National GOP recruiters see Webb County’s top elected official as a promising candidate to unseat longtime U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in 2026.
Politics
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2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett, leaning toward Senate bid, schedules campaign event Monday
The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.
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Public Education
How Texas’ law banning DEI, LGBTQ+ topics in K-12 schools could fare in court
Cases challenging Florida and federal policies provide a glimpse into the possible outcome for the Texas case. It is scheduled for a court hearing in Houston on Dec. 10.
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State Government
Hundreds of Texas voters flagged as potential noncitizens may have already proven their citizenship
The Secretary of State’s Office didn’t initially check with the Department of Public Safety, which collects proof of citizenship from people who register to vote through them.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas Rep. Gary VanDeaver, a private school voucher holdout, won’t seek reelection
VanDeaver, who represents northeast Texas, was one of two House Republicans to oppose a school voucher program this year after he narrowly beat a pro-voucher primary challenger in 2024.
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2025 Legislative Recap
As Texas’ “bathroom bill” becomes law, questions remain about how it will be enforced
Some trans Texans worry that the lack of specificity on how the law will be enforced will harm their safety and lives.
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2026 Texas Elections
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from Congress
The Richmond Republican, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, made the announcement with days left before the deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 primaries.
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Hill Country floods
Texas proposes hiking licensing fees for summer camps by as much as 4,000%
Some Texas overnight summer camps may start paying as much as $19,500 per year to renew their license with the state. Currently, they pay $464.
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State Government
A slate of new Texas laws goes into effect December and January. Here’s what to watch.
Laws include restricting transgender people’s access to public bathrooms, allowing lawsuits against abortion pill providers, and replacement of the STAAR test.
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State Government
Texas adds new ID restrictions on vehicle registrations and renewals
The restrictions, which went into effect on Nov. 18, could upend the ability of many undocumented residents to legally own vehicles.