Some Texans on SNAP say the ban on using food stamps to buy sugary drinks and candy prevents quick fixes to low blood sugar conditions.
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.
Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local elections
In-person early voting runs from April 20-28. The last day to apply to cast a ballot by mail is April 20. Read more about who qualifies for that option, which is limited in Texas, in our guide.
Railroad commission hopeful Bo French says he wasn’t invited to a GOP candidate forum in Midland
A Midland County Republican Women official said they tried for months to extend an invitation to French, who is in a runoff with incumbent Jim Wright, but were unable to reach him.
Texas 2026 election: Here’s who’s on your ballot in the May 26 primary runoff
The Republican and Democratic primary runoffs are May 26. See the full list of statewide candidates, as well as local races that will be on your ballot.
In South Texas, quinceañera dig becomes campaign fuel for Tejano musician Bobby Pulido
Since GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz said the race “isn’t about who you want performing at your niece’s quinceañera,” the Democrat has played at a dozen such events in the 15th Congressional District.
Texas expected to pay $700 million in penalties to the feds for SNAP errors by 2027
The federal government is penalizing states for having a high error rate in their payments to food stamp recipients.
Dan Patrick says Republicans will “have a tough time” holding Texas House majority in November
The lieutenant governor’s remarks are the latest sign that Republicans are worried about the fall midterms. The GOP has controlled the state House since 2003 and currently has an 88-62 advantage.
Texas cannabis businesses sue state to block smokeable hemp ban
Hemp businesses also want to block a new rule that raises licensing fees by thousands of dollars.
Texas is giving data centers more than $1 billion in tax breaks each year
The tax break is one of the state’s costliest incentive programs and soon to be the most expensive of its kind in the nation.
Five weeks after teasing endorsement, Trump remains on the sidelines of Cornyn-Paxton Senate runoff
The president could still weigh in over the next seven weeks. But his inaction before last month’s dropout deadline has only hardened the rivalry.



