State Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, who planned to run for one of Texas’ four new congressional seats, will instead run to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio.
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.
Blame and Uncertainty as Supercommittee Gives In
The breakdown raised new questions about the way forward for Congress and the trickle-down effects for politics and federal spending in Texas.
Gohmert Votes No on Balanced Budget Amendment
A balanced-budget constitutional amendment fell short in the U.S. House today. Only one Texas Republican, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, of Tyler, voted against the measure.
Search: Texas 2012 Congressional Campaign Contributions
Use our latest news application to search federal campaign contributions to U.S. House and Senate candidates in Texas in the 2012 election cycle. Filter your search by candidate, party, chamber, donor, location and donation amount.
Judicial Cartography
A panel of federal judges in San Antonio proposed new redistricting maps for the Texas Senate and the Texas House late Thursday, asking for comments by noon on Friday. They’re trying to finish maps before candidates start filing on November 28 — a date set by the court.
Lawmakers Want Defense Technology on Border
With American troops leaving Iraq and an eventual withdrawal from Afghanistan expected, advocates for tighter border security hope to bring military technology — and soldiers’ expertise — to the border.
Updated: Perry Takes Aim at Congress, Courts
Gov. Rick Perry is proposing to bring a little Texas to Washington — with a “part-time citizen Congress” that doesn’t meet so often, and whose members earn only half of what they make now. Perry will also call for an end to lifetime appointments for federal judges, including members of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Video: In New Web-Only Ad, Perry Bashes Congress
In a new web-only ad posted on YouTube, Gov. Rick Perry takes aim at congressional insider trading — the subject of a 60 Minutes segment last night.
Must You Be a Millionaire to Serve in the People’s House?
For those not as fortunate as U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin — Congress’s wealthiest member — a low net worth poses a challenge.
Updated: Cornyn Presses Holder on Alleged Texas Operation
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn confronted U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Tuesday about allegations of a Texas-based gun-walking operation similar to the controversial Fast and Furious operation in Arizona.



