Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks made their fortune in the oil business. They’ve deployed millions of dollars to pull the Texas GOP and Legislature toward their hardline stances.
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
Health care
“Don’t take me to the hospital”: Undocumented immigrants in Texas are delaying medical care
Since Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas hospitals to start asking patients for their citizenship status in November 2024, reported visits by undocumented immigrants have dropped.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Voting rights groups sue Texas over removal of potential noncitizens from the voter roll
The lawsuit says officials failed to check for proof of citizenship that voters may have already provided the state.
Posted in
Health care
Forced to sell medications at a loss, rural Texas pharmacies seek new survival tactics
Independent rural pharmacists are starting other businesses or selling baby shower gifts to keep their stores operating. Pharmacy deserts affect 4 million Texans.
Posted in
Texas Legislature 2027
Dan Patrick adds data centers, prediction markets and THC to Senate priorities
Patrick’s Friday release of priorities calls on lawmakers to study the emerging issues ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
At CPAC, Texas Railroad Commissioner candidate Bo French calls for deportation of 100 million people
French, a former Tarrant County GOP chair, also said Republicans should more openly embrace Islamophobia.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Ken Paxton won’t represent Comptroller Kelly Hancock in school voucher suit amid grudge match
In a Thursday letter, Paxton said Hancock jeopardized the state’s defense in the case by leaking a separate letter he sent to the AG’s office on Tuesday.
Posted in
Health care
Measles spike in federal detention facility reaches the Texas public, records show
Most of the state’s measles cases reported so far this year are inside the West Texas Detention Facility in Hudspeth County, where four infected El Paso residents worked.
Posted in
State Government
Texas cities, state government cancel Cesar Chavez Day in wake of report on activist
The New York Times on March 18 published allegations that the labor rights leader had sexually abused women and girls.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Mayes Middleton nabs former opponent Aaron Reitz’s endorsement in GOP attorney general runoff
Reitz, a former aide to Texas AG Ken Paxton, had sharply criticized both Middleton and Chip Roy on the campaign trail.