The former Houston legislator left the Democratic Party over its stance on gender-transitioning care for minors, and is now embraced by Republicans.
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
2026 Texas Elections
Cornered by Big Bend backlash, Texas Republicans tread carefully around Trump
Most of the state’s GOP leaders have hedged on the White House’s plans for the region, welcoming a construction pause without breaking from a president they’re loath to cross.
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Energy
Industry warns of blackouts, economic woes if Texas overreacts to data center, transmission line anger
Energy regulators and industry experts warn that the state’s delays to major projects amid backlash from residents could create rolling blackouts and strangle growth of other industries that need power.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ midterm election on Nov. 3
Voters will weigh in on dozens of races, including U.S. senator, governor and many other offices.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
How the unprecedented midterm redistricting cycle is impacting Galveston County
Changing political district boundaries between the primary and general elections means some voters might not have had a say in their candidates.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Speaker Mike Johnson to campaign in battleground South Texas House districts this week
The Louisiana Republican is visiting four districts, each of which are majority Hispanic and were carried by Donald Trump in 2024. The seats could help decide control of the House this fall.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Paxton promises to ban Chinese technology and chatbots that endanger children in data center platform
He also backed the DATA Act, a bill by Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, that would let data centers build off-the-grid power systems exempt from federal regulation.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
As Big Bend wall outcry builds, Paxton does not say whether construction should proceed
The attorney general’s campaign said he wants strong border security that considers Big Bend’s “unique characteristics” — but did not say whether he supports building a wall there.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Flock cameras face growing backlash across Texas counties, but getting rid of them is complicated
Some government officials said they understand the community’s anger, but warn that many of these contracts fall outside their jurisdiction.
Posted in
Politics
In Laredo, Jon Rosenthal makes his first public pitch for a seat on Texas Railroad Commission
Rosenthal, a Democratic state representative from Houston, fielded questions about data centers and oil field pollution at a town hall hosted by the Webb County Democratic Party.
