Voters in Highland Park chose to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit amid complaints that the transit service isn’t worth the cost.
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.
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2026 Texas Elections
Republican Brett Ligon, former Montgomery County DA, wins special election for open Texas Senate seat
A rematch is scheduled for November, as Ligon’s win only puts him in the seat through January. But the former prosecutor will be heavily favored, given the district’s solidly Republican makeup.
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Politics
Sen. Ted Cruz makes Iowa appearance, fueling speculation about another presidential bid
The U.S. senator won the Hawkeye State during the 2016 Republican primaries. This year he used his appearance to blame Democrats for anti-Semitism and call out GOP Trump foes Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
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Congress
Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressives’ “affordability agenda”
The proposal is part of a package from the Casar-led Congressional Progressive Caucus focused on cost of living. It’s unlikely to go anywhere but could give Democrats a campaign blueprint.
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Politics
Dan Patrick eyes closing “gambling loophole” for prediction markets. The feds stand in Texas’ way.
A Trump administration agency has sued other states that sought to regulate Kalshi, Polymarket and other prediction operations under their gambling laws.
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Immigration
ICE warrants were central to Abbott’s immigration dispute with Texas cities. Here’s how they work.
Unlike criminal warrants, ICE administrative warrants don’t require approval from an independent judge. ICE defends the practice, but legal experts say they can have errors and risk wrongful detention.
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Politics
Chad Hasty, West Texas conservative talk show host, dies unexpectedly
Hasty, known statewide for his evocative political conversations, is described by his friends as “open-minded and respectful.”
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court voting rights ruling empowers Texas Republicans to redraw more partisan maps
Texas lawmakers will be able to draw more aggressively partisan maps for the state House, Senate and education board when they return in 2027.
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Congress
Christian Menefee’s district sat vacant for 11 months. His first bill in Congress would set a deadline for special elections.
The Houston Democrat was elected earlier this year to finish out the term of Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025. The safely blue district was left vacant for 334 days.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Hispanic GOP candidates could reshape Texas’ congressional delegation — if they can win Hispanic voters
Texas voters could nominate as many as six Hispanic Republicans in the state’s most hotly contested congressional races. Party leaders hope that’ll help keep Hispanic voters in the GOP’s corner.
