Republican incumbents enter their reelection campaigns well ahead of their Republican challengers and with most voters unacquainted with the Democratic challengers in the field, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
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
Politics
Congress approves $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, sending measure to Biden for enactment
No vote was taken on the $2 trillion tax-and-spending package that progressive Democrats had hoped to tie to the bipartisan infrastructure bill. President Joe Biden said he’s confident the Build Back Better plan would be passed in the House by Nov. 15.
Posted in
Demographics
Texans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz join GOP senators to block voting rights bill that would have protected voters of color
In a final push to secure federal voting rights legislation this year, congressional Democrats failed to secure the necessary votes to avoid a GOP filibuster on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas
Analysis: Texas legislators aren’t ready to take self-interest out of redistricting
In Texas, the Legislature draws political maps — with results that predictably favor the party in power. Do independent commissions do any better?
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
With a congressional seat suddenly open, Democrats in the Rio Grande Valley race to recruit for a competitive district
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez announced last week he’ll seek reelection in a new seat, leaving his 15th Congressional District open for the 2022 election. Candidate filing begins Nov. 13.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will run for a different House seat in 2022 after redistricting made his more competitive
Texas lawmakers made Gonzalez’s current 15th Congressional District more competitive for Republicans. The representative now plans to run in the 34th District, which is safer for Democrats.
Posted in
Texas 2022 Elections
In fast-growing Central Texas, redistricting sparks political reshuffling in upcoming statehouse and congressional races
The fast-growing region likely will see a considerable number of new state and federal lawmakers after the 2022 election. And in many cases, they will be representing districts whose boundaries have significantly shifted.
Posted in
Congress
U.S. Senate Republicans block federal voting rights legislation that would override Texas’ restrictions
In their latest push to lift state-level voting restrictions, Senate Democrats failed to secure the 60 votes required to break a filibuster on the Freedom to Vote Act.
Posted in
Politics
After Texas and other states passed new voting restrictions, federal bills could expand ballot access. Here’s what you need to know.
The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on the Freedom to Vote Act, which would supersede some of Texas’ new elections law.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas
Texas Republicans send Gov. Greg Abbott a new congressional map that protects GOP power, reduces influence of voters of color
After a few last-minute alterations, the state’s new congressional districts are drawn and await the scrutiny of federal courts. Already, one lawsuit has been filed claiming the new maps intentionally discriminate against Latino voters.