Politics

Democrats think focusing on health care will flip a U.S. House seat. But will the nominee also need star power?

by Carrington Tatum

In a district with no clear frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, the party is looking to re-create MJ Hegar's momentum — and hopes focusing on issues will flip the seat. Full Story 

In Democrats’ low-information judicial primaries, gender and ballot names may drive voters’ decisions

by Emma Platoff

Fourteen Democrats are competing for seven seats on the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals. How do you win when no one knows your name? Full Story 

Republican congressional candidate Jamie Berryhill compares borderless nation to a woman “raped and defiled”

by Stacy Fernández and Patrick Svitek

The Facebook post has since been deleted. Berryhill told a local TV station he wouldn't make similar comments again. Full Story 

Texas Democratic candidates differ on best way to oust Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn

by Abby Livingston

Eleven of the 12 people seeking the Democratic nomination for the 2020 U.S. Senate race in Texas faced off in a debate Tuesday. It's been decades since someone from the party represented the state in the upper chamber. Full Story 

Watch the U.S. Senate Democratic primary debate

by Megan Menchaca

Eleven of the Democratic candidates running to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn will debate onstage starting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Full Story 

Early voting is underway in Texas. Here's what you need to know.

by Allyson Ortegon

Early voting will last for 10 days, ending Feb. 28. The primary is March 3. Full Story 

Political Pick'em: Can you guess who will win these Texas primaries?

by Bobby Blanchard

The Texas Tribune is excited to present a return of its Political Pick'em contest. We've selected a handful of competitive Texas primaries, and we want you to pick the candidates who you think will get the most votes. Full Story 

Judge calls opponent “selfish” for wanting to “break barriers” as first elected female chief justice of Texas Supreme Court

by Emma Platoff

Jerry Zimmerer, an appellate judge in Houston, said his campaign differs from Amy Clark Meachum's because “I actually want the best candidate to win.” Full Story 

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said Mike Bloomberg’s apology for “stop and frisk” was key to endorsement

by Alex Samuels

Turner’s endorsement comes amid controversy over Bloomberg's “stop and frisk” policy during his time as mayor of New York City. Full Story 

After strong finishes in Iowa and New Hampshire, Pete Buttigieg turns to Texas

by Alex Samuels

Starting Monday, the campaign will have 24 paid staffers in the state of Texas, which holds its primary March 3. Full Story 

Texas 2020 Hotlist: The most competitive races in this year's primaries

by Ross Ramsey, Patrick Svitek and Chris Essig

A couple of The Texas Tribune's political nerds highlight (their version of) the most interesting races up and down the 2020 primary ballot. Full Story 

Royce West helped flip Dallas County for Democrats in 2006. Could he flip Texas in 2020?

by Emma Platoff

In a crowded Democratic field to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the longtime state senator is betting on his decades of experience as a consensus builder. Full Story 

How are the top Democratic U.S. Senate candidates in Texas different? We asked them 11 questions to find out.

by Darla Cameron, Anna Novak and Matthew Watkins

To help voters make sense of the U.S. Senate race, we asked the top candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary a series of simple questions designed to help voters understand their political and policy-based differences. Full Story 

Beto O’Rourke’s flock remains loyal while his party debates whether to move on

by Alex Samuels

The question facing Texas Democrats: Can the party capitalize on the energy he brings out of his supporters while minimizing the counter-energy he seems to provoke from the right? Full Story 

Amanda Edwards lost a family member to gun violence. But she doesn’t want to "take your AR-15."

by Sami Sparber

The U.S. Senate candidate's proposals on guns and other issues are moderate compared with those of some of her primary competitors — but she said they have the most realistic chance of passing. Full Story 

Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez’s unlikely ally in her quest to take on John Cornyn: Alec Baldwin

by Alex Samuels

In Baldwin, most recently known for his recurring portrayal of President Donald Trump on ”Saturday Night Live,” Tzintzún Ramirez has found a generous financial supporter and an informal adviser. Full Story 

The on-air authority on state politics and policy

by Alana Rocha, Todd Wiseman and Justin Dehn

More than a website, The Texas Tribune has worked to grow its reach and foster an engaged electorate by appearing on television news stations across the state. Full Story 

Michael Bloomberg is opening 11 additional field offices in Texas ahead of Super Tuesday

by Alex Samuels

The campaign initially made its ambitious plans known late last year when it named its first four hires here, including a state director. Full Story 

Texas voter registration deadline is today

by Carla Astudillo, Mandi Cai and Megan Menchaca

The last day to register to vote in Texas is Feb. 3. Full Story 

Stepping into GOP primaries, Dennis Bonnen donates to seven Texas House incumbents

by Cassandra Pollock

The contributions mark the first notable movement from Bonnen's PAC since he announced in October he wasn't seeking reelection. Full Story