Ken Paxton and James Talarico are neck and neck in U.S. Senate race, new poll finds
Read full article: Ken Paxton and James Talarico are neck and neck in U.S. Senate race, new poll findsThe vast majority of Republicans indicated they had moved on from the bitter GOP primary and now support Paxton. Talarico had commanding leads among independents and moderates.
Austin-area hospitals denied miscarriage care despite clarification to Texasā abortion ban, federal complaint alleges
Read full article: Austin-area hospitals denied miscarriage care despite clarification to Texasā abortion ban, federal complaint allegesLynn Callaway says she was sent home from two hospitals, despite an infection, due to healthcare providersā fear of the stateās abortion ban.
Which Bible passages are in Texasā proposed student reading list? Hereās what the selections reveal.
Read full article: Which Bible passages are in Texasā proposed student reading list? Hereās what the selections reveal.The chosen readings, to be voted on soon by the State Board of Education, draw heavily from Christian perspectives.
Texas Railroad Commission race pits oil field engineer against energy trader running on culture wars
Read full article: Texas Railroad Commission race pits oil field engineer against energy trader running on culture warsRepublican Bo French is keeping Islam, immigration and LGBTQ+ issues at the fore of his campaign for Texasā oil regulatory agency. Democratic foe Jon Rosenthal is betting on his technical expertise.
Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Read full article: Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter TrumpThe decision by Senate Democrats to let a key surveillance authority lapse comes as they're increasingly emboldened in their legislative fights against President Donald Trump.
Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command Dārinda Randall
Read full article: Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command Dārinda RandallRandallās supporters were animated by a mix of factors, including the perception that George was too friendly to establishment Republicans.
A key US government surveillance program is set to expire. A look at what that means
Read full article: A key US government surveillance program is set to expire. A look at what that meansA key surveillance tool seen as vital in preventing terror attacks and catching foreign spies is set to expire after congressional efforts to temporarily extend it failed in bipartisan fashion.
Corpus Christiās delayed water response bubbles up to Texas governorās race
Read full article: Corpus Christiās delayed water response bubbles up to Texas governorās raceFrustrated by a lack of progress, Gov. Greg Abbott threatened state action. Gina Hinojosa, his Democratic opponent, accused him of backing industry over people.
East Texas county judge urges state lawmakers to help locals combat data center proliferation
Read full article: East Texas county judge urges state lawmakers to help locals combat data center proliferationA proposed data center in Angelina County will occupy more than 1,000 acres outside of Lufkin. The county judge says there's nothing he can do to stop it.
Ken Paxton's attorney in his impeachment trial endorses James Talarico in US Senate race
Read full article: Ken Paxton's attorney in his impeachment trial endorses James Talarico in US Senate raceAn attorney who defended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in his impeachment trial has endorsed Paxton's Democratic opponent in the U.S. Senate race.
Christian Menefeeās congressional win is a generational shift backed by cryptocurrency
Read full article: Christian Menefeeās congressional win is a generational shift backed by cryptocurrencyMenefee, 38, unseated U.S. Rep. Al Green, 78, to represent a redrawn Harris County congressional district. The men faced off after Republicans combined parts of their current districts into one.
National Democrats aim to flip 12 Texas House seats under newly expanded target list
Read full article: National Democrats aim to flip 12 Texas House seats under newly expanded target listRepublicans would have just a 76-74 majority in the Texas House if the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee succeeds in flipping its targeted GOP districts.
Mullin faces Senate grilling on DHS budget, immigration crackdown and World Cup worries
Read full article: Mullin faces Senate grilling on DHS budget, immigration crackdown and World Cup worriesHomeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin is set to appear in the Senate to discuss the agency's budget.
Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses it
Read full article: Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses itPresident Donald Trump is reconsidering whether to move forward with a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate his allies, a person familiar with his thinking said Monday.
