The Texas state representative is part of a band of conservatives known for antagonizing Republican leadership and working to push the state further right.
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
Immigration
ICE moving toward closing El Paso detention camp, report says
The Washington Post reported that a document was distributed to ICE staff indicating the agency was drafting a letter to potentially terminate the facility’s $1.2 billion contract.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With Trump endorsement looming, Cornyn and Paxton prepare for “knife fight” in Senate runoff
The president could scramble the traditional assumptions about a runoff if he carries out his promise to make an endorsement “soon” and urge whoever he snubs to drop out.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Tony Gonzales, forced into runoff, admits to affair with aide who died by suicide
“I’ve asked God to forgive me, which he has,” the San Antonio Republican told a conservative radio host the day after he was forced into a primary runoff.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Nate Sheets promises to fire everyone linked to Sid Miller at Texas agriculture department after primary win
Sheets, in an interview with The Texas Tribune, also promised to lower costs for farmers and work with federal officials to beat a parasitic fly heading toward Texas.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
U.S. House ethics panel launches investigation into Rep. Tony Gonzales’ alleged affair with staffer who died
The committee will determine whether Gonzales “engaged in sexual misconduct towards an individual employed in his congressional office.”
Posted in
Politics
Kamala Harris endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate after supporting his opponent in the primary
After endorsing U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary, the former vice president called for the party to unite behind Talarico.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Big money moved the needle and down-ballot chaos reigned in Texas’ action-packed primaries
Two blockbuster Senate primaries dominated attention, chaos reigned in down-ballot races and an intense runoff season looms.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In Dallas County, frustration and confusion after GOP forces switch to precinct-based voting
Countywide vote centers weren’t used for election day. The ensuing disorder spurred an unresolved legal battle.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Incumbents prevail in Texas legislative races amid proxy battles over casinos, tort reform
The most expensive state House primaries this cycle were proxy wars over issues including casinos, tort reform and a lingering battle between establishment Republicans and more hardline conservatives.