With his presidential campaign behind him, Ted Cruz will soon return to the U.S. Capitol and the job he was working so hard to transcend: rank-and-file senator. It will likely be hostile territory.
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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Politics
Historic Nature of Latina’s Campaign Drew Attention But Not Enough Support
In South Texas, a candidate named Dolly Elizondo had a chance to make history as the first Latina from Texas to serve in Congress. Those involved say she struggled to translate national interest into sufficient local support.
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Politics
In Texas Congressional Races, Incumbents Stay Safe
Despite some handwringing over primary challengers — and the unpredictability wrought by a presidential primary election’s high voter turnout — members of the Texas congressional delegation managed to hold on to their seats Tuesday.
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Politics
Garcia, Green Leave It All on the Field in Democratic Primary
In the heated race for Congressional District 29, U.S. Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, and former Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia both say they’re encouraged as the Democratic Party contest wraps up.
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Politics
Lloyd Doggett, Hillary Clinton’s Newest Superdelegate
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, will endorse former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for the presidency, adding to her growing list of superdelegates in her campaign for the Democratic nomination.
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Health care
For Cruz, 2013 Shutdown Was a Defining Moment
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s “impossible” strategy to undercut the Affordable Care Act — President Obama’s signature domestic policy achievement — won the Texan both enemies and fans.
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Demographics
U.S. House Race a Test Case of Identity Politics
The upcoming primary face-off between incumbent Gene Green and Adrian Garcia in Houston’s 29th congressional district will test case the influence of identity politics in Texas Democratic races.
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State Government
Analysis: Greg Abbott’s Constitutional Changes Require a Salesman
Gov. Greg Abbott has to get his proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution through his own statehouse, and then through 33 others, a task that will require persuasive abilities he hasn’t exhibited in his first year as governor.
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Politics
U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan to Make Texas Fundraising Swing
During an upcoming U.S. House recess this month, House Speaker Paul Ryan will make several stops in some of the richest pockets of the state: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Midland and San Antonio.
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Energy
Congress Poised to Lift 40-Year Oil Export Ban
The U.S. Congress is on the verge of lifting a 40-year ban on crude oil exports onto the international market, an issue that pitted Texans who work in oil production — and their House representatives — against those who work in refineries.