Data center developers can use nondisclosure agreements and shell companies to shield the details of their deals from the public. Even state officials also say they need more transparency from the industry.
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.
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Politics
Trump calls Texas’ data center opposition a “mistake”
The president’s comments to Punchbowl News come just days after Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide pause of approval for data centers trying to connect to the power grid.
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Health care
Houston area toddler at center of fight over brain death testing has died
In May, the family of 2-year-old Annelise Camp sued Texas Children’s Hospital to prevent brain death testing after she drowned in a hotel pool.
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Graphics and data reporting
Who’s leading in Texas’ U.S. Senate race? We’re tracking poll results between Ken Paxton and James Talarico.
The 2026 U.S. Senate race is poised to be one of Texas’ most competitive statewide races in years. We’re tracking the latest polls so you can see who’s ahead.
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Data Centers in Texas
Sid Miller says Republicans will lose statewide elections due to rapid data center development, backlash
The Texas agriculture commissioner has openly criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for not taking a stronger stand against data center development. The governor has ignored him.
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2026 Texas Elections
Fracas over Tarrant County voting sites highlights public distrust over how elections are run
Residents questioned whether officials in the closely watched purple county will make election decisions fairly in a “hyperpartisan environment.”
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2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico rolls out economic agenda that takes aim at “false Gospel of trickle-down economics”
Like his U.S. Senate rival, Ken Paxton, the Austin state lawmaker introduced a plan to address what he called an “affordability crisis.” But they differed on who is to blame for rising costs.
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Politics
Former state Rep. Lon Burnam eyes lawsuit after arrest during meeting on voting site cuts
The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of disrupting a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting and spent hours in jail before his release.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
National Democrats add former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales’ district to Texas congressional target list
The sprawling district, vacated by former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales earlier this year, went for President Trump by 15 points. But Democrats see an opening to win its Hispanic-majority electorate.
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Investigations
James Talarico accused Ken Paxton of voter fraud. His own voter registration is raising questions.
After hitting his GOP foe for voting under an address where he no longer lived, the Tribune and ProPublica found the Democratic Senate candidate also appears to have done so.
