The Democratic incumbent, Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, had a surprisingly close race last year as President Joe Biden underperformed across the region, and his 2020 challenger, Monica De La Cruz-Hernandez, is running again.
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
Congress
Despair and optimism: Texans in Congress welcome Afghan refugees to the state, disagree on blame for tragedy in Kabul
Looking relieved but exhausted, 1,200 Afghan refugees arrived this week at El Paso’s Fort Bliss. Meanwhile, Texans remain on the ground in an increasingly dangerous Afghanistan.
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Texas Legislature 2021
New Texas voting laws, political maps could once again require federal approval under U.S. House bill named after John Lewis
The federal bill seeks to reinstate sections of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that were written to protect people of color. Texas House Democrats see it as a way to prevent implementing provisions of a Texas voting restrictions bill moving through the state Legislature.
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Congress
John Cornyn, other Texas GOP officials lambaste Biden over Afghanistan withdrawal deadline
Cornyn accused the Biden administration of letting the Taliban dictate military strategy by committing to an Aug. 31 withdrawal.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Houston-area U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls tests positive for COVID-19
The Republican congressman and former Fort Bend County sheriff, who is fully vaccinated, announced Saturday he’d tested positive for COVID-19.
Posted in
Politics
Texans in Congress have mixed views on President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. But bipartisan criticism has emerged.
Texas Republicans have doused the Biden administration in criticism. Democratic Texans in Congress have had varied reactions — but some also fault for the president for a frantic scramble after the Taliban swiftly took control.
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T-Squared
T-Squared: Here are more than 60 amazing sessions at the all-virtual 2021 Texas Tribune Festival
Today we’re releasing the program for our signature annual ideas conference (Sept. 20-25 on the screen of your choice). It’s chock full of powerful conversations on big issues. And we’ve added even more marquee speakers.
Posted in
Politics
Texas Congressman Michael McCaul says Biden administration “totally blew” Afghanistan withdrawal
McCaul, the highest ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, says Biden ignored intelligence briefings and underestimated the Taliban’s strength.
Posted in
Health care
Colin Allred is the first known member of Congress to take paid paternity leave. Now he’s pushing for it nationally.
With COVID-19 making paid parental leave even more critical, the Dallas Democrat is helping lead the move to change federal policy for fathers as well as mothers.
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Politics
Ted Cruz shuts down federal voting bill before U.S. Senate leaves for recess, dashing Texas Democrats’ hopes
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz blocked a last Democratic attempt to pass federal voting rights legislation this summer. The Senate left town but is expected to pick up the issue again in the fall.
