Three conservative Republicans known for compromise on divisive topics did not seek reelection, while a seat representing the Rio Grande Valley could sway in either political direction.
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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Data Centers in Texas
Texas environmental agency shuts down online permit filing system after data center controversy
Texas environmental officials disabled an online filing system after watchdog groups raised concerns about the agency issuing permits related to data centers.
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2026 Texas Elections
19 million Texans are registered to vote, breaking record
The number of Texans registered to vote jumped 2% from March even as the state struggles to process backlogged voter records.
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Politics
False pamphlets causing backlash and confusion, Texas transgender rights group says
The mailers, sent by an organization formed last month in Wyoming, implicate a Texas transgender rights group that says it was not involved.
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2026 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott touts endorsements from Democratic sheriffs from border counties in final early voting push
The governor at first announced the backing of a dozen sheriffs, but two of them followed up with statements saying they should not have been included.
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State Government
Texas Comptroller Don Huffines issues series of “executive orders,” raising questions about his office’s authority
The authority to issue executive orders traditionally belongs to the chief executive, like the governor or a county judge.
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TribCast
TribCast: Steve Kornacki on Texas’ midterm outlook
As early voting begins, the chief data analyst for NBC News turns his Big Board analysis on Texas to assess where things stand.
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Energy
Republican Bo French denies he agreed to debate Railroad Commission opponent
The Dallas Press Club, which organized the event, said it would host a podcast recording with Democrat Jon Rosenthal if his GOP opponent doesn’t show.
Posted in
Data Centers in Texas
Greg Abbott ordered a pause on data center permits. Critics say some plans still moved forward.
Public Citizen said the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hadn’t stopped issuing data center permits as required. The agency said it was complying with the directive.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
How to read the tea leaves as early voting totals in the Texas election trickle in
Counties are reporting record-breaking early voting participation. But that information alone isn’t necessarily useful in interpreting who will win.
