A surrogate’s fight for custody over the baby she birthed last week could lead to more restrictions on the rights of biological parents and on abortion clauses in surrogacy agreements.
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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State Government
Special election set to replace Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell, who resigned for Pentagon post
The longtime state legislator, who announced in June 2025 he wasn’t seeking reelection, vacated the seat to serve as a U.S. assistant secretary of defense.
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Public Education
Gov. Abbott proposes ban on H-1B visa use for Texas public schools during campaign stop
Some districts use the temporary work permits to fill critical teacher shortages in roles such as bilingual education.
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TribCast
TribCast: Should we believe the polls about Paxton and Talarico?
In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin about the polls showing a tight race for U.S. Senate. Are they reliable? Is Talarico really in the lead?
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The 2026 Texas Tribune Festival
Texas Tribune Festival 2026: Our full lineup is here
Raphael Warnock, Kevin Stitt, Dolores Huerta, Maggie Haberman and other prominent voices in American political and civic life join us in Austin next month
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Higher Education
Protecting Texas university research from foreign adversaries focus of House hearing
As Texas examines foreign influence, UT-Austin is among 30 institutions ordered to provide federal authorities a security audit of certain international ties.
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Demographics
Rio Grande Valley residents are feeling more negative about their lives. That could spill into the voting booth.
Rio Grande Valley residents are unhappy with the economy, salaries, and other factors. That could sway their political views, according to political watchdogs.
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Politics
Greg Abbott threatens Dallas, Houston airports’ grant funds over Islamic washing facilities
DFW said late Friday that plans to install the religious washing station had been canceled.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas counties sue feds for trying to tie election security policies to anti-terrorism funding
El Paso and Harris counties joined cities in Tennessee and Ohio in the suit arguing the new requirements are unconstitutional and would cost millions to implement.
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State Government
Texas cities eye property tax hikes, spending cuts amid yawning budget gaps
Rising costs, slowing tax revenue and a sluggish economy have saddled some of Texas’ biggest cities with multimillion-dollar deficits.
