The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
House Speaker Joe Straus has asked a state agency to release its ideas for improving government efficiency. The request came on the heels of news that Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had directed the board to do the exact opposite. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/StrausPatrick.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that he and state lawmakers will pursue legislation that would "remove from office any officeholder who promotes sanctuary cities." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/23/Abbott_Hernandez.png)
Schools say they rely heavily on "special item" appropriations for higher education. The Senate hasn't appropriated any so far, but it could add them later. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/University_Tuition_Money.jpg)
Donald Trump's upset victory left many in both parties shocked, upending their best-laid plans for after the election. Among them are rising Texas Democratic stars Julián and Joaquin Castro. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/06/17/20160617_160329.jpg)
Gov. Greg Abbott is formally demanding that Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez reverse her new policy on cooperation with federal immigration authorities or lose state dollars, further escalating a showdown over "sanctuary cities" that have been in the crosshairs of Republican officials. Full Story
Former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson's nomination to lead the State Department is on track, thanks to the support of a crucial Republican senator. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/11/Tillerson_Confirmation1_TT.jpg)
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to take up Texas’ effort salvage its strict voter identification law, handing at least a temporary victory to civil rights advocates who have successfully argued that the law discriminates against minorities. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/07/18/TxTribElectionDay2013_Kalifa012.jpg)
A recent study of mayoral races — those important but rarely epic meat-and-potatoes exercises in civic responsibility — revealed some ugly facts about voters in general and Texas voters in particular. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/11/03/Early_voting_DeWitt_BD_TT.jpg)
Two powerful U.S. senators announced they would back the secretary of state nomination of Rex Tillerson, a native Texan. Full Story
In our six-part "State of Mind" series, we looked at various issues being discussed across Texas as state lawmakers debate bills during the 85th Legislative Session. Watch all of the videos here. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/27/TT-state-of-mind-landing-pointer.jpg)
The day after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, tens of thousands of Texans took part in marches across the state Saturday during Texas’ multiple iterations of the Women’s March on Washington. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/21/Archive_Shelby_Knowles036.JPG)
A Friday announcement by newly-elected Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez that her office would reduce cooperation with federal immigration authorities will set up a showdown with Texas Republican leaders, especially Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/08/30/Sheriff-Sally.jpg)
The Lil' and Elite Wranglers, a College Station-based troupe of dancers made up of nine- to 18-year-olds, took their Texas swing to Washington, D.C., on Friday for the Inaugural Parade of President Donald Trump. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/20/BLACKTIE_BOOTS_BALL_012.JPG)
After spending a year raising money for the trip, a group of San Antonio students managed to look past any political disappointment to enjoy the experience of witnessing a peaceful transfer of power. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/20/SA_Students_at_Inauguration_AL_TT.jpg)
The Texas Supreme Court reversed course and agreed to take up a case involving benefits for married same-sex couples after Republican leaders urged the court to reconsider its earlier decision to let a lower court decision stand. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/07/04/TxTrib-GayWedding_014.JPG)
As Donald Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States with ceremonies in Washington, D.C., multiple protests and celebrations will be unfolding in Texas. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/20/ShelbyKnowles-03January_20_2017.jpg)
In the Roundup: Former Gov. Rick Perry has confirmation hearing for energy secretary, State Rep. Dawnna Dukes is indicted and the Texas House and Senate are billions of dollars apart on the state budget. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/012017_Still.jpg)
An estimated 12,000 people brought their best cowboy hats to the Texas State Society's Black Tie and Boots Ball just outside the U.S. capitol on Thursday night. Many Texans there were in a celebratory mood on the eve of a Republican takeover of the White House. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/01/20/BLACKTIE_BOOTS_BALL_013_Tt.jpg)
Two weeks after the high-profile legislation was unveiled in the Texas Senate, Gov. Greg Abbott maintained his largely neutral stance on the "bathroom bill" Thursday as pressure builds on him to weigh in. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/09/19/EduWorkForce157TT.jpg)
U.S. Reps. Filemon Vela, Vicente Gonzalez and Sheila Jackson-Lee announced Thursday they were not attending Friday's inauguration. Vela said 40 migrant students from his district were subject to racial slurs from inauguration attendees. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/06/17/7C2A6765.jpg)