The Houston Republican, who has missed 44 of 48 votes this month, said such absences are typical for those seeking higher office. Rep. Chip Roy, a candidate for Texas attorney general, has not missed any votes in 2026.
Politics
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After vicious 2024 cycle, Texas House GOP primaries see quieter landscape defined by tort battle
With Texas’ hardline conservative megadonors largely staying on the sidelines, a handful of House primaries have become battlegrounds for the state’s civil justice debate.
Texas lieutenant governor primary: Who is running and what to know
The lieutenant governor’s office is often described as the most powerful in Texas government. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
New red-leaning congressional seat in North Texas draws wide-open GOP primary field
The once solidly blue 32nd District is considered the safest bet for Republicans out of the five Democratic seats targeted by the GOP’s new congressional gerrymander.
Judge dismisses Texas lawsuit claiming that numbering system threatens ballot secrecy
The ruling said activist Laura Pressley’s case was moot, because the state has already banned the practice she challenged.
North Texas school district cancels Islamic Games for alleged ties to group governor calls terroristic
The games’ organizers said it was not associated with the group Gov. Greg Abbott has targeted.
Texas counties, auto industry push back on proposed ID restrictions on car registration tied to immigration
People testified during a Wednesday hearing said the DMV’s proposed changes would harm not just affected residents, but also Texas businesses and road safety.
Gov. Abbott endorses Nate Sheets over Sid Miller for agriculture commissioner
In a statement, Abbott said Texans deserve a commissioner focused on Texas agriculture and “with zero tolerance for criminality.”
James Talarico unveils Spanish-language TV ad, signaling push for Latino support in Texas Senate bid
The spot, which describes the Austin Democrat’s work on education issues in the Legislature, will air this week in nearly a dozen of the state’s largest media markets.
Under new postal service guidance, Texans shouldn’t wait to send voter registrations or mail-in ballots
The U.S. Postal Service warns it may not postmark mail the same day it takes possession of it. The deadline to register for the March 3 primary is Feb. 2.

