The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul and his son, presidential hopeful and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, are in a strange predicament as the 2016 campaign season begins. They are a father and son tied together — but running in opposite directions. Full Story
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The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations — and potential presidential contender — on his political ambitions, his ties to Texas and the role the state will play in the 2016 race. Full Story
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On this week's edition of WFAA-TV's Inside Texas Politics, talk turns to the personal styles of Texas' new governor and lieutenant governor. Full Story
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Winning a large share of the Hispanic vote in Texas will be crucial for Texas-affiliated Republican presidential hopefuls. As the candidates tiptoe toward the 2016 starting gate, experts helped the Tribune handicap their chances with this critical voting bloc. Full Story
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The 2016 Republican presidential nomination chase unofficially began Saturday, and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and former Gov. Rick Perry made it clear that they're in the hunt. Full Story
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As fights brew in several Texas cities over nondiscrimination ordinances protecting gay people, state lawmakers are poised to dive into the fray. Full Story
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Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's office on Friday announced new committee members. Among the new chairs: State Sen. Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, who will lead the Senate Education Committee. Full Story
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UPDATED: Gov. Greg Abbott announced Friday that Feb. 17 will be the runoff date for three special elections — Senate District 26, House District 17 and House District 123. Early voting will be Feb. 9-13. Full Story
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Former Comptroller Susan Combs, who is off the list of statewide elected officeholders for the first time since 1999, still has a sizable political treasury and a desire to make voters out of conservative Texans who don't pay attention to politics. Full Story
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More news reports are highlighting growing questions about 21CT's activity at various state agencies. Full Story
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Speaking Thursday at the Texas Hospital Association conference in Austin, potential GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson said it was a “mistake to talk about repealing” the Affordable Care Act without offering an alternative. Full Story
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Houston lawyer Terry Giles' legal career has ranged from defending Richard Pryor to taking on Anna Nicole Smith. Now he's jumping into presidential politics as the top dog for Republican Ben Carson's nascent campaign. Full Story
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Texas hospitals want legislators to find a way for the state to draw down billions in federal Affordable Care Act dollars to cover the uninsured and alleviate the burden on local taxpayers. This is the third video in our State of Mind series. Full Story
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From state agencies paying employees' tuition to House budget writers sending a shot across the UT System's bow, here are two good reads to start your day. Full Story
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Full video of the LBJ Library Future Forum's 1/21 panel discussion, "The Future of Texas," featuring state Reps. Donna Howard, D-Austin, Matt Krause, R-Fort Worth, Sarah Davis, R-West University Place, and Alfonso "Poncho" Nevárez, D-Eagle Pass. Full Story
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While former Texas Gov. Rick Perry waits to see if a judge will toss out the indictment against him, legal costs are starting to add up for both sides in the case over his threat to veto funding for a state watchdog unit. Full Story
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With a new lieutenant governor installed for the first time in over a decade Wednesday — and over the cries of Democrats — the Texas Senate voted to break from an almost 70-year tradition intended to encourage compromise among its members. Full Story
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Check out our new landing page for Texas-centric coverage of the 2016 presidential election — from the will-he-won't-hes of Rick Perry and Ted Cruz to front-runners' swings through the Lone Star State. Full Story
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A day of festivities surrounding the inauguration of Texas' newest governor, Greg Abbott, and lieutenant governor, Dan Patrick, ended with the traditional black tie gala. Full Story
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Three different musical acts — along with six cash bars — entertained an estimated 10,000 guests including lawmakers from both parties, legislative staff, Capitol lobbyists and some of the state’s top political donors. Full Story
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