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.
Democrat Johnny Garcia to face Republican Carlos De La Cruz for redrawn Texas district
Read full article: Democrat Johnny Garcia to face Republican Carlos De La Cruz for redrawn Texas districtThe boundaries of the 35th Congressional District in South Central Texas were redrawn in 2025 to favor GOP candidates as requested by President Trump.
Tom Sell, Jon Bonck win open GOP primary runoffs for solidly red congressional seats
Read full article: Tom Sell, Jon Bonck win open GOP primary runoffs for solidly red congressional seatsWith their Republican nominations in hand, the two are favored to win their GOP-leaning seats in November to replace outgoing Reps. Jodey Arrington and Wesley Hunt.
Alex Mealer wins GOP nomination for new Houston congressional district, defeating state Rep. Briscoe Cain
Read full article: Alex Mealer wins GOP nomination for new Houston congressional district, defeating state Rep. Briscoe CainThe Army veteran was endorsed by President Donald Trump and saw millions in outside spending on her behalf. Cain, meanwhile, was backed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
“The last of the gentlemen Republicans”: John Cornyn’s four-decade political career ends with a MAGA uprising
Read full article: “The last of the gentlemen Republicans”: John Cornyn’s four-decade political career ends with a MAGA uprisingA former state Supreme Court justice, Texas attorney general and a four-term U.S. senator, Cornyn had held on in the Republican Party as it transformed from the party of Bush, to the Tea Party movement and eventually the dominion of Trump.
Christian Menefee defeats longtime Houston Rep. Al Green in Texas’ new 18th Congressional District
Read full article: Christian Menefee defeats longtime Houston Rep. Al Green in Texas’ new 18th Congressional DistrictGreen’s loss means the Texas House delegation is losing one of its most senior members, who served more than 20 years in Congress.
Texas’ raucous primary runoffs end today. Here’s what to watch.
Read full article: Texas’ raucous primary runoffs end today. Here’s what to watch.John Cornyn is trying to fend off Ken Paxton. Both parties are picking attorney general nominees. And an oil and gas regulatory race has become uncharacteristically costly.
Democrats feud over stock trading as they sharpen anti-corruption case against Trump
Read full article: Democrats feud over stock trading as they sharpen anti-corruption case against TrumpDemocrats are increasingly critiquing each other over their personal stock trades as the party looks to hone its anti-corruption message against President Donald Trump in the midterm elections.
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, Texas’ blockbuster Republican Senate primary will finally be decided Tuesday.
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.
House committee discusses modernizing the TSA as Trump seeks to privatize airport screening
Read full article: House committee discusses modernizing the TSA as Trump seeks to privatize airport screeningA House committee has discussed the future of the Transportation Security Administration as the Trump administration lobbies to replace TSA officers with private contractors.
Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fund
Read full article: Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from $1.8B ‘anti-weaponization’ fundTwo police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot are suing to block anyone from receiving payouts from a new $1.776 billion settlement fund for people who claim to be victims of politically motivated prosecutions.
Texas’ GOP Senate runoff pits an old guard-backed institutionalist against a Trump-picked flamethrower
Read full article: Texas’ 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 Paxton’s base.
US Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Ed Gallrein in another victory for Trump
Read full article: US Rep. Thomas Massie loses Kentucky GOP primary to Ed Gallrein in another victory for TrumpKentucky U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie has lost his Republican House primary after a concerted effort by President Donald Trump to oust him through challenger and ultimate winner Ed Gallrein.
How much money could drivers save if Congress approves a federal gas tax suspension?
Read full article: How much money could drivers save if Congress approves a federal gas tax suspension?President Donald Trump is proposing suspending the federal gas tax as fuel prices continue to rise. Experts say drivers could quickly see savings at the pump if Congress approves the plan, but fluctuating oil prices may offset the relief.
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.
