The retired Air Force colonel launched his campaign for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination in June, but he struggled to gain traction over other candidates.
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
Economy
Dallas, Houston airports will see flights cut starting Friday
The Federal Aviation Administration will cut air traffic by 10% across 40 U.S. airports.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Cornyn “open to” changing Senate filibuster, Hunt and Paxton back Trump’s call to scrap it
The president has sharpened his calls for Senate Republicans to kill the longstanding legislative maneuver, saying the GOP’s electoral success could hinge on it.
Posted in
2025 Texas Elections
Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards advance to runoff in special election for Houston congressional seat
The runoff winner will serve out the term of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in office earlier this year. The seat will immediately be up for election again in 2026 for a full two-year term.
Posted in
2025 Texas Elections
It’s Election Day in Texas. Here’s what to watch.
Texans will decide the fate of 17 proposed amendments to the state Constitution and vote in special elections for Congress and the state Senate.
Posted in
Graphics and data reporting
Texas ACA insurers hike monthly premiums by 35% on average
The amount Texans will pay toward their ACA premiums will likely rise more steeply, with enhanced subsidies set to expire.
Posted in
Economy
In Waco, food banks are already feeling the heat ahead of SNAP freeze
Charities are seeing a wave of clients seeking groceries ahead of the Saturday suspension of federal food benefits. Waco has a high food insecurity rate already.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Hunt calls for debate with Cornyn, Paxton in Senate GOP primary
The second-term congressman argued that voters should “hear directly from the candidates,” beyond the millions already being poured into paid advertising.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for Michael McCaul’s seat in Congress
The Austin Democrat will face an uphill battle in the GOP-leaning district. McCaul announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection.
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.