As co-chair of the high-profile Rules Committee, former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte had her biggest turn in the political spotlight since suffering back-to-back political losses in 2014 and 2015.
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.
Joaquin Castro Takes his Democratic Convention Turn
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro took the national stage Thursday on the closing day of the Democratic National Convention in the highest-profile speaking slot of the state’s federal delegation.
Paxton Sues to Get Guns Into Austin City Hall
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing the city of Austin in Travis County district court, trying to force the city to comply with his reading of the state’s open carry law and let license holders openly carry handguns in city hall.
Jackson Lee Rallies Democrats Against “Man of Fear” Trump
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Houston rallied fellow Democrats against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, calling him a “man of fear” in a speech to the Democratic National Convention.
The Democratic Convention, the Castro Brothers and Voter ID (Podcast)
On this week’s TribCast, Emily talks to Evan, Aman and Jim about the drama at the DNC, the political futures of Texas’ Castro brothers and the 5th Circuit ruling upending Texas’ voter ID law.
Thanking Texas Delegates, Sanders Warns of Trump
Former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders on Wednesday morning used a thank-you speech to Texas delegates to sound the alarm about the Republican foe his party’s nominee now faces: Donald Trump.
Analysis: A Temporary Hitch in Plans for Some of Texas’ Political A-List
A couple of rising stars in Texas — Ted Cruz and Julián Castro — have left their predictable political orbits for uncharted journeys. Although you’ll hear otherwise, it’s silly to say they’ll never get up. Time is on their side.
Ann Richards’ Daughter, Sandra Bland’s Mother Back Hillary Clinton
Two women with Texas ties — one the daughter of a legend, the other a mother who lost her child in a Texas jail —pressed the case for Hillary Clinton’s presidency at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday evening.
Major Ken Paxton Donor Paying $3.5 Million Federal Fine
Embattled Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office assisted with a federal probe involving a major donor who gave the indicted Paxton a $100,000 gift last year to offset his growing legal bill.
Joaquin Castro Causes New Stir as He Considers Senate Run
U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro seemed to offer more definitive language than usual about a possible 2018 run for U.S. Senate during an interview with CBS News on Thursday.