Trump says he'll move to suspend federal gasoline tax. He can't do it on his own
Read full article: Trump says he'll move to suspend federal gasoline tax. He can't do it on his ownPresident Donald Trump is moving to suspend the federal tax on gasoline to help Americans shoulder surging fuel prices caused by the Iran war.
GOP hardliners aren’t buying into U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration bill
Read full article: GOP hardliners aren’t buying into U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s bipartisan immigration billThe latest version of the El Paso Democrat’s Dignity Act includes a key change to make it more palatable to Republicans. Some have gotten on board, but others are firmly opposed.
Texas’ 35th Congressional District primary runoffs: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 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.
Texas’ 33rd Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 33rd Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and Allred’s move to exit the U.S. Senate race to make way for Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Ken Paxton narrowly leads John Cornyn in new poll of Texas’ Senate GOP runoff
Read full article: Ken Paxton narrowly leads John Cornyn in new poll of Texas’ Senate GOP runoffThe University of Houston survey results were within the margin of error less than a month out from the May 26 election. State Sen. Mayes Middleton had a wider lead in the attorney general primary.
How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of color
Read full article: How the Voting Rights Act reshaped Texas’ electoral maps by empowering voters, candidates of colorThe Supreme Court weakened Section 2, the linchpin of the 1965 civil rights legislation that prohibits diluting the electoral power of voters of color. But the statute’s fingerprints can be seen all over Texas’ maps.
Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas’ 18th Congressional District Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe Democratic runoff for the Houston-based seat — a longtime bastion of Black political power — pits the Texas delegation’s newest member, Christian Menefee, against one of its longest-tenured, Al Green.
Sen. Ted Cruz makes Iowa appearance, fueling speculation about another presidential bid
Read full article: Sen. Ted Cruz makes Iowa appearance, fueling speculation about another presidential bidThe U.S. senator won the Hawkeye State during the 2016 Republican primaries. This year he used his appearance to blame Democrats for anti-Semitism and call out GOP Trump foes Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressives’ “affordability agenda”
Read full article: Rep. Greg Casar unveils bill targeting utility costs as part of progressives’ “affordability agenda”The proposal is part of a package from the Casar-led Congressional Progressive Caucus focused on cost of living. It’s unlikely to go anywhere but could give Democrats a campaign blueprint.
Trump says deadline for Congress to approve Iran war doesn't apply: Hostilities have 'terminated'
Read full article: Trump says deadline for Congress to approve Iran war doesn't apply: Hostilities have 'terminated'The White House is telling Congress that hostilities with Iran have “terminated” despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region.
Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' before 60-day deadline
Read full article: Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' before 60-day deadlineThe Trump administration is arguing that the war in Iran has already ended because of the ceasefire that began in early April.
Amtrak may make it easier to bring guns on its trains despite the alleged attempt on Trump's life
Read full article: Amtrak may make it easier to bring guns on its trains despite the alleged attempt on Trump's lifeAmtrak is considering allowing people to store guns in lockboxes on most of its trains, which critics say would weaken security measures that instead should be strengthened in light of the shooting at last weekend’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner.
Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expiration
Read full article: Congress approves short-term extension of divisive US surveillance program hours before expirationCongress gave approval to a short-term extension of a key U.S. surveillance program as they continue to work toward a long-term deal.
Trump signs bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, ending record shutdown
Read full article: Trump signs bill funding the Department of Homeland Security, ending record shutdownPresident Donald Trump has signed a bill funding much of the Department of Homeland Security and ending the longest agency shutdown in history.
Christian Menefee’s district sat vacant for 11 months. His first bill in Congress would set a deadline for special elections.
Read full article: Christian Menefee’s 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.
Supreme Court hollows out a landmark law that had protected minority voting rights for 6 decades
Read full article: Supreme Court hollows out a landmark law that had protected minority voting rights for 6 decadesThe Voting Rights Act over its six decades became one of the most consequential laws in the nation’s history, preventing discrimination against minorities at the ballot box and helping to elect thousands of Black and Hispanic representatives at all levels of government.
