The latest state government news from The Texas Tribune.
A well-heeled loser of a lawsuit that went to the Texas Supreme Court did a detailed analysis and concluded that the big law firms that politically support the judges get the best results. Maybe money is the reason, maybe it's not. Full Story
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After losing a case at the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court, millionaire Salem Abraham set out to mathematically test the idea that campaign contributions influence the elected justices. Now he wants to change the system. Full Story
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In this video, The Texas Tribune dug into hemp and marijuana with lawmakers, crime lab scientists, criminal defense attorneys and hemp entrepreneurs. Full Story
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On paper, Texas senators have it better than their counterparts in the Texas House, but why would a Democrat want to work in a place where Republicans are fully and completely in control? Full Story
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The 2020 elections are a test of whether Democratic hopes and Republican fears — borne of the close finishes in the 2018 elections — are justified. The UT/TT Poll results on that question offer some clues. Full Story
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Fourteen Democrats are competing for seven seats on the Texas Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals. How do you win when no one knows your name? Full Story
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On this week's TribCast, Alexa talks to Emma, Cassi and Alex about what state Sen. Kirk Watson's retirement could mean for the Senate, Bernie Sanders' new lead in presidential polling in Texas and a Democratic judicial candidate's sexist comments about his opponent. Full Story
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The Texas Tribune is excited to present a return of its Political Pick'em contest. We've selected a handful of competitive Texas primaries, and we want you to pick the candidates who you think will get the most votes. Full Story
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Jerry Zimmerer, an appellate judge in Houston, said his campaign differs from Amy Clark Meachum's because “I actually want the best candidate to win.” Full Story
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Starting Monday, the campaign will have 24 paid staffers in the state of Texas, which holds its primary March 3. Full Story
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A couple of The Texas Tribune's political nerds highlight (their latest version of) the most interesting races up and down the 2020 primary ballot. Full Story
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In a crowded Democratic field to challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the longtime state senator is betting on his decades of experience as a consensus builder. Full Story
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Courtney Phillips is leaving the state Health and Human Services Commission to take a job as Louisiana's new secretary of the Department of Health. Full Story
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The question facing Texas Democrats: Can the party capitalize on the energy he brings out of his supporters while minimizing the counter-energy he seems to provoke from the right? Full Story
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A longstanding economic development incentive tied to local sales taxes has run into a hurdle, as voters find out some of their local dollars are ending up in faraway localities. Blame the internet. Full Story
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In Baldwin, most recently known for his recurring portrayal of President Donald Trump on ”Saturday Night Live,” Tzintzún Ramirez has found a generous financial supporter and an informal adviser. Full Story
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At three lonely satellite campuses of Sul Ross State University, students and teachers say they're stuck with broken technology and few resources. Their dreams of blooming into an independent four-year university seem doomed, but they hope things might get better under a new university president. Full Story
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Voter suppression, incompetent administrators, dirty political tricks, and misinformation and political rhetoric attacking the results of elections present threats to elections and democracy, a new book argues. It came out on the day of the Iowa caucuses. Full Story
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The Texas Legislative Black Caucus hopes to pass the CROWN Act in the next legislative session. The bill would prohibit hair discrimination affecting people of color in schools and workplaces. Full Story
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More than a website, The Texas Tribune has worked to grow its reach and foster an engaged electorate by appearing on television news stations across the state. Full Story
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