The oil field engineer’s technical expertise and perspective will give him influence in other ways, industry experts said.
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.
Posted in
Health care
Gov.-elect Hinojosa wants to expand Medicaid in Texas. An executive order won’t make that happen.
Texas Dems may craft a state “trigger bill” to activate Medicaid expansion if Congress repeals costly Trump administration restrictions.
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Texas Legislature 2027
Bill filing begins today for a divided Texas Legislature’s 2027 session
Democrats will run the House and Republicans retain control of the Senate when the 90th legislative session convenes in January.
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Immigration
Houston mayor limits police cooperation with ICE after Democratic wins
Houston police will stop contacting ICE during traffic stops when drivers aren’t arrested, even if they have immigration warrants. The change follows pressure from Gov. Greg Abbott to maintain cooperation.
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2026 Texas Elections
With Democrats sweeping Texas, the GOP-led war on cities nears its end
Democrats are less likely to pick on cities the way Republican lawmakers have, observers said. But a fight over housing affordability will test that.
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2026 Texas Elections
As power shifts in Texas, the state’s economic strength is based on more than politics
Economists attributed Texas’ economic success to factors that have little to do with the political party that controls the state.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas spent billions on border security. What happens to Greg Abbott’s mission when Dems take over?
After Abbott’s defeat, Texas’ new governor faces questions about Operation Lone Star, border security and the future of immigration enforcement.
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Energy
Leaders of powerful energy industry prepare to work with Democrat on Texas Railroad Commission
Associations that represent the oil and gas industry are calling on Jon Rosenthal, the first Democrat on the commission in three decades, to govern fairly and predictably.
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2026 Texas Elections
Gov.-elect Gina Hinojosa pledges bipartisan administration in first public appearance since win
Hinojosa said her transition into office would be “for the whole state of Texas,” not just the mostly Democratic coalition that elected her. She said Gov. Greg Abbott had been “gracious” about the process.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Dems celebrate flipping State Board of Education, brace for potential recount
The race determining the balance of power on Texas’ education board could go to a recount as fewer than 600 votes separate candidates.
