The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Republican challenger Thomas McNutt lost to Byron Cook in 2016, and Matt Beebe couldn't topple Joe Straus in two attempts. They're running again this year, but with those two powerful incumbents out of the way. Full Story
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Democratic state Rep. René Oliveira almost avoided a runoff in the primary for House District 37, but his recent arrest on a charge of driving while intoxicated has given renewed momentum to challenger Alex Dominguez. Full Story
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Monty Bennett has spent generously to help state Rep. Lance Gooden win a Republican runoff for a seat in Congress. The pair own property together and, as a state legislator, Gooden passed special interest legislation benefiting Bennett. Full Story
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As thousands of students take the online STAAR assessment were booted from the testing server this week, parents and special education advocates argued that the students most affected by these glitches are the ones most ill-equipped to bounce back. Full Story
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In this edition of the TribCast, the last before the May 22 primary runoff, Texas Tribune Editor-in-Chief Emily Ramshaw sits down with CEO Evan Smith, Executive Editor Ross Ramsey, political reporter Patrick Svitek and a special guest, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. Full Story
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A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund can represent a group of young undocumented immigrants in opposing a lawsuit aimed at ending an Obama-era immigration program shielding people like them from deportation. Full Story
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In the Democratic runoff for governor, Lupe Valdez raised $208,000 from Feb. 25 through Saturday, while White received $179,000, according to new filings with the Texas Ethics Commission. Full Story
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Seven Democrats filed to run against U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, a Dallas Republican. The race is now down to Colin Allred and Lillian Salerno – two former Obama administration officials who argue Sessions is vulnerable. Full Story
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It's clear that many Democrats running for office in Texas oppose President Donald Trump. But when asked about a hypothetical impeachment, many Democratic candidates weren't so fast to say "yes" to oust a sitting president. Full Story
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Total spending on public education has stayed relatively steady over the past decade. But who is paying for it has shifted. Full Story
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Weeks after resigning from Congress amid sexual harassment allegations, former U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold will be the port's full-time legislative liaison, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported Monday. Full Story
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Early voting begins today in the May 22 runoffs. Here's snapshots of the 34 primary runoffs for statewide, congressional and legislative offices and the State Board of Education. Full Story
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The two Democratic candidates for governor sounded out their differences — sometimes with rancor — at a church in Austin on Friday evening in their first and likely only debate before the May 22 runoff. Full Story
Civil rights advocates hope that the ruling by U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia could force Texas to adopt a version of online voter registration. Full Story
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Watch the Democrats competing to take on Gov. Greg Abbott meet for the first and only debate before the May 22 primary runoff. Full Story
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The candidates in the Democratic primary runoff for Texas governor, Lupe Valdez and Andrew White, will hold their sole debate on Friday. You can watch them virtually debate in our Split Decision series and find out where they stand on abortion, gun control and legalizing marijuana. Full Story
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Wright said he was ultimately overruled by his family. He also acknowledged that it would've been an uphill battle. Full Story
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A series of life-changing events propelled Andrew White to follow in the footsteps of his father, former Gov. Mark White, and launch his own bid for Texas' highest office. Full Story
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The longtime law enforcement officer gained international attention helping Democrats topple a Republican establishment in Dallas County. But she's already had some stumbles as she attempts an ascent to the governor's office. Full Story
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"No matter what your ideological views on this topic are, everybody should have a debate," Hurd said. Full Story
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