ICE sued over āinhumaneā conditions at Camp East Montana in West Texas
Read full article: ICE sued over āinhumaneā conditions at Camp East Montana in West TexasThe El Paso tent camp has seen at least three detainee deaths, a measles outbreak and nearly 50 detention standards violations in less than a year of operation.
Outside spending blitz defined the close of Texasā District 35 Democratic runoff
Read full article: Outside spending blitz defined the close of Texasā District 35 Democratic runoffTo counter what appeared to be a GOP push to elevate Maureen Galindo, whoād voiced antisemitic stereotypes, national Democrats carpet-bombed the San Antonio area with $1.7 million worth of ads.
Members of pro-immigration group hit by Trump crackdown on immigration
Read full article: Members of pro-immigration group hit by Trump crackdown on immigrationLa Union Del Pueblo Entero has seen engagement at its 8,000-member organization drop off after the Trump administrationās immigration raids.
In Harris County judge runoff, a Democratic upset underscores votersā desire for new blood
Read full article: In Harris County judge runoff, a Democratic upset underscores votersā desire for new bloodFormer Houston City Council member Letitia Plummer defeated longtime local politician Annise Parker to win the Democratic nomination for Harris County judge in what political experts say might be a sign of the changing of the guard.
From Cornyn to Paxton: How Trump helped accelerate the Texas GOPās transformation
Read full article: From Cornyn to Paxton: How Trump helped accelerate the Texas GOPās transformationThe power struggle between old-school Bush Republicans and hardline conservatives predates President Donald Trump. But he has used his clout to help tip the scales.
In new memoir, Jill Biden wonders whether acknowledging Joe's poor debate would have been better
Read full article: In new memoir, Jill Biden wonders whether acknowledging Joe's poor debate would have been betterIn her new memoir, Jill Biden reflects on Joe Biden's poor 2024 presidential debate performance against Donald Trump.
Tala-freak-o vs. Ken the Criminal: Texas candidates sharpen attacks as U.S. Senate race locks in
Read full article: Tala-freak-o vs. Ken the Criminal: Texas candidates sharpen attacks as U.S. Senate race locks inTexas' Ken Paxton and James Talarico focus their energies ā and attack ads ā on each other as the fight for U.S. Senate narrows to two.
One in five Latino Trump voters in Texas would not repeat vote if given redo, poll finds
Read full article: One in five Latino Trump voters in Texas would not repeat vote if given redo, poll findsThe survey is the latest to measure eroding Latino support for the president and the GOP after historic gains in 2024. But a polling expert said Democrats were āstill underperformingā among the bloc.
Colin Allred tops Julie Johnson in redistricting-driven runoff battle of Dallas Democrats
Read full article: Colin Allred tops Julie Johnson in redistricting-driven runoff battle of Dallas DemocratsJohnson succeeded Allred in Congress, but Republican redistricting pushed them into an unusual primary confrontation for the 33rd Congressional District.
Paxton-backed Thomas Smith defeats Alison Fox in GOP runoff for Texasā highest criminal court
Read full article: Paxton-backed Thomas Smith defeats Alison Fox in GOP runoff for Texasā highest criminal courtThe all-Republican Court of Criminal Appeals has undergone extensive turnover since AG Ken Paxton began targeting incumbent judges.
Christian Menefee defeats longtime Houston Rep. Al Green in Texasā new 18th Congressional District
Read full article: Christian Menefee defeats longtime Houston Rep. Al Green in Texasā new 18th Congressional DistrictGreenās loss means the Texas House delegation is losing one of its most senior members, who served more than 20 years in Congress.
Travel industry worries after Trump administration reiterates threat to sanctuary city airports
Read full article: Travel industry worries after Trump administration reiterates threat to sanctuary city airportsThe travel industry is on edge after Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reiterated his threat to withdraw U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers from airports in so-called āsanctuary citiesā in a move that could jeopardize international flights.
Rallies, ad blitzes and a Trump endorsement: inside the final days of the Cornyn-Paxton runoff
Read full article: Rallies, ad blitzes and a Trump endorsement: inside the final days of the Cornyn-Paxton runoffNearly 14 months and $135 million later, Texasā blockbuster Republican Senate primary will finally be decided Tuesday.
