The 1965 federal law helped Latino and Black voters gain representation in city and school boards across Texas but now that could change.
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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Health care
Rule that lets Texans obtain out-of-state abortion pills can continue for now, Supreme Court says
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone must be obtained in person, a decision the country’s highest court has temporarily blocked.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
The Democratic runoff for the Houston-based seat — a longtime bastion of Black political power — pits the Texas delegation’s newest member, Christian Menefee, against one of its longest-tenured, Al Green.
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Transportation
Dallas’ Highland Park votes to leave Texas’ second-largest public transit system
Voters in Highland Park chose to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit amid complaints that the transit service isn’t worth the cost.
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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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Politics
Democratic donor platform ActBlue countersues AG Ken Paxton alleging a politically motivated attack
Paxton filed a lawsuit against ActBlue in late April, claiming the platform allows improper donations from people outside the United States and those who have already hit the mandated donor limits.
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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.