The race to fill Texas’ long-vacant 18th Congressional District seat is headed to a runoff, just before the start of a new election cycle.
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.
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Congress
Fresh off defeating state THC ban, Texas hemp industry faces wipeout under federal deal to end shutdown
The issue roiled Texas politics earlier this year when Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed a ban on THC products spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
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Congress
U.S. House OKs funding deal to reopen government with support from Texas Republicans
The spending package includes a provision that will criminalize the sale of almost all consumable hemp products nationwide, restoring a similar ban to the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
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Health care
Older Texans among those facing the largest price hikes for Affordable Care Act insurance
About 1 million Texans with ACA health plans are over the age of 45, and many of them will pay monthly premiums that are more than $1,000.
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Congress
Texas Sens. Cornyn, Cruz vote for funding deal to end government shutdown
If approved by the House, the agreement would fund the government through the end of January, with certain agencies funded through September, including those that provide food assistance.
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Politics
“You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks Texas
The Democrat took a victory lap on rival Gov. Greg Abbott’s home turf Saturday and called on other blue states to push back on a GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House.
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Health care
Uncertainty grows on when Texans will get SNAP benefits as U.S. Supreme Court emergency order blocks full aid
The order will expire two days after an appeals court issues a more permanent ruling on the funding while the Trump administration will continue with partial SNAP payments.
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
The veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.
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Politics
Former astronaut Terry Virts drops Senate bid, announces run for Congress in redrawn Houston-area district
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.
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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.