Hispanic GOP candidates could reshape Texas’ congressional delegation — if they can win Hispanic voters
Read full article: Hispanic GOP candidates could reshape Texas’ congressional delegation — if they can win Hispanic votersTexas voters could nominate as many as six Hispanic Republicans in the state’s most hotly contested congressional races. Party leaders hope that’ll help keep Hispanic voters in the GOP’s corner.
The Black Caucus is the 'conscience of Congress.' Supreme Court ruling has it bracing for a big hit
Read full article: The Black Caucus is the 'conscience of Congress.' Supreme Court ruling has it bracing for a big hitBlack members of Congress are bracing for a crippling shake-up of their ranks after a Supreme Court ruling gutted a key section of the Voting Rights Act that had protected minority communities in political redistricting and helped boost their representation.
U.S. Supreme Court weakens key pillar of Voting Rights Act, opening the door for Texas to redraw political maps
Read full article: U.S. Supreme Court weakens key pillar of Voting Rights Act, opening the door for Texas to redraw political mapsWhile the court did not strike down the provision entirely, Justice Elena Kagan said Wednesday’s ruling made Section 2 of the VRA “all but a dead letter.”
Supreme Court weakens the Voting Rights Act and aids GOP efforts to control the House
Read full article: Supreme Court weakens the Voting Rights Act and aids GOP efforts to control the HouseThe Supreme Court has weakened a landmark Civil Rights-era law that has increased minority representation in Congress and elsewhere.
Environmental Protection Agency boss backs big budget cuts but Congress will get the final say
Read full article: Environmental Protection Agency boss backs big budget cuts but Congress will get the final sayThe head of the Environmental Protection Agency is back on Capitol Hill defending the administration's plan to cut in half the EPA's budget.
White House says funds to pay TSA and other Homeland Security workers will 'soon run out'
Read full article: White House says funds to pay TSA and other Homeland Security workers will 'soon run out'The White House is warning Congress that funds to pay Department of Homeland Security personnel will “soon run out.”.
Talarico leads both Cornyn, Paxton in new polls of Texas’ U.S. Senate race
Read full article: Talarico leads both Cornyn, Paxton in new polls of Texas’ U.S. Senate raceThe Austin Democrat, who won his party’s nomination in March, led Cornyn and Paxton in two successive polls, though he did not crack 50%.
Republicans in Congress push for Trump's White House ballroom after shooting at media dinner
Read full article: Republicans in Congress push for Trump's White House ballroom after shooting at media dinnerRepublicans in Congress have launched new efforts to approve and pay for President Donald Trump’s proposed ballroom at the White House.
North Texas Rep. Pat Fallon running to lead GOP on influential House Oversight Committee
Read full article: North Texas Rep. Pat Fallon running to lead GOP on influential House Oversight CommitteeSeparately, Amarillo Rep. Ronny Jackson is considering a bid for the top Republican spot on the House Armed Services Committee in the next Congress.
Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to know
Read full article: Texas lieutenant governor Democratic runoff: Who is running and what to knowThe lieutenant governor’s office is one of the most powerful in Texas government, and the 2026 race features a Democratic runoff between Vikki Goodwin and Marcos Velez.
Republican proposes giving Democratic-leaning part of Virginia back to DC after redistricting vote
Read full article: Republican proposes giving Democratic-leaning part of Virginia back to DC after redistricting voteA Republican congressman has introduced legislation that would expand the borders of Washington, D.C., and cost Virginia Democratic voters.
After Virginia’s referendum, the Texas-ignited redistricting war is looking like a wash
Read full article: After Virginia’s referendum, the Texas-ignited redistricting war is looking like a washMost Texas Republicans remained supportive of their state’s redraw even as their gains have been wiped out by California and Virginia.
Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads for U.S. House seats in South Texas
Read full article: Top Democratic PAC books $22 million in ads for U.S. House seats in South TexasHouse Majority PAC’s spending in Texas is up more than sevenfold from 2024 and targets five majority-Hispanic seats, including TX-23, which was vacated by Republican Tony Gonzales.
Texas Republican candidate suspended by Kalshi for betting on his own election
Read full article: Texas Republican candidate suspended by Kalshi for betting on his own electionZeke Enriquez, who ran in the GOP primary for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, was fined and barred from the prediction market platform for five years. Two candidates in other states were suspended for the same offense.
Texas AG runoff: Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy weigh in on election integrity, lawsuits and more
Read full article: Texas AG runoff: Mayes Middleton and Chip Roy weigh in on election integrity, lawsuits and moreEditor’s note: This is an updated version of one of our primary surveys featuring candidates in the Democratic and Republican primaries for U.S. Senate and attorney general. This Q&A has been edited since it first ran before the March primary to remove Aaron Reitz, a former top official in the U.S. Department of Justice, and […]
James Talarico calls for federal gas tax pause to combat surging fuel prices
Read full article: James Talarico calls for federal gas tax pause to combat surging fuel pricesA trade group argued that a federal gas tax suspension would be unlikely to show up in savings for drivers and would diminish needed infrastructure revenue.
On the issues: A Q&A with Ken Paxton and John Cornyn
Read full article: On the issues: A Q&A with Ken Paxton and John CornynAs Cornyn and Paxton head to the runoff, we updated our Q&A to reflect the two candidates. Both declined to participate, so we used their past statements and voting history to show where they stand on foreign policy, AI and other key issues.
Cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass 2024 spending on Texas midterm races
Read full article: Cryptocurrency industry is on track to surpass 2024 spending on Texas midterm racesSo far this year, cryptocurrency PACs have spent more than $2.5 million on Texas congressional candidates, up from $1 million in 2024.
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.
Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votes
Read full article: Senate Republicans reject effort to halt Iran war, but some eye future war powers votesThe Republican-led Senate has rejected the latest Democratic attempt to halt President Donald Trump’s war in Iran.
James Talarico raises record-breaking $27 million in first quarter for Senate bid
Read full article: James Talarico raises record-breaking $27 million in first quarter for Senate bidThe Austin Democrat’s haul is the largest-ever sum for a Senate candidate — in any state — in the first quarter of an election year.
Melania Trump pushes for updating a foster care program during a rare visit to Capitol Hill
Read full article: Melania Trump pushes for updating a foster care program during a rare visit to Capitol HillMelania Trump has made a rare appearance on Capitol Hill to urge Congress to pass a series of bills to update a nearly 30-year-old federal foster care program.
Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with staffer
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with stafferRep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, announced he plans to file for retirement once Congress returns to session on Tuesday after details about his affair with a staffer came to light.
Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with staffer
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with stafferRep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, announced he plans to file for retirement once Congress returns to session on Tuesday after details about his affair with a staffer came to light.
Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with staffer
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales says he will ‘retire’ Tuesday following sexual misconduct allegations, affair with stafferRep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, announced he plans to file for retirement once Congress returns to session on Tuesday after details about his affair with a staffer came to light.
Rep. Eric Swalwell of California says he will resign after sexual misconduct allegations
Read full article: Rep. Eric Swalwell of California says he will resign after sexual misconduct allegationsDemocratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California says he will resign from Congress following sexual assault and misconduct allegations.
Rep. Tony Gonzales could face expulsion from Congress amid furor over sexual misconduct
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales could face expulsion from Congress amid furor over sexual misconductU.S. House members say they will bring resolutions to the floor this week to expel the Republican Gonzales and Democrat Eric Swalwell. Each motion would require a two-thirds majority.
Swalwell's exit shakes up a chaotic California governor's race
Read full article: Swalwell's exit shakes up a chaotic California governor's raceDemocratic Rep. Eric Swalwell’s abrupt exit from the race for California governor left his rivals scrambling to lock down his former supporters in a crowded contest with no clear leader.
Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local elections
Read full article: Here’s how to cast a ballot in Texas’ May 2 local electionsIn-person early voting runs from April 20-28. The last day to apply to cast a ballot by mail is April 20. Read more about who qualifies for that option, which is limited in Texas, in our guide.
Texas 2026 election: Here’s who’s on your ballot in the May 26 primary runoff
Read full article: Texas 2026 election: Here’s who’s on your ballot in the May 26 primary runoffThe Republican and Democratic primary runoffs are May 26. See the full list of statewide candidates, as well as local races that will be on your ballot.
In South Texas, quinceañera dig becomes campaign fuel for Tejano musician Bobby Pulido
Read full article: In South Texas, quinceañera dig becomes campaign fuel for Tejano musician Bobby PulidoSince GOP Rep. Monica De La Cruz said the race “isn’t about who you want performing at your niece’s quinceañera,” the Democrat has played at a dozen such events in the 15th Congressional District.
Trump budget seeks $1.5T in defense spending alongside cuts in domestic programs
Read full article: Trump budget seeks $1.5T in defense spending alongside cuts in domestic programsPresident Donald Trump has proposed boosting defense spending to $1.5 trillion in his 2027 budget released Friday, the largest such request in decades, reflecting his emphasis on U.S. military investments over domestic programs.
Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdown
Read full article: Republican leaders in Congress announce plan to end Homeland Security shutdownHouse Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have announced a plan to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and try to end a record partial government shutdown.
AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional races
Read full article: AI-aligned super PACs are pouring millions into Texas congressional racesGroups funded by artificial intelligence industry leaders have spent more than $2.8 million in the state, mostly on U.S. House GOP candidates who favor a light regulatory touch.
Lawyers for Rep. Swalwell demand that FBI director halt any plan to release old investigative file
Read full article: Lawyers for Rep. Swalwell demand that FBI director halt any plan to release old investigative fileLawyers for Rep. Eric Swalwell are demanding that FBI Director Kash Patel immediately end any effort to release decade-old files from an investigation involving the California Democrat and a suspected Chinese spy that resulted in no criminal charges.
Midnight train from Georgia: A view of America from the tracks as airports struggle in the shutdown
Read full article: Midnight train from Georgia: A view of America from the tracks as airports struggle in the shutdownLong security lines at airports are driving people crazy as Congress and President Donald Trump try to work out a budget stalemate.
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.
Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdown
Read full article: Long lines linger at Houston’s biggest airport as TSA agents miss work during partial government shutdownWait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport are expected to worsen over the weekend as agents miss a second paycheck and increasingly call in sick.
The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impasse
Read full article: The Latest: Trump says he will sign an order to pay TSA agents during funding impassePresident Donald Trump said Thursday he would sign an order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents as Congress struggles to reach a deal to end the budget impasse that has jammed airports and left workers without paychecks.
Suburbanites embrace anti-Trump resistance before No Kings protests, saying, 'This is our fight'
Read full article: Suburbanites embrace anti-Trump resistance before No Kings protests, saying, 'This is our fight'A growing faction of concerned citizens across America's suburbs are positioned on the front lines of the anti-Trump resistance.
Democratic lawmaker asks judge to take Trump's name off Kennedy Center
Read full article: Democratic lawmaker asks judge to take Trump's name off Kennedy CenterA Democratic lawmaker is asking a federal judge to force the Kennedy Center to block and reverse efforts to attach President Donald Trump’s name to the performing arts venue.
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez push bill to impose AI data center moratorium
Read full article: Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez push bill to impose AI data center moratoriumA bill introduced by two high-profile progressive lawmakers would pause new data centers in the United States until national safeguards are in place to protect workers and consumers and ensure the technologies don’t harm the environment.
Enhanced role for immigration officers at US airports as shutdown frustrates travels and screeners
Read full