INSIDER
Brazos County election officials feel the strain of unrelenting scrutiny from right-wing skeptics
Read full article: Brazos County election officials feel the strain of unrelenting scrutiny from right-wing skepticsVoting went well in the presidential election, but Trudy Hancock and her staff are still fielding questions. And the answers don’t seem to matter.
Donald Trump and Ted Cruz scored big wins in Texas, but the president-elect outperformed the senator on his own turf
Read full article: Donald Trump and Ted Cruz scored big wins in Texas, but the president-elect outperformed the senator on his own turfCruz beat his challenger by 9 points, while Trump prevailed over his by 14 points. Still, Cruz performed better this year than he did in 2018
Trump’s near sweep of Texas border counties shows a shift to the right for Latino voters
Read full article: Trump’s near sweep of Texas border counties shows a shift to the right for Latino votersThe former president captured 55% of Latino voters in the state, according to exit polls. He also won 14 out of the 18 counties within 20 miles of the border, a number that doubled his 2020 performance in the Latino-majority region.
Texas voter turnout falls in 2024 election despite record registration numbers
Read full article: Texas voter turnout falls in 2024 election despite record registration numbersA historic 18.6 million Texans were registered to vote in the 2024 election, and 61% cast ballots, a nearly 6% drop from the 2020 presidential race.
Republicans maintain majority on the Texas State Board of Education
Read full article: Republicans maintain majority on the Texas State Board of EducationRepublicans Tom Maynard, Pam Little, Aaron Kinsey and Brandon Hall prevailed in contested races. Democrat Gustavo Reveles won in the District 1 race.
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar secures another term as criminal trial looms
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar secures another term as criminal trial loomsThe longtime Laredo congressman fended off Republican challenger Jay Furman despite a federal indictment accusing the incumbent of bribery and money laundering.
Amarillo voters reject abortion “travel ban,” a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in Texas
Read full article: Amarillo voters reject abortion “travel ban,” a rare rebuke of anti-abortion movement in TexasTuesday’s vote was a rare chance for Texans to vote directly on abortion restrictions. The state already has a near-total abortion ban.
Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOP
Read full article: Election Day updates: South Texas continues dramatic shift toward Donald Trump, GOPTexas might not be a swing state, but many of its races will have major consequences to the national political landscape and on the lives of everyday Texans.
Abortion, the economy, immigration and transgender rights: Voters across Texas explain their vote
Read full article: Abortion, the economy, immigration and transgender rights: Voters across Texas explain their voteTexans from across the state went to the polls early with plenty on their mind. The Texas Tribune partnered with other news organizations to hear from a diverse cross-section of voters.
9 million Texans voted early in 2024. Here’s how that compares to previous years.
Read full article: 9 million Texans voted early in 2024. Here’s how that compares to previous years.The turnout rate dropped more than 8 percentage points compared to four years ago — a high-water mark for the Lone Star State.
Texas withdraws request to block U.S. Justice Department from monitoring state’s elections
Read full article: Texas withdraws request to block U.S. Justice Department from monitoring state’s electionsThe federal agency agreed their monitors would remain outside polling locations and wouldn’t interfere with voting.
When will Texas election results come in? Here’s how the process unfolds.
Read full article: When will Texas election results come in? Here’s how the process unfolds.By state law, Election Day totals must be submitted to the state within 24 hours after polls close. Meeting that deadline requires careful but quick work.
In Texas, criminal charges and misdemeanor convictions don’t automatically take away people’s voting rights
Read full article: In Texas, criminal charges and misdemeanor convictions don’t automatically take away people’s voting rightsTexans serving time for misdemeanor offenses or who are in jail awaiting trial are eligible to vote but only two counties offer voting in jail.
In South Texas, university students accuse Democratic county officials of suppressing their votes
Read full article: In South Texas, university students accuse Democratic county officials of suppressing their votesThe county decided to not have an early voting site at a Laredo university because of historic low turnout. It will have one on Election Day.
Long lines but few problems as Texas wraps the first week of early voting
Read full article: Long lines but few problems as Texas wraps the first week of early votingA Bexar County election worker was assaulted Thursday, officials said. In Tarrant County, officials encouraged voters to review their ballots before voting.
Facing election scrutiny, Texas prepares for Nov. 5 with paper ballots and strengthened security
Read full article: Facing election scrutiny, Texas prepares for Nov. 5 with paper ballots and strengthened securityOnly a handful of Texas counties will not have all in-person voters cast paper ballots at the polls. By 2026, all voting machines in Texas must produce a paper trail, per a 2021 state law.
Texas sues Biden administration for not providing data on noncitizens
Read full article: Texas sues Biden administration for not providing data on noncitizensAttorney General Ken Paxton accused the federal government of failing to provide citizenship data for registered voters, even as he acknowledged that the vast majority of the people on the rolls are lawful voters.
At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passports
Read full article: At debate, Mayra Flores shrugs off concern about mandating South Texans carry passportsDuring a tense debate with U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Flores attacked Gonzalez for being soft on border security, then suggested requiring residents to prove citizenship in some instances was appropriate.
Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debate
Read full article: Vicente Gonzalez and Mayra Flores clash in fiery South Texas congressional debateIn their only debate before Election Day, Gonzalez and Flores traded jabs over the economy, immigration and abortion, and regularly spoke over each other.
Colin Allred, Ted Cruz blast each other as “extreme,” throw jabs on border and abortion in Senate debate
Read full article: Colin Allred, Ted Cruz blast each other as “extreme,” throw jabs on border and abortion in Senate debateThe debate proved combative from start to finish, with Cruz and Allred trading barbs on nearly every issue that came up.
Ken Paxton’s voter registration suit against Travis County returned to state court
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s voter registration suit against Travis County returned to state courtA federal court’s decision is the latest development in a bitter pre-election brawl between Republican state officials and Democratic county leaders.
Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 election
Read full article: Abortion, private school vouchers and legislative control are the key issues in Texas’ 2024 electionTexan voters will have significant influence in November, both within and outside the state. They will be electing a U.S. senator, 38 U.S. House members, 150 state House members, as well as various judges and local elected officials. Additionally, they will have influence over important questions.
Why a conservative Texas mayor defied his peers and put the brakes on an abortion “travel ban”
Read full article: Why a conservative Texas mayor defied his peers and put the brakes on an abortion “travel ban”Amarillo Mayor Cole Stanley calls himself “pro-life.” But the proposal to police the streets for women traveling out of state to get an abortion is overreach, he said.
Republicans who want to oust Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan unanimously back state Rep. David Cook
Read full article: Republicans who want to oust Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan unanimously back state Rep. David CookFour GOP state representatives suspended their bids to challenge Phelan and 48 Republicans backed Cook, which could threaten Phelan’s shot at a third term.
Aquí te decimos cómo puedes votar en las elecciones presidenciales del 5 de noviembre en Texas
Read full article: Aquí te decimos cómo puedes votar en las elecciones presidenciales del 5 de noviembre en TexasLa fecha límite para registrarse para votar es el 7 de octubre. El último día para solicitar una boleta para votar por correo es el 25 de octubre. El periodo de votación anticipada será del 21 de octubre al 1 de noviembre.
Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seat
Read full article: Democrats hope anti-voucher campaign will help win back South Texas House seatThe first-term Republican defending her seat said a private school voucher program will help her community, especially students from low-income families.
Texas officials say they’ve scrubbed the voter rolls. Here’s how to check if you’re still on them.
Read full article: Texas officials say they’ve scrubbed the voter rolls. Here’s how to check if you’re still on them.The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 7. The Texas Tribune, ProPublica and Votebeat want to hear from people removed from voter rolls.
Ken Paxton agrees to pause its investigation into Texas civic group’s voter registration efforts
Read full article: Ken Paxton agrees to pause its investigation into Texas civic group’s voter registration effortsJolt, which advocates for more Latino voting participation, says the attorney general’s probe spurred threatening comments online.
Watch a discussion with the staff of The Bulwark at the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival
Read full article: Watch a discussion with the staff of The Bulwark at the 2024 Texas Tribune FestivalIn a conversation starting at 11 a.m. Saturday, four of the digital news organization’s sharpest minds will discuss the politics of 2024 and beyond.
Ken Paxton’s vote harvesting investigation in South Texas renews questions over politiqueras
Read full article: Ken Paxton’s vote harvesting investigation in South Texas renews questions over politiquerasSince the 2020 election, Texas Republicans have dramatically rewritten the state’s voting laws, which have made some long-standing practices illegal.
Biden and Harris to visit Houston this week to pay respects to Sheila Jackson Lee
Read full article: Biden and Harris to visit Houston this week to pay respects to Sheila Jackson LeeBiden will travel to Houston on Monday and Harris will attend a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday. The trip will mark Harris’ third visit to Texas in the past month.
Lina Hidalgo receives ethics fine after endorsing a primary candidate at a Harris County press conference
Read full article: Lina Hidalgo receives ethics fine after endorsing a primary candidate at a Harris County press conferenceThe $500 fine from the Texas Ethics Commission comes after the agency found the Harris County judge broke state campaign laws barring use of government resources for political purposes.
In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for more direct democracy
Read full article: In Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, a push for more direct democracyGround Game Texas, a group that has pushed for progressive policies in cities across the state, is working to make it easier for McAllen residents to change local laws.
After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in Allred
Read full article: After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in AllredSix years after Beto O’Rourke nearly toppled Ted Cruz, Democrats outside Texas are expressing confidence in Colin Allred’s 2024 challenge.
Molly Cook beats state Rep. Jarvis Johnson in special election to fill open Texas Senate seat until January
Read full article: Molly Cook beats state Rep. Jarvis Johnson in special election to fill open Texas Senate seat until JanuaryCook will fill John Whitmire’s unexpired term — but will face Johnson again in a Democratic primary runoff for a full four-year term.
In one Texas county, elections officials shoulder new costs and burdens to appease skeptics
Read full article: In one Texas county, elections officials shoulder new costs and burdens to appease skepticsBrazos County election officials are responding to demands from skeptical residents by expanding hand counts and ordering special paper.
About 40% of Texas election administrators leave their job each presidential election cycle, report finds
Read full article: About 40% of Texas election administrators leave their job each presidential election cycle, report findsTexas’ turnover rate has held steady at 40% since 2014. That’s slightly above the new national average.
House Speaker Dade Phelan’s immigration record central in bid to oust him
Read full article: House Speaker Dade Phelan’s immigration record central in bid to oust himThe Beaumont Republican’s foes are trying to paint him as soft on the border, even after last year’s passage of far-reaching laws and record border funding.
Democratic State Rep. Julie Johnson wins congressional primary race for North Texas seat
Read full article: Democratic State Rep. Julie Johnson wins congressional primary race for North Texas seatJohnson narrowly avoided a runoff to replace U.S. Rep. Colin Allred. Brian Williams, who was in second place, has conceded.
State Sen. Nathan Johnson victorious after surprise challenge from Rep. Victoria Neave Criado
Read full article: State Sen. Nathan Johnson victorious after surprise challenge from Rep. Victoria Neave CriadoJohnson is virtually assured to have won the seat, because there is no Republican challenger in November.
Republican voter turnout far outpaces Democrat turnout in 2024 primaries
Read full article: Republican voter turnout far outpaces Democrat turnout in 2024 primariesAbout 3.2 million Texans voted in the state’s primary election, down from 4.1 million during the 2020 presidential primary. Democratic turnout accounted for the entirety of the decline.
Frustration boils as Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton target GOP incumbents
Read full article: Frustration boils as Gov. Greg Abbott, AG Ken Paxton target GOP incumbentsBig spending and anger surround reelection bids for state House members like Glenn Rogers, who’s facing heat for votes on vouchers and Ken Paxton’s impeachment.
Texas Republicans who defied Gov. Greg Abbott on school vouchers face mounting primary attacks
Read full article: Texas Republicans who defied Gov. Greg Abbott on school vouchers face mounting primary attacksAs promised, the governor is going after members of his own party after some of them tanked his top legislative priority.
Tax cuts, teacher pension increases at stake after misinformation-led challenge to 2023 election
Read full article: Tax cuts, teacher pension increases at stake after misinformation-led challenge to 2023 electionTax cuts were a major legislative priority for Republican leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott. The governor cannot certify the election results until the challenges are resolved.
After hotly contested 2022 primary, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar works to mend relations with labor groups ahead of 2024
Read full article: After hotly contested 2022 primary, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar works to mend relations with labor groups ahead of 2024The moderate South Texas Democrat has held meetings with union leaders and filed a labor-backed bill this month. But he still shares some disagreements with the movement.
Trump pitches 2024 election as most important for nation’s future during Houston campaign stop
Read full article: Trump pitches 2024 election as most important for nation’s future during Houston campaign stopFormer President Donald Trump said the acquitted attorney general should not have been impeached but that he was happy to have helped the state’s top civil lawyer.
After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted Cruz
Read full article: After fighting for Uvalde residents, Roland Gutierrez struggles to break through crowded field to challenge Ted CruzThe Democrat has dedicated significant energy to probing law enforcement’s response to the Uvalde school shooting. But he faces a fundraising deficit against U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas.
Sen. Joe Manchin leaves the door open to potential third-party presidential run in 2024
Read full article: Sen. Joe Manchin leaves the door open to potential third-party presidential run in 2024The West Virginia Democrat said running as an independent would help bring a divided nation together, not hand the election to former President Donald Trump.
New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu criticizes Texas AG Paxton’s “embarrassing” acquittal, citing clear evidence
Read full article: New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu criticizes Texas AG Paxton’s “embarrassing” acquittal, citing clear evidenceDuring a conversation with Tribune co-founder Evan Smith, Sununu also laid out a vision for the future of the Republican Party that contrasted with Texas’ GOP.
State Rep. Carl Sherman becomes latest Democrat to target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Read full article: State Rep. Carl Sherman becomes latest Democrat to target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024The senior pastor positioned himself as a leader who would represent all Texans in contrast to Cruz. The Democratic primary race has already drawn a congressman, a state senator and a South Texas district attorney.
Eliminating countywide voting in Texas would make the process harder on voters, cost more money, election leaders say
Read full article: Eliminating countywide voting in Texas would make the process harder on voters, cost more money, election leaders sayCurrently, more than 80% of Texas voters can vote anywhere in their home county, a model that originated in Lubbock County. If lawmakers approve new legislation, that would change.
Dallas Democrat Colin Allred announces 2024 challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
Read full article: Dallas Democrat Colin Allred announces 2024 challenge to Republican U.S. Sen. Ted CruzAllred was first elected to Congress in 2018 and quickly became a rising Democratic star. Cruz is Texas’ junior senator and unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nomination in 2016.
Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day
Read full article: Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election DayVoters in nearly 100 counties — mostly rural — can vote at any polling site in their county. The sponsor, without offering evidence, said the practice was not secure despite years of successful elections in Texas with the system.
Texas’ U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should be president
Read full article: Texas’ U.S. Rep. Chip Roy says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis should be presidentThe Austin Republican is the staunch conservative who led 19 House members in blocking Kevin McCarthy’s bid for the speakership. “I believe it’s time for a new generation of leadership,” he said of DeSantis.