House Democratic runoff heats up in the Rio Grande Valley, where the party hopes to reverse GOP gains
Read full article: House Democratic runoff heats up in the Rio Grande Valley, where the party hopes to reverse GOP gainsTexas House District 41 was opened by the retirement of Rep. Bobby Guerra, a Democrat. Donald Trump carried the district with 50.3% of the vote in 2024.
In Democratic runoff, Reps. Al Green and Christian Menefee clash over influence of big money in politics
Read full article: In Democratic runoff, Reps. Al Green and Christian Menefee clash over influence of big money in politicsThe clash embodies the tension for Democrats who rely on large fundraising hauls to remain competitive, even as they denounce the outsized political influence of corporate cash.
Colorado Democrats censure governor for conspiracy theorist sentence commutation
Read full article: Colorado Democrats censure governor for conspiracy theorist sentence commutationColorado Democrats have voted overwhelmingly to censure the state's governor for commuting the prison sentence of an election conspiracy theorist.
Ken Paxton wanted to limit forum shopping. Now lawyers say heās improperly seeking favorable courts.
Read full article: Ken Paxton wanted to limit forum shopping. Now lawyers say heās improperly seeking favorable courts.ProPublica and The Texas Tribune have identified at least 30 lawsuits filed by the attorney general over the past nine years that have a tenuous connection to the counties in which they were filed.
Texasā GOP Senate runoff pits an old guard-backed institutionalist against a Trump-picked flamethrower
Read full article: Texasā GOP Senate runoff pits an old guard-backed institutionalist against a Trump-picked flamethrowerThe GOP establishment has gone to bat for John Cornyn, touting the statesmanship and Washington know-how that make him a favorite of his colleagues and a pariah among Paxtonās base.
Dems slam Maureen Galindoās comments as antisemitic in TX-35 runoff
Read full article: Dems slam Maureen Galindoās comments as antisemitic in TX-35 runoffSome party leaders are also also alleging GOP interference on behalf of Galindo, who said she would āturn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionistsā if elected.
Election for oil regulator becomes battleground for wealthy donors
Read full article: Election for oil regulator becomes battleground for wealthy donorsIn 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.
Justice Department announces a $1.7B fund to compensate Trump allies in a deal to drop IRS suit
Read full article: Justice Department announces a $1.7B fund to compensate Trump allies in a deal to drop IRS suitThe Trump administration has announced the creation a $1.7 billion fund to compensate allies of the Republican president who believe they have been unjustly investigated and prosecuted.
Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White House
Read full article: Senate parliamentarian deals blow to $1 billion security proposal for White HouseA proposal to fund $1 billion in security additions for the White House campus and the presidentās new ballroom fails to meet procedural rules.
Texas Supreme Court rejects Abbottās request to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office over redistricting protest
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court rejects Abbottās request to remove Democratic Rep. Gene Wu from office over redistricting protestMore than 50 Democrats, including Wu ā the House Democratic leader ā left the state last August to shut down the Legislature and stall passage of the GOPās map.
Abbottās public safety wish list includes statewide prosecutor, more bail restrictions
Read full article: Abbottās public safety wish list includes statewide prosecutor, more bail restrictionsSome items on Abbott's agenda would require amending the Texas Constitution, meaning they would need supermajority support in the Legislature.
Here are the megadonors and dark money groups boosting James Talaricoās anti-billionaire Senate bid
Read full article: Here are the megadonors and dark money groups boosting James Talaricoās anti-billionaire Senate bidAs the Austin Democrat campaigns against big money in politics, he is being supported by a super PAC bankrolled by several billionaires, as well as nonprofits that do not have to disclose their funders.
Barack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurant
Read full article: Barack Obama appears with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa at Austin restaurantThe former president greeted patrons while stopping for tacos near the University of Texas at Austin campus ā a notable show of support for the Democrats atop the ticket this fall.
