The Austin Democrat will face an uphill battle in the GOP-leaning district. McCaul announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection.
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
How John Cornyn’s historic gun safety bill has become a reelection liability
Critics accuse Cornyn of capitulating to Democrats’ gun control demands — even though the bill largely did not restrict gun owner’s existing rights.
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Economy
Part-time jobs, loans and worry: Texas federal workers contend with government shutdown
Many federal workers missed their first full paycheck this weekend as the shutdown nears the one-month mark.
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Running Out: Texas’ Water Crisis
Texas’ congressional delegation wants Trump to punish Mexico for missing key water deadline
The state’s citrus industry is at risk, farmers say, after Mexico failed to deliver water it owes Texas as part of a 1944 treaty.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
This newly drawn Houston district could unearth tensions between Democrats of color
A primary challenge to Rep. Sylvia Garcia underscores Latino Democrats’ fears of being unrepresented in Harris County.
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Redistricting Texas 2025
How two Texas redistricting cases, 37 years apart, set the stage for the latest congressional redraw
The 5th Circuit last year overturned its previous ruling that allowed racial groups to band together to challenge voting maps, laying the groundwork for Texas’ mid-decade redistricting.
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TribCast
TribCast: The Hunt is on in the GOP Senate primary
Matthew and Eleanor are joined by Tribune D.C. reporter Gabby Birenbaum and radio host Chad Hasty to unpack the three candidates vying to be the Republican nominee for Senate in 2026.
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The 2025 Texas Tribune Festival
Wes Moore to open this year’s Texas Tribune Festival
In conversation with Chuck Todd, the Maryland governor will discuss the state of his state, our country and the Democratic Party.
Posted in
2025 Texas Elections
In special election for Houston congressional seat, candidates confront a bewildered electorate
Voters in the heavily Democratic district have expressed confusion about who can vote — after the boundaries were upended by a GOP gerrymander — and what November’s special election is for.
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Health care
3.5 million Texans will see food assistance halted if government shutdown continues
Texas officials say food stamp benefits, which go to 1.7 million children, would not be distributed in November under an extended shutdown.