Texas Politics: Elections, State Government, Policy, and Leaders

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Corrections and Clarifications

Our reporting on all platforms will be truthful, transparent and respectful; our facts will be accurate, complete and fairly presented. When we make a mistake — and from time to time, we will — we will work quickly to fully address the error, correcting it within the story, detailing the error on the story page and adding it to this running list of Tribune corrections. If you find an error, email corrections@texastribune.org.

Voters wait in line during early voting at the Como Community Center polling site in Fort Worth on Oct. 21, 2026.

Politics

Texas elections aren’t official until they get certified. Here’s how it works.

by Colleen DeGuzman Oct. 29, 2026

The typically low-key process has come under scrutiny since Jan. 6 rioters sought to halt certification of the 2020 presidential election.

Texas Tech Chancellor Brandon Creighton speaks at President Donald Trumps' midterm rally at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center in Lubbock on Oct. 27, 2026.

Higher Education

A conservative senator reshaped Texas colleges. He wants the rest of the country to follow.

by Jessica Priest Oct. 29, 2026

Writing laws to restrict DEI on campuses was just the start. Now as Texas Tech chancellor, Brandon Creighton wants to push the limits on what professors teach.

Activists and supporters march from the Bexar County Courthouse to Crockett Park for “March for Us,” San Antonio's third annual celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, on March 29, 2025 in San Antonio.

Courts

Group behind trans mailers must answer questions under oath, Travis County judge rules

by Ayden Runnels Oct. 28, 2026

The organization, which argued that the order violates its First Amendment right to speak anonymously, will appeal.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows speaks at the Red River Roll Call, a Republican rally in Sherman, on July 27, 2026.

2026 Texas Elections

As Dems target the Texas House, GOP Speaker Dustin Burrows is campaigning like his gavel’s at stake

by Kayla Guo Oct. 28, 2026

Flipping 14 seats would give Democrats control of the lower chamber, but even putting a major dent in the GOP’s margin could complicate Burrows’ ability to govern, or even remain speaker.

Debris caught on the Francisco Lemos Street bridge over the Guadalupe River in Kerrville on July 16, 2026. Extensive flooding again struck the Hill Country just over a year after the deadly July 4th flood in 2025.

Hill Country floods

Trump says more FEMA aid is coming to Texas after 2026 floods

by Emily Foxhall Oct. 28, 2026

Trump promised more federal money after FEMA denied individual assistance for Texas flood survivors. State officials have appealed FEMA’s decision.

State Comptroller and Republican nominee for the job Don Huffines waves as he is mentioned during a Texas Tribune event at the Dallas Regional Chamber in Dallas on March 24, 2026.

2026 Texas Elections

Comptroller Don Huffines did not disclose his role managing firm investing in SpaceX

by Taylor Goldenstein Oct. 28, 2026

On state-required disclosure forms, Huffines omitted his leadership role in Huffines Enterprises Science & Technology, a firm that invests in Elon Musk’s company that has received tax breaks from the state.

Grand Prairie ISD student Ana Mota in the role of Jack in the play “Into the Woods.” The school district canceled a production of "The Little Shop of Horrors," in which Mota was cast as Seymour, the lead character in the play, citing Senate Bill 12, which restricts some forms of performance.

Public Education

High schooler pulled from musical over Texas’ anti-DEI law sues, alleging discrimination

by Jaden Edison Oct. 28, 2026

A female Grand Prairie teen lost the lead role in “Little Shop of Horrors” because the role was male. Administrators cited the state’s ban on diversity, equity and inclusion as the reason.