As Texas voters head into the 2026 primary, candidates are using artificial intelligence to mock opponents and sharpen attacks.
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.
Gillespie County Republicans scale back hand-count amid staffing shortage
The county GOP will use machines to tally early voting results but still plans to hand-count ballots cast on Election Day.
Some Abbott-backed candidates face political headwinds in Republican primaries
The governor is supporting two U.S. House candidates whose opponents were recently endorsed by President Donald Trump, while his picks for comptroller and agriculture commissioner are trailing in the polls.
Rep. Tony Gonzales attacks primary opponent amid reporting of his affair with aide who died by suicide
The San Antonio Express-News reported on a text message from a staffer admitting to having an affair with Gonzales. The staffer died last year after setting herself on fire in Uvalde.
How to spot AI-generated images and online content during the 2026 primary elections
Identifying falsified or digitally enhanced videos, photos and ads takes attention and awareness, but helpful tools are out there.
Dan Crenshaw vs. Steve Toth primary is a fight over who’s the real RINO
Crenshaw, fighting to remain in his Houston-area congressional seat, has drawn criticism from right-wing media and a challenge from Toth, among the most conservative members of the Texas House.
GOP attorney general candidates tout conservative bona fides at only debate in primary to succeed Ken Paxton
All four candidates are vying to prove they are the heir apparent to Paxton, who has solidified the office as a juggernaut in the conservative legal movement.
Rick Perry says his political group will spend “whatever we need” to support John Cornyn in Senate primary
The former Texas governor chairs the Lone Star Freedom Project, a group that has already spent almost $18 million boosting Cornyn against Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
Stephen Colbert blasts CBS for nixing James Talarico interview
The late-night host said the network feared running afoul of new FCC guidance directing shows to give equal airtime to political candidates.
Chip Roy is known for calling out GOP leaders. He says that’s what Texas needs in an attorney general.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy has broken with his party, and called out President Donald Trump and Attorney General Ken Paxton. He says his loyalty is to Texas and to the Constitution.

