The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
The lawmakers’ remarks came after an investigation published Tuesday by Military Times and The Texas Tribune revealed how Texas Guardsmen at the state’s border with Mexico spied on migrants via WhatsApp and allegedly mishandled secret documents. Full Story
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In the lead up to Tuesday’s trial, Patrick has been under tremendous scrutiny and pressure as Paxton allies and opponents search for signs of which way he may be leaning Full Story
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Paul personally chose targets and drafted language for subpoenas issued by Brandon Cammack, an outside lawyer hired by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton hired Cammack to investigate his friend’s complaints after his own deputies advised him against it. Full Story
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Four members of the unit working on Gov. Greg Abbott’s border mission have been punished after whistleblowers reported the surveillance operation violated long-standing rules against state-run spy operations. Full Story
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LGBTQ+ groups and drag performers suing the state argued Monday that Senate Bill 12 violates constitutionally-protected rights. The new law is set to go into effect on Friday unless a federal judge blocks it. Full Story
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Patrick’s previous appointment — Marc Brown, a former state appeals court judge in Harris County — declined the role after the Tribune inquired about a political donation he made. Full Story
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Thompson Williams is remembered as a spiritual leader and educator who “liked seeing what the possibilities were.” Full Story
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The state attorney general’s office appealed a state district court injunction that said the new prohibitions deprive trans kids of “necessary, safe, and effective medical treatment.” Full Story
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The announcement came uncommonly early — five years before the convention to select the GOP nominee for the 2028 election cycle. Full Story
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Senators who will act as jurors in the impeachment trial of the attorney general are being lobbied and targeted by political groups. Full Story
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The ruling means the November elections in the state’s largest county will be overseen by two other county officials. Legislators targeted Harris County’s elections department after taking issue with the way the 2022 elections were run. Full Story
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After criticizing Republican leaders on abortion, guns and race, Bishop will run as a Democrat against Rep. Angie Chen Button in a competitive district in Dallas County. Full Story
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Anemic poll numbers barred him from the debate stage, but Hurd also fell short of another requirement by declining to pledge his support for the eventual Republican nominee: “I will not sign a blood oath to Donald Trump.” Full Story
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Lawyers for the suspended attorney general argue that compelled testimony would violate Paxton’s rights, but House impeachment managers disagree. The issue may be settled shortly after his trial begins. Full Story
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Buzbee is currently defending Texas’ impeached attorney general. He ran for mayor in 2019, challenging incumbent Sylvester Turner while self-funding his campaign with over $10 million. Full Story
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Patrick, who will preside over the trial, will rely on former state appeals court Judge Marc Brown for advice during the proceedings. Full Story
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Drew Wicker testified that he ferried documents to Nate Paul on behalf of his boss and witnessed conversations that suggested Paul was paying for the attorney general’s home renovations. Full Story
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The Senate, which is conducting the trial, published the exhibits Thursday night. House impeachment managers say Paxton abused his office to help friend and political donor Nate Paul. Full Story
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West Texas residents are organizing over their love — or concern — for books. Meanwhile, from Lubbock to Midland and Odessa, librarians are trying to reaffirm libraries’ role as community hubs. Full Story
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A law that will give voters more time to vote across the state means election offices have to find more workers. That isn’t an easy task in rural Texas. Full Story
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