The lieutenant governor also doubled down on his stance that property taxes can’t be totally eliminated, putting him at odds with Gov. Greg Abbott.
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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TribCast
TribCast: The 2026 Texas primary slate is set
With the candidate filing deadline behind us, TribCast digs into the musical chairs that awaits voters in 2026
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Courts
AG Ken Paxton’s campaign against immigrant-serving groups gets boost from court rulings
Courts have said that the attorney general can use a 100-year-old law to demand entities’ internal records and sue to shut them down if he believes they’re violating the law.
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2026 Texas Elections
Gov. Greg Abbott has a sweeping plan to abolish Texas’ school property taxes. Would it work?
The governor must first win over lawmakers who have rejected similar proposals. The state may have to backfill more than $17 billion for school funding alone.
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Politics
Former Texas Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff dies at 89
During his time in the Texas Senate, the moderate Republican tackled major issues such as school finance and ethics reform.
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2026 Texas Elections
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for comptroller, dropping congressional bid
The Austin Democrat said she wants to tackle waste and fraud as a watchdog over the state budget. She will retain her Senate seat if she loses.
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2026 Texas Elections
Donald Trump pardons Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Cuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
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State Government
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues to stop Muslim housing project in North Texas
Paxton began investigating the East Plano Islamic Center in March for potential violations of consumer protection laws.
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Texas Legislature 2025
Texas launches cryptocurrency reserve with $5 million investment
Lawmakers created a state Strategic Bitcoin Reserve earlier this year and dedicated $10 million to investing in cryptocurrency.
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State Government
Women, minority small business owners confused, worried after Texas kicks them off HUB program
The decision to limit certification to companies owned by disabled veterans will shrink the Historically Underutilized Business program from more than 15,000 to 485 participants — all men.