The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
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
Donald Trump pardons Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Cuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Houston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Texas’ new congressional maps are in the middle of a legal battle. See how your district could look in 2026.
Texas Republicans drew new districts aimed at picking up five more seats. This tool compares previous and proposed districts.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court lets Texas keep new congressional map while legal battle continues
The ruling is a major win for the Trump administration and Texas Republicans, who engineered the map to give the GOP control of 30 of the state’s 38 congressional districts.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett, leaning toward Senate bid, schedules campaign event Monday
The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.
Posted in
Health care
Even as SNAP resumes, new federal work rules threaten access for some Texans
Under new requirements, “able-bodied” recipients could lose access to benefits for three years if they go three months without documenting working hours.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from Congress
The Richmond Republican, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, made the announcement with days left before the deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 primaries.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Brandon Herrera raises $1 million, swipes at Rep. Tony Gonzales over alleged affair
Gonzales recently made his first public remarks about the death of his 35-year-old aide who died after lighting herself on fire. He vigorously denied reports that the two were engaged in an extramarital affair.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Webb County judge disputes allegation that he violated federal law to dodge Texas’ resign-to-run rule
Tano Tijerina, the top elected official in a county that includes Laredo, is expected to seek the GOP nomination in Texas’ 28th Congressional District, long held by Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar.