Suzanne Bellsnyder used to work for Republicans in Austin. Now she’s challenging them to do better for rural Texas, where she lives and operates two newspapers and a growing Substack newsletter.
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
Vacant for 11 months, one of Texas’ bluest congressional districts will pick new representative Saturday
Two Democrats are competing to serve out the rest of Sylvester Turner’s term. The winner will have a two-week incumbency advantage before early voting begins in the March primary.
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Immigration
Lawmakers, protesters demand release of 5-year-old held at Texas immigration detention center
State troopers deployed pepper spray at protesters at the family detention center near Dilley where a 5-year-old Ecuadorian’s detention has drawn nationwide attention.
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Panhandle Wildfires
Why a Panhandle businessman wants to take over the region’s electric utility
Salem Abraham claims Minnesota-based Xcel Energy has not lived up to its promise of protecting the region from wildfires. The company vehemently disagrees.
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Health care
AG Ken Paxton sues another out-of-state provider accused of illegally sending abortion-inducing pills to Texans
In 2024, Texas also sued a New York provider accused of prescribing abortion pills, but her state’s law has shielded her from prosecution.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas primaries: What to know about the top candidates running for office
The Texas Tribune helps Texans vote by producing comprehensive voter guides for every major election. Find and share all our voting resources here.
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Health care
Removal of LGBTQ+ option from 988 hotline is straining overburdened Texas crisis centers
The groups that operate Texas’ 988 system face a convergence of challenges this year, from expiring federal money to heavier workloads since the Trump administration eliminated the special option for LGBTQ youth.
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2026 Texas Elections
Texas agriculture commissioner primary: Who is running and what you need to know
Agriculture is the second largest industry in Texas, which is home to more than 230,000 farms. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries to oversee the agriculture department and where they stand on the issues.
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2026 Texas Elections
New Talarico campaign ad puts spotlight on his role in passing bill that caps insulin costs
While GOP lawmakers accused the Austin Democrat of overstating his role in passing a statewide cap on insulin copays, his Democratic colleagues said his personal battle with diabetes generated key momentum for the effort.
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Congress
Judge orders early voting in Houston congressional election extended after winter storm disruptions
Harris County must extend early voting to Wednesday and Thursday for the 18th Congressional District runoff after polling locations closed for the winter storm.