Saturday’s debate, hosted by the Texas AFL-CIO, gives voters their first side-by-side glimpse of the candidates’ contrasting styles and proposals ahead of the March 3 primary.
Politics
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2026 Texas Elections
Congressman Wesley Hunt draws scrutiny for missed votes amid campaign for U.S. Senate
The Houston Republican, who has missed 44 of 48 votes this month, said such absences are typical for those seeking higher office. Rep. Chip Roy, a candidate for Texas attorney general, has not missed any votes in 2026.
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2026 Texas Elections
After vicious 2024 cycle, Texas House GOP primaries see quieter landscape defined by tort battle
With Texas’ hardline conservative megadonors largely staying on the sidelines, a handful of House primaries have become battlegrounds for the state’s civil justice debate.
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State Government
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas lieutenant governor primary: Who is running and what to know
The lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
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2026 Texas Elections
New red-leaning congressional seat in North Texas draws wide-open GOP primary field
The once solidly blue 32nd District is considered the safest bet for Republicans out of the five Democratic seats targeted by the GOP’s new congressional gerrymander.
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Politics
Judge dismisses Texas lawsuit claiming that numbering system threatens ballot secrecy
The ruling said activist Laura Pressley’s case was moot, because the state has already banned the practice she challenged.
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Politics
North Texas school district cancels Islamic Games for alleged ties to group governor calls terroristic
The games’ organizers said it was not associated with the group Gov. Greg Abbott has targeted.
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State Government
Texas counties, auto industry push back on proposed ID restrictions on car registration tied to immigration
People testified during a Wednesday hearing said the DMV’s proposed changes would harm not just affected residents, but also Texas businesses and road safety.
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Politics
Gov. Abbott endorses Nate Sheets over Sid Miller for agriculture commissioner
In a statement, Abbott said Texans deserve a commissioner focused on Texas agriculture and “with zero tolerance for criminality.”