Christian Menefee, Alex Mealer lead Houston-area congressional runoffs, new poll finds
Read full article: Christian Menefee, Alex Mealer lead Houston-area congressional runoffs, new poll findsThe two contests are among the most closely watched U.S. House runoffs in Texas. Menefee, newly elected to Congress, faces longtime Democratic Rep. Al Green in a matchup spawned by GOP redistricting.
Texas took their licenses. Now these immigrant truckers face lost livelihoods, sense of betrayal
Read full article: Texas took their licenses. Now these immigrant truckers face lost livelihoods, sense of betrayalTexas was among the first states to heed Trump administration directives to revoke commercial driverās licenses from some immigrants as a safety measure.
By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas cities
Read full article: By threatening public safety grants, Greg Abbott exerts control over Texas citiesThe governorās threats have produced quick wins on hot-button issues important to the GOP base ā immigration and perceived threats posed by Islam.
Texasā 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texasā 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to knowTwo Democrats and two Republicans advanced to May runoffs for the open San Antonio-area seat, which was drawn to favor the GOP yet is considered winnable for Democrats in a wave year.
For many Americans, Trump's immigration crackdown is personal, new AP-NORC poll shows
Read full article: For many Americans, Trump's immigration crackdown is personal, new AP-NORC poll showsA new AP-NORC poll finds about 6 in 10 U.S. adults say the country is no longer a great place for immigrants, though they believe it used to be.
Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protests
Read full article: Southern Republicans press ahead with election-year redistricting of US House despite protestsRepublicans are rapidly pursuing redistricting efforts across the South following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affects majority-Black congressional districts.
Texasā 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texasā 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe Democratic runoff for the Houston-based seat ā a longtime bastion of Black political power ā pits the Texas delegationās newest member, Christian Menefee, against one of its longest-tenured, Al Green.
Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressivesā āaffordability agendaā
Read full article: Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressivesā āaffordability agendaāThe proposal is part of a package from the Casar-led Congressional Progressive Caucus focused on cost of living. Itās unlikely to go anywhere but could give Democrats a campaign blueprint.
Rep. Christian Menefee introduces first bill to set national deadline for filling vacant House seats
Read full article: Rep. Christian Menefee introduces first bill to set national deadline for filling vacant House seatsHouston congressman Christian Menefee is making his first move in Washington with a proposal aimed at speeding up how quickly vacant seats in the U.S. House are filled.
Christian Menefeeās district sat vacant for 11 months. His first bill in Congress would set a deadline for special elections.
Read full article: Christian Menefeeās district sat vacant for 11 months. His first bill in Congress would set a deadline for special elections.The Houston Democrat was elected earlier this year to finish out the term of Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in March 2025. The safely blue district was left vacant for 334 days.
Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads, Republican counterpart reserves $14 million for U.S. House seats in South Texas
Read full article: Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads, Republican counterpart reserves $14 million for U.S. House seats in South TexasHouse Majority PAC is targeting five majority-Hispanic seats, including the 23rd Congressional District, which was recently vacated by Republican Tony Gonzales. The top Republican group is spending $13.9 million on two seats.
AG Ken Paxton blocked from suing Democratic donor platform ActBlue
Read full article: AG Ken Paxton blocked from suing Democratic donor platform ActBluePaxton filed a lawsuit against ActBlue in late April, claiming the platform allows improper donations from people outside the United States and those who have already hit the mandated donor limits.
Texas Democrats feud over party leadership as hundreds back Kendall Scudderās chairmanship
Read full article: Texas Democrats feud over party leadership as hundreds back Kendall Scudderās chairmanshipNearly 800 elected officials, party activists and local Democratic leaders signed onto a letter supporting Scudder after three dozen called on him to forgo reelection.
A big midterms year in Arizona kicks off with the state's largest county embroiled in election drama
Read full article: A big midterms year in Arizona kicks off with the state's largest county embroiled in election dramaMuch of the political spotlight this election year in Arizona has been focused on the office that runs elections in Maricopa County, the stateās largest.
Three dozen Texas Democrats urge Kendall Scudder not to seek reelection as state party chair
Read full article: Three dozen Texas Democrats urge Kendall Scudder not to seek reelection as state party chairIn an open letter, former staffers and other insiders said the state party has fallen short on strategy and failed to act with urgency under Scudderās leadership.
House rejects effort to withdraw US forces from the Iran war as Republicans stick with Trump
Read full article: House rejects effort to withdraw US forces from the Iran war as Republicans stick with TrumpThe House has rejected a resolution requiring President Donald Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from the war with Iran unless Congress authorizes military action.
House Democrats will try anti-corruption message to gain traction against Trump
Read full article: House Democrats will try anti-corruption message to gain traction against TrumpHouse Democrats are launching what they call an anti-corruption task force in an attempt to strengthen ethics rules and protect voting access.
Texas House Democrats who walked out over congressional map fined over $8,000 each
Read full article: Texas House Democrats who walked out over congressional map fined over $8,000 eachA Republican-led House committee approved the penalties Friday, charging Democrats $500 for each day they were absent, plus costs borne by law enforcement to bring them back.
Bills to pay FAA and TSA workers during shutdowns get introduced but keep stalling in Congress
Read full article: Bills to pay FAA and TSA workers during shutdowns get introduced but keep stalling in CongressMembers of Congress have repeatedly introduced bills to ensure the federal employees who control air traffic and conduct airport security screenings get paid during government shutdowns.
Enhanced role for immigration officers at US airports as shutdown frustrates travelers and screeners
Read full article: Enhanced role for immigration officers at US airports as shutdown frustrates travelers and screenersPresident Donald Trumpās decision to order federal immigration agents to U.S. airports to help with security is drawing concerns that their presence may escalate tensions among air travelers and screeners.
What Americans are giving up to afford ACA health insurance, according to a new poll
Read full article: What Americans are giving up to afford ACA health insurance, according to a new pollA new KFF survey shows many Americans who had Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance last year are struggling with high health costs.
Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with Democrats
Read full article: Republicans resist calls for Iran war hearings, creating a new standoff with DemocratsThe United Statesā war with Iran is entering its third week, but Congress has yet to publicly test the Trump administrationās case for the conflict.
In the Rio Grande Valley, soaring Democratic turnout fuels partyās hope of turning the Trump tide
Read full article: In the Rio Grande Valley, soaring Democratic turnout fuels partyās hope of turning the Trump tideDemocratic enthusiasm in the Valleyās four counties could foreshadow a November reversal of Trumpās historic 2024 sweep there ā and signal that Latino voters have become swing voters.
Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trumpās endorsement
Read full article: Cornyn voices support for nixing filibuster, reversing course as he courts Trumpās endorsementCornynās change of heart comes amid a grueling primary battle with Attorney General Ken Paxton, who said he'd consider dropping out if Republicans scrapped the filibuster to pass a voter ID law.
Jill Biden opens up in memoir about Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 reelection bid
Read full article: Jill Biden opens up in memoir about Joe Biden's decision to end his 2024 reelection bidJill Biden says she wants to āset the record straightā as she breaks her silence about Joe Bidenās decision to end his 2024 presidential reelection bid under pressure from Democrats who were concerned about his age and viability against Republican Donald Trump.
The Latest: Trump says Iran had a new site for developing nuclear weapons
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says Iran had a new site for developing nuclear weaponsU.S. President Donald Trump says that the war with Iran began because that country was starting work on a new site for developing material for nuclear weapons.
Three-hour TSA wait lines at Houston Hobby Airport during spring break travel rush
Read full article: Three-hour TSA wait lines at Houston Hobby Airport during spring break travel rushThe Spring Break travel rush at William P. Hobby Airport is experiencing significant delays due to rainy weather and a TSA staffing shortage caused by a partial government shutdown. Travelers are advised to arrive early as long wait times of up to two hours have been reported, with PreCheck services closed and only CLEAR lanes operational. Airport officials emphasize flexibility as security operations could vary daily.
How Jasmine Crockett slipped from Democratic frontrunner to decisive defeat in the Senate primary
Read full article: How Jasmine Crockett slipped from Democratic frontrunner to decisive defeat in the Senate primaryCrockett embarked on her primary bid with a makeshift operation that lacked a campaign manager, a developed fundraising strategy and comprehensive infrastructure for a ground game.
Rep. Veronica Escobar, two dozen Democrats call on ICE to close troubled El Paso detention camp
Read full article: Rep. Veronica Escobar, two dozen Democrats call on ICE to close troubled El Paso detention campThree deaths have been reported recently at the hastily constructed camp. One was ruled a homicide involving staff. Claims of medical neglect and unsanitary conditions are rife.
Residents want local governments to end contracts that let ICE train on their gun ranges
Read full article: Residents want local governments to end contracts that let ICE train on their gun rangesResidents in a Southern California city want local police to stop letting federal immigration agents train at a publicly owned firing range.
Texas Rep. Al Green escorted out of House chamber after waving sign during Trumpās State of the Union
Read full article: Texas Rep. Al Green escorted out of House chamber after waving sign during Trumpās State of the UnionTexas Representative Al Green was escorted out of the House of Representatives Tuesday evening after waving a sign during President Donald Trumpās State of the Union address.
After Supreme Court rebuke, Democrats call for government to refund billions in Trump tariff money
Read full article: After Supreme Court rebuke, Democrats call for government to refund billions in Trump tariff moneySenate Democrats are unveiling a bill to have the government refund about $175 billion in Trump-era tariff money after the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump's emergency tariffs were illegal.
Department of Homeland Security suspends Global Entry as the partial government shutdown drags on
Read full article: Department of Homeland Security suspends Global Entry as the partial government shutdown drags onThe Department of Homeland Security says the Global Entry program shuts down for as long as the partial government shutdown continues.
Democrats say citizenship question could derail census test and deter immigrants from participating
Read full article: Democrats say citizenship question could derail census test and deter immigrants from participatingCongressional Democrats are warning that the U.S. Census Bureau risks undermining an upcoming test of the 2030 census by using a form that includes a citizenship question.
Texas Primary Elections: Where to find your polling locations, sample ballots, county by county
Read full article: Texas Primary Elections: Where to find your polling locations, sample ballots, county by countyPolling locations and sample ballots, county by county, for the Texas Primary Elections on March 3.
Trump visits Georgia, a target of his election falsehoods, as Republicans look for midterm boost
Read full article: Trump visits Georgia, a target of his election falsehoods, as Republicans look for midterm boostThe White House has insisted that President Donald Trump was visiting Georgia to promote the economy.
AG Paxton launches probe into 3 Texas school districts over student protests
Read full article: AG Paxton launches probe into 3 Texas school districts over student protestsAttorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into three Texas school districtsāNortheast ISD, Dallas ISD, and Manor ISDāalleging they failed to manage student safety and accountability during immigration enforcement protests.
No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown as lawmakers dig in over DHS oversight
Read full article: No clear path to ending the partial government shutdown as lawmakers dig in over DHS oversightLawmakers and the White House are offering no signs of compromise in their battle over oversight of federal immigration officers.
Rep. James Talarico raises $7.4 million in first six weeks of 2026 in bid for U.S. Senate
Read full article: Rep. James Talarico raises $7.4 million in first six weeks of 2026 in bid for U.S. SenateTalaricoās haul, announced days before early voting, already outpaces what he raised over the last three months of last year.
Texas attorney general candidate says if he wins, heād try to revoke Democratic leader Gene Wuās citizenship
Read full article: Texas attorney general candidate says if he wins, heād try to revoke Democratic leader Gene Wuās citizenshipAaron Reitz, who is running for Texas attorney general, issued the threat after an interview of Wu was shared online of him discussing non-white voting strength.