Controversial remarks by the GOP candidate cast a national spotlight on the typically quiet race for a spot on the Texas Railroad Commission.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In race to lead Texas agriculture department, Sheets and Tucker clash on data centers, credentials
The race to be the state’s first new agriculture commissioner in more than a decade has turned personal as both men have challenged each other’s ties to farm land.
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Texas affordability crisis
How Texas candidates plan to lower the cost of gas, groceries and housing
From groceries to childcare, Texans are spending more to live here. Here’s how much costs have risen, why it’s happening and what candidates are proposing to fix it.
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2026 Texas Elections
“We have to suck it up”: Ken Paxton privately suggests cutting federal benefit programs to reduce national deficit
In a conversation that has been leaked in pieces to multiple publications, the GOP Senate nominee called for “reasonable cuts to mandatory spending,” which is driven by Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Democrat Jon Rosenthal outraises Bo French in Railroad Commission race in latest report
A big chunk of Rosenthal’s haul came after French’s racist social media comments following a UT-Austin football game went viral.
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Environment
Institute launches in East Texas to address the region and state’s largest water challenges
The new institute plans to help solve Texas’ looming water crisis through research, data and training future workforces.
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Texas affordability crisis
Texas seniors are getting a huge property tax break. Everyone else is picking up the tab.
State lawmakers passed generous homestead exemptions that have allowed some 60% of Texas homeowners age 65 and up to pay $0 in school property taxes.
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Data Centers in Texas
Data centers pump $340M into rural Texas projects as they try to improve their reputations
The companies have faced waves of public backlash in Texas. To battle that negative public perception, they’ve donated millions to community causes and needs.
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Economy
Cattle associations say ICE operations are disrupting Texas agriculture industry, will cause higher beef prices
The beef industry has been under pressure recently from market disruptions, record high beef prices and small herd sizes. The groups say the ICE operations are another challenge for the industry.
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Muslims in Texas are disillusioned as GOP ramps up anti-Islam rhetoric
Being a Muslim in Texas has become more difficult amid a rise in hateful rhetoric from Republicans, panelists at The Texas Tribune Festival said.