The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
A new commission had barely begun to study Texas' partisan judicial election system when the leader of the Texas Senate signaled skepticism of reform. Full Story
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The decision comes just days after the Texas governor became the first state leader to opt out of the program. The move drew a harsh rebuke from Texas' Catholic bishops. Full Story
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated that she leaned on Garcia for her judicial background. Full Story
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Big Spring, Colorado City and Rusk are the three latest towns to vote in favor of such ordinances, which are of contested legality and enforceability. Full Story
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The numbers give Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, by far the biggest formal operation in Texas ahead of the state’s March 3 primary. Full Story
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It’s not the first time Abbott has disagreed with the religious groups over state policy. He was also criticized after he made 2017's Senate Bill 4, an omnibus, state-based immigration enforcement bill, a legislative priority. Full Story
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The Texas attorney general got a political gift in the form of a friendly request for his opinion: a chance to take a swipe at a political nemesis. Full Story
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A legal opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said that facilitating state employees' donations to Planned Parenthood falls under a 2019 state law prohibiting government entities from entering into "taxpayer resource transactions" with abortion providers or their affiliates. Full Story
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Four progressive members of the City Council are pushing the proposal, which needs two more votes to pass. Full Story
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The senator's backers now include three state representatives, several Texas city council members and local political organizers. Full Story
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The Texas governor said DPS will place additional patrols within two blocks of state buildings downtown and around the University of Texas. Full Story
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The White House called the initial decision to block on the use of military funds for the border wall "illegitimate" and hailed the appeals court decision as a victory. Full Story
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Make it your resolution this year to keep track of voter registration deadlines, early voting and more. Full Story
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The state's Department of Motor Vehicles revoked the "JAIL 45" plate after someone complained it was offensive. Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Evan, Cassi and Matthew about the political year ahead with heated battles for the Texas House and the state’s 38 electoral votes. Full Story
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State agencies are seeing an increase in cyber security threats as Iranian officials vow revenge against the U.S. for killing a top general. Full Story
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It's possible for a political candidate to win by losing — to rise in prominence as a result of a losing campaign for office. Beto O'Rourke tried and failed to do that. But keep an eye on Julián Castro, whose profile rose as his presidential bid fell apart. Full Story
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The candidate has had to confront backlash to two episodes in recent days: comments about her Mexican heritage and an endorsement from actress Susan Sarandon. Full Story
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A fatal stabbing near downtown Austin on Friday has reignited a social media squabble between Abbott and Austin leaders over the city's decision to overhaul its homeless policies. Full Story
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Castro’s departure means there will be no Texans competing in the Democratic presidential primary. Full Story
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