Texas Politics: Elections, State Government, Policy, and Leaders

Texas Senator Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, in the Senate chamber on May 29, 2011 where her one hour filibuster killed SB1811 for the regular session and prompted a special session.

Potential SD-10 Candidates Await Davis’ Decision

By Alexa UraAug. 29, 2013

With four Republican candidates already in the race, Democrats are seeking one candidate to unite behind as they fight to keep the Texas Senate seat Wendy Davis has occupied since 2008.

Politics

The Polling Center: How Holder May Help Abbott in 2014

By Jim Henson and Joshua BlankAug. 29, 2013

Public opinion on voting rights in Texas neither paints a dour picture for gubernatorial hopeful Greg Abbott nor presents a clear path forward for Democrats.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, at the Texas Democratic convention on June 26, 2010.

Politics

The Brief: Aug. 29, 2013

By David MutoAug. 29, 2013

As Democrats await word from Wendy Davis, the search is on to fill the rest of the party’s 2014 roster.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn speaks to a TribLive audience on April 18, 2011.

Politics

The Evening Brief: Aug. 28, 2013

By David MutoAug. 28, 2013

Your evening reading: Tea Party groups take aim at Cornyn over Affordable Care Act; Davis delays announcement on political plans; Cruz ties conflict in Syria to Obamacare

Crowds gather outside the Senate hallway to hear State Sen. Wendy Davis after the midnight drama that killed abortion legislation in the last hour of the 83rd Texas legislature's first called special session.

Politics

Davis Postpones Announcement on Political Future

By Jay RootAug. 28, 2013

Texans will have to wait a little longer to find out if Wendy Davis will run for governor. The state senator said Wednesday she is postponing her decision until late September while she cares for her ailing father.

Health care

Conservative Groups Target Cornyn Over ACA

By Alana RochaAug. 28, 2013

Speaking in front of the Texas Capitol on Wednesday, members of ForAmerica and the Tea Party asked U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to sign a resolution that funds the federal government, except the Affordable Care Act.

Politics

Video: Patterson Says GOP Rivals “Can’t Get Anything Done”

By Ross RamseyAug. 28, 2013

In a new online campaign ad, Republican Jerry Patterson slaps some of his rivals for lieutenant governor for being “soft” and says this summer’s filibuster in the Texas Senate — he calls it “Washington West” — might have gone differently with him in charge.

Politics

Interactive: Top Donors in Statewide Races

By Ryan MurphyAug. 28, 2013

Use our interactive to check out the top contributors in the first half of 2013 to candidates running for or considering a shot at governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner and agriculture commissioner.