John Huffman was the best-funded candidate in the Senate District 9 special election thanks to casino interests, but failed to make the runoff. Gambling proponents still have millions more to spend on Texas races.
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.
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Health care
The number of whooping cough cases in Texas is the highest it’s been in 11 years
The state has recorded more than 3,500 cases of whooping cough so far this year, 10 times the number in 2023.
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Investigations
A Fort Worth church’s online class trains Christians to run for office. Now it may go national.
At the core of the program is the idea that there is no separation between what happens within the church and what happens in the government.
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2026 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott launches reelection campaign for fourth term
Abbott framed his campaign as a means to keep Texas as a conservative bastion, touting efforts to lower property taxes, bolster education and strengthen public safety.
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Politics
“You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks Texas
The Democrat took a victory lap on rival Gov. Greg Abbott’s home turf Saturday and called on other blue states to push back on a GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House.
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Health care
Uncertainty grows on when Texans will get SNAP benefits as U.S. Supreme Court emergency order blocks full aid
The order will expire two days after an appeals court issues a more permanent ruling on the funding while the Trump administration will continue with partial SNAP payments.
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2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
The veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.
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Health care
Texas applies for $1 billion in federal funding for rural health initiatives
Texas wants a piece of the $50 billion Congress approved for rural health in the One Big Beautiful Bill earlier this year.
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Politics
Cruz, Cornyn push new retaliatory legislation that blocks U.S. water from going to Mexico
The bill is the latest effort from the Texas delegation that demands the U.S. get tougher with Mexico for failing to honor a 1944 treaty that in part governs Rio Grande water.
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Courts
Texas ban on sexually explicit drag shows can be enforced, federal appeals court rules
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling suggested not all drag shows are sexually explicit.