Democrat Nathan Johnson is hoping to capture moderate Republicans and independents to defeat conservative Mayes Middleton in November. The GOP has controlled the office since the 1990s.
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
Federal government allows return of U.S. citizen deported after traffic stop in Central Texas
Brian José Morales García maintained he was born in Denver after the federal government accused him of having entered the country illegally.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico to air first TV ad attacking Ken Paxton in Senate race
The Democrat’s negative spot that alleges corruption by his GOP rival debuts Saturday during a TCU vs. North Carolina football game.
Posted in
Politics
Lawmakers added $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. That money paid for thousands of Flock cameras.
The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
With costs up, healthcare a defining issue in South Texas’ battleground House races
In the state’s most competitive districts, Democrats are building their case around lapsed insurance subsidies and Republican-backed Medicaid cuts.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
John Cornyn is raising money for competitive Senate races — just not in Texas
The GOP senator said he plans to use his considerable fundraising prowess to help colleagues in New Hampshire, Michigan, Alaska and elsewhere.
Posted in
Health care
Moms who had children via surrogacy urge Texas to preserve the only way they could have families
Texas moms and surrogates say lawmakers can sharpen protections for both parties in contracts and regulate surrogacy agencies, but caution against severely limiting the practice.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Trump visits Texas to fundraise for Ken Paxton’s Senate bid
The president’s trip, which includes a GOP event and a NASA ceremony, comes as the Texas attorney general trails his U.S. Senate challenger James Talarico in the polls and fundraising.
Posted in
Higher Education
Texas should establish three-year bachelor’s degree options, Gov. Greg Abbott says
Abbott, who is seeking reelection, wants recommendations on how to implement shortened programs to ease student costs and meet workforce needs.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
GOP nominee for San Antonio House seat apologizes for “crude and immature” social media posts
Jorge Borrego said he has matured since the years when he used homophobic slurs and racist tropes, and referenced cocaine use, in a series of social media posts that bubbled up this week.
