Johnson is hoping enough moderates are tired of Paxton-era culture wars to cross party lines. His GOP opponent, Mayes Middleton, is running as the outgoing incumbent’s ideological heir.
Topics
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Criminal Justice
Texas carries out nation’s first execution since Tennessee’s botched attempt
Jamaal Howard’s lawyers had sought a last-minute stay citing the inmate’s mental fitness, but their bid was denied by a state and federal court.
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Public Education
STAAR rescoring requests triple after more Texas schools question computer grading
Thousands of STAAR reading results improved after humans rescored students’ written answers. Most of the initial grading was done by an automated engine.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Most Texas Republicans ignore Democratic calls to debate in statewide races
The last U.S. Senate race in Texas to go without a debate was in 2000. Gov. Greg Abbott, meanwhile, debated his Democratic opponents in each of his last three campaigns.
Posted in
Politics
Texas comptroller investigating spending in Austin ISD, other districts
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced the reviews, which were requested by Gov. Greg Abbott, on Monday. Results are due Dec. 31.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas governor 2026: Who is running and what to know
The governor is Texas’ chief executive, with a hand in everything from enforcing laws to setting budget priorities and responding to crises. Here’s a look at where GOP candidate Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa stand.
Posted in
State Government
Texas agency sues to stop release of data center records that it says could aid terrorists
A lawsuit will test whether Texas officials can withhold data center location details under the state Homeland Security Act.
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TribCast
TribCast: Are Texas’ voter systems ready for a contentious election?
Votebeat’s Natalia Contreras joins TribCast to explain the state of Texas’ voter rolls one month before election day.
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Higher Education
Texas college campus protest law faces First Amendment challenge
A federal appeals court will consider whether restrictions on protests at Texas’ public universities and colleges violate constitutional rights.
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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.
