The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
More than 10,000 delegates to the state GOP convention are gathering in Dallas. With the party's presidential race decided, the five things to watch include Ted Cruz's return and Greg Abbott's book launch. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/11/Delegates18.jpg)
In a new video released by his campaign the day before he's set to appear in court in Dallas, embattled AG Ken Paxton defends himself against "crimes I didn't commit" and says he's been wrongly accused by people mad that he's a "conservative Christian." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/videos/Ken_Paxton_screen.jpg)
Three years after a West, Texas, fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 people, including 12 firefighters and first responders, state and federal officials said Wednesday that someone set that fire, committing a criminal act. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/04/18/West-TX-1.jpg)
Ted Cruz said Wednesday he plans to seek a second term in the U.S. Senate. This comes the week after the Texan dropped out of the GOP presidential contest. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2013/09/25/Cruz-Floor.jpg)
The primary runoff for outgoing state Sen. Troy Fraser’s seat has gone fully negative. State Rep. Susan King, R-Abilene, and Travis County eye surgeon Dawn Buckingham are trading barbs in public appearances left and right. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/03/07/Buckingham-King.jpg)
On this week's TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Ross and Abby about Austin's ride-hailing vote, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's fight against Fort Worth ISD's transgender student policy and Ted Cruz's highly anticipated return to the Senate. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/11/TT-tribcast2015-1024x680-final.jpg)
Drawing a parallel between the long-term efforts of her husband's supporters and the fight to end slavery, Heidi Cruz said Tuesday that it took "a lot longer than four years" for the latter fight to be successful. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/02/26/Heidi-5.jpg)
Members of the Texas House Higher Education Committee said they were worried about the rising cost of college in Texas, but stayed away from the criticism and dramatic calls for action heard from the Senate in recent weeks. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/10/7C2A0589.jpg)
On his first day back in the Senate, Ted Cruz repeatedly avoided endorsing his party’s presumptive presidential nominee, ruled out a third-party run against Donald Trump and said he would continue to serve as an “outsider." Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/03/Ted_Drops_Out.jpg)
State Rep. Ron Reynolds, a Democrat from Missouri City, is busy appealing convictions and settlement judgments related to his law practice, but he says he’s confident he can ‘easily’ win re-election. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/03/17/Bartholomew_v._Reynolds.jpg)
Throughout Mental Health Month in May, the Tribune is partnering with the Mental Health Channel and KLRU for a series focusing on some of Texas’ biggest challenges in providing mental health care. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/09/TTE-MHM_leadart-pointer.jpg)
Ted Cruz may have dropped out of the race last week, but he is working to ensure his supporters stay engaged through the Republican National Convention. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/03/Cruz_out_reuters.jpg)
Sometimes, your only choices are “naive" and “cynical” — as when the question is whether to believe what political people say. Rick Perry talked about the presidential race Friday. Score one for the cynics. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/06/PerryPortrait678.jpg)
Two special masters appointed by a federal judge to oversee reforms at the state's troubled foster care system have started work, and the tab is running. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2017/03/21/child-foster.jpg)
It's likely that no candidate will clear 50 percent in the special election for the unexpired seat in Texas House District 120, voters will be asked to come to the polls again this summer for — yes — an extra special election. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/04/29/McClendon-Turner.jpg)
Austin's Proposition 1, a ride-hailing ordinance supported by Uber and Lyft was defeated Saturday. With all precincts reporting late Saturday night, 48,673 voted against the ordinance and 38,539 voted for it. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/04/28/6F6A9201.jpg)
A year ago, Democrats treated HUD Secretary and former San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro as the most likely vice presidential pick for a Hillary Clinton ticket. But in recent weeks, speculation about his chances has grown more muted. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/20/CastroJulian-02.jpg)
The official portrait of former Gov. Rick Perry was unveiled Friday morning, giving Texas' longest-serving governor a permanent home in the Capitol — and answering a burning question throughout Austin. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/06/7C2A9423.jpg)
Texas House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, is signaling agreement with U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan when it comes to Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/10/17/_J3A6320.JPG)
In Austin, former Gov. Rick Perry on Friday defended his endorsement of Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee whom Perry once called a "cancer on conservatism." Perry said such rhetoric comes in the heat of battle. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/images/2016/05/06/Perry_presser_photoTT.jpg)