Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, fielded questions about data centers and oil field pollution at a town hall hosted by the Webb County Democratic Party.
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
2026 Texas Elections
Cornered by Big Bend backlash, Texas Republicans tread carefully around Trump
Most of the state’s GOP leaders have hedged on the White House’s plans for the region, welcoming a construction pause without breaking from a president they’re loath to cross.
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2026 Texas Elections
Talarico floods Texas airwaves in U.S. Senate race as Paxton, GOP stay quiet
With early voting about two months away, the Democrat has had TV nearly to himself, outspending his Republican rival more than 200-to-1 on advertising as GOP groups weigh when — or whether — to get involved.
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Immigration
Minnesota sues Abbott to force extradition of ICE agent accused of shooting Venezuelan man
Christian Castro, accused of assault and lying about the circumstance surrounding the Jan. 14 shooting, could be released if a judge does not grant Minnesota’s request for a restraining order.
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Energy
Residents and industry leaders at odds over transmission lines at legislative hearing
The growing backlash surrounding 765 kv lines, as well as data centers, was tackled at a nine-hour House hearing that included testimony and recommendations but no definitive answers.
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Health care
A surrogate’s fight for parental rights in Dallas could discourage surrogacy use in Texas, lawyers say
A surrogate’s fight for custody over the baby she birthed last week could lead to more restrictions on the rights of biological parents and on abortion clauses in surrogacy agreements.
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State Government
Special election set to replace Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell, who resigned for Pentagon post
The longtime state legislator, who announced in June 2025 he wasn’t seeking reelection, vacated the seat to serve as a U.S. assistant secretary of defense.
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Public Education
Gov. Abbott proposes ban on H-1B visa use for Texas public schools during campaign stop
Some districts use the temporary work permits to fill critical teacher shortages in roles such as bilingual education.
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TribCast
TribCast: Should we believe the polls about Paxton and Talarico?
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin about the polls showing a tight race for U.S. Senate. Are they reliable? Is Talarico really in the lead?
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T-Squared
Texas Tribune Festival 2026: Our full lineup is here
Raphael Warnock, Kevin Stitt, Dolores Huerta, Maggie Haberman and other prominent voices in American political and civic life join us in Austin next month
