In the GOP runoff for Texas Railroad commissioner, billionaires, big oil companies and trade groups flood the campaign pockets of candidates Jim Wright and Bo French.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
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2026 Texas Elections
In GOP attorney general runoff, two hard-right conservatives spar over experience, Trump loyalty
State Sen. Mayes Middleton says Rep. Chip Roy betrayed the MAGA movement, while Roy says Middleton isn’t qualified to work at the attorney general’s office, let alone lead it.
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State Government
Texas Sen. Brian Birdwell gets U.S. Senate green light for Pentagon post
The longtime state legislator, who announced in June he wasn’t seeking reelection, will serve as an assistant secretary of defense.
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State Government
Texas American Muslim University sued by Paxton, accused of misleading would-be students
TexAM is accused of misrepresenting itself as a university and adopting branding too similar to Texas A&M. Its leaders say they were already complying with state demands.
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Hill Country floods
Texas summer camps have closed, scaled back operations due to state’s new regulations
There are 66 fewer active summer camps in Texas compared to December, according to the state.
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Health care
Texas Children’s Hospital must create country’s first “detransition clinic” under legal settlement with state
Attorney General Ken Paxton said on Friday that Texas Children’s must also pay $10 million to the state because it illegally provided transgender care to kids.
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Immigration
AG Ken Paxton demands Dallas County sheriff enter formal partnership with ICE
Sheriff Marian Brown said her office, which already cooperates with federal immigration authorities, has until Dec. 1 to act.
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Economy
Seesaw rulings on Texas’ smokeable hemp ban is bad for business, retailers say
Some smoke shops say the flurry of court actions since March 31 has already forced them to scale back hours, cut staff and prepare to shut down.
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Criminal Justice
Texas executes 600th inmate since death penalty was reinstated in 1976
Edward Busby was executed by lethal injection Thursday, reinforcing Texas’ position as the nation’s leader in capital punishment.
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Criminal Justice
Abbott’s public safety wish list includes statewide prosecutor, more bail restrictions
Some items on Abbott’s agenda would require amending the Texas Constitution, meaning they would need supermajority support in the Legislature.