The candidates argued that frustrations with decades of Republican control will lead to better results for Democrats in November.
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.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas agriculture commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to know
Agriculture is the state’s second largest industry. Here’s a look at the 2026 midterm candidates to oversee the agriculture department and where they stand on the issues.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
After Texas DPS neglected tens of thousands of voter applications, Democrats demand an investigation
The number of unprocessed applications continues to grow. Texas Democrats, locked in tight races in November, want Gov. Greg Abbott to probe the failure.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas DPS failed to send voter registration applications to county election officials
It’s not known how many applications have been unprocessed. Counties will receive a backlogged surge less than two weeks before the Oct. 5 deadline to register for the Nov. 3 election.
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Health care
U.S. Supreme Court declines to give surrogate custody of baby she birthed in Dallas
McKenna West fled to Texas to give birth last month, saying she could not trust the biological parents after they asked her to get an abortion.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
James Talarico is moderating on gender, climate issues in his competitive Senate election
Republicans have seized on his past votes and comments to argue he will revert to his most progressive positions if elected, while Talarico’s campaign insists he has remained consistent.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Texas and feds announce noncitizen voting charges against seven people
State officials also referred 117 people for investigation related to noncitizen voting, but confirmed nearly 600 other flagged voters are U.S. citizens.
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Environment
Gov. Greg Abbott broadens moratorium on data center approvals to include environmental permits
The move is the latest in a series of escalating efforts by the governor to slow data center development in Texas ahead of November’s election.
Posted in
Environment
Despite state law, only eight of 160 utility companies have filed wildfire response plans
Lawmakers recently learned of the slow progress made by the companies, which have four months to come under compliance with the law prompted by the 2024 Panhandle wildfires.
Posted in
Health care
Texas Supreme Court rules baby delivered by surrogate can leave Texas
The decision clears the way for the 1-month-old’s biological parents to relocate him from Dallas to Los Angeles, where the couple lives, to seek treatment there. Their surrogate wants him in Texas.
