The report also found most nonprofit facilities in Texas — which has a higher rate of medical debt than most states — will not offer refunds to patients who are later found to qualify for free care.
Politics
Stay informed with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth political coverage, including Texas elections, state government, policy debates, and the leaders shaping the future of the state.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
At CNN town hall, Senate candidate James Talarico woos moderate and undecided voters
The Austin Democrat used the forum, absent rival Ken Paxton, to discuss policy and present himself as a moderate. Republicans cast those efforts as contrary to his record.
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Politics
Texas transgender rights group says it didn’t send texts that prompted call for an investigation
The Transgender Education Network of Texas sent a cease and desist letter to messaging companies demanding an end to the text campaign.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Local Texas election officials clear voter registration backlog caused by state error
More than 500,000 voter applications were held up by an error in a Department of Public Safety software update.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Ken Paxton to close Senate campaign with “Come and Take It” bus tour ending at the Alamo
The Republican nominee plans to hit over 30 stops across Texas, concluding with a stop at the Alamo on the eve of Election Day, as he competes in an intensely close Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
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Politics
It’s not just Talarico. New Texas poll shows Dems statistically tied in key statewide races
Republicans trail behind Democrats in voter enthusiasm, a University of Texas/Texas Politics Project University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll shows.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
House Republicans pull $3 million reserved for ads against Henry Cuellar
The Laredo Democrat’s 28th District was one of five seats Republicans redrew last summer to flip to GOP control. But the new map has proven less ironclad than the party hoped.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Most polls have Talarico ahead of Paxton in the U.S. Senate race
We’re tracking all major polls in the U.S. Senate race to give Texans a fuller picture of where this race is headed. Paxton has been consistently trailing in the polls, but the margins are tight.
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Data Centers in Texas
Despite tough talk from Abbott and Paxton, Texas penalties for data center violations are light
Texas officials are promising tougher enforcement on data centers, but the existing law may offer limited leverage over the industry that has largely failed to report its water use.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In competitive North Texas Senate race, GOP candidate sheds her “ultra MAGA” label
In a district Trump won by 17 points, Republican Leigh Wambsganss no longer describes herself as ultra-MAGA in her rematch with Democrat Taylor Rehmet.
