Phelan, a Beaumont Republican, had previously insisted he had enough votes to thwart a challenge from the right led by state Rep. David Cook of Mansfield.
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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Texas Legislature 2025
Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative session
Wu defeated incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer on Thursday to become the next chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.
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Health care
Texas weighs social media bans for minors as schools and police face challenges
A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill prohibiting minors from using social media accounts as school districts become a “hunting ground” for online dangers.
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2024 Texas Elections
See final results from Texas for the November 2024 election
Texans voted in several races, including for the President, a U.S. Senator, U.S. House members and more.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Texas conservatives plan to further restrict trans lives this legislative session
Emboldened by the recent election, some Texas lawmakers are already filing bills that would dictate bathroom use, limit gender identity markers on documents and restrict funding for surgeries.
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Health care
After Texas banned puberty blockers and hormones for trans kids, adults lost care, too
As limitations on trans teens increase, doctors have left the state, weakening an already threadbare system for trans adults.
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Guides
Here’s what to know about transition-related health care, which Texas has banned for children
Senate Bill 14 prohibits trans kids from receiving puberty blockers and hormone treatments. Here’s what medical experts and trans Texans say about such care.
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Economy
Texas has billions pledged to expand broadband. Spending it is taking a while.
Despite the efforts of local governments and others, the move to provide internet access to millions of Texans has been slow and faces new challenges.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Rural providers, advocates push Texas Legislature to “rescue” maternal health care system
Almost half of Texas counties have nowhere to get prenatal care, let alone deliver a baby. This plan offers legislative proposals to shore up what’s left.
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Criminal Justice
Houstonian Mark Swidan to be released from Chinese imprisonment
The Texan has been imprisoned in China for 12 years on charges of drug trafficking.