas and Washington, due in part to his military and law enforcement credentials.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Harlingen doctor becomes first Democrat to challenge GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz for South Texas congressional seat
The 15th Congressional District is the only Republican-held seat in Texas that Democrats are targeting under the current map.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
As Trump looks to net five GOP seats through Texas redistricting, Democrats grasp for response
President Donald Trump said he thinks Republicans could flip a handful of congressional districts in Texas next year through “just a very simple redrawing.”
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
State Rep. Steve Toth to challenge Congressman Dan Crenshaw in Republican primary
Crenshaw’s sparring with fellow prominent conservatives has invited backlash from the right, but his past primary opponents have failed to capitalize at the ballot box.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2025
As Texas Republicans prepare for mid-decade redistricting, cautionary tales loom from the past
Spurred by President Donald Trump’s political team, Texas lawmakers will try to redraw the state’s congressional map to boost Republicans — but some GOP incumbents are uneasy.
Posted in
Congress
Inside the negotiations on Trump’s GOP megabill, from the Lubbock lawmaker whose name is on the legislation
The House budget chair and lead sponsor of the GOP tax and spending bill recounts the months of negotiations needed to unite the fractious caucus.