The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
The senator from Texas is among legislators questioning the validity of President-elect Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump. What's at stake? The hearts of the Republican voters who strongly back the incumbent president. Full Story
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Texas could pay the outside lawyers tens of millions for their work on the case — an early indication of the costs taxpayers may bear in the latest scandal enveloping Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Full Story
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The extension comes after the conservative U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in November sided with Texas officials who have long tried to block Planned Parenthood from participating in Medicaid, the federal-state health insurance program for the poor. Full Story
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The state's senior senator said Tuesday he will not object to certifying President Donald Trump's reelection defeat "based on unproven allegations." Full Story
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Emmy Ruiz, Cristóbal J. Alex and Adrian Saenz will serve in high-profile roles in the Biden administration. Full Story
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Springer, a Muenster Republican, is on his way to the Texas Senate. Full Story
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Texas officials cited a need to preserve medical supplies as a reason to crack down on abortions. A new study finds that many Texans left the state during this time seeking the procedure. Full Story
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Granger tested positive for the respiratory disease after arriving in Washington, D.C. and is “asymptomatic and feeling great,” her office said in a statement. Full Story
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An announcement of protocols for the Jan. 12 event did not mention masks. Full Story
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Phelan spoke with Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith in a virtual interview on the day before the legislative session is set to begin. Full Story
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Texas’ uncertain economic recovery is tied to the coronavirus vaccine, Hegar said, as state lawmakers convened this week to begin working on a new state budget with less money than they had to spend during the last legislative session. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, sought to undermine his GOP colleagues' attempts to question the election results. Meanwhile, Texas Democrats helped Nancy Pelosi win another term as House speaker. Full Story
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Joining several other U.S. senators, Cruz is calling for an emergency audit of election results in “disputed states,” despite no evidence of widespread election fraud. Full Story
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown sought to restrict dine-in food and beverage service both indoors and outdoors from 10:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., starting on New Year’s Eve and ending at 6 a.m. Sunday. The measure allowed restaurants to offer drive-thru, curbside pick-up, take out, or delivery services. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. John Cornyn voted to overturn the president’s veto of the annual defense spending bill, while U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz chose to sustain it. Twelve other senators—a mix of conservatives and liberals—joined Cruz in voting against overriding the veto. Full Story
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Several Texas lawmakers said they would not vote to end the system of partisan judicial elections, which critics say allows for the appearance of impropriety if not bias itself. Full Story
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Republicans will control the process, but a legal and political fight is sure to commence over who is empowered and whose voice is diluted. Full Story
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Retiring U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, of Clarendon, the former chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, asked colleagues to overturn Trump's veto. Full Story
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COVID-19 rules and accommodations are still uncertain in the Capitol, though many people with disabilities don't plan to give testimony in person because of fears of exposure. Full Story
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Springer is joining the state Senate after a hard-fought special election runoff earlier this month. Full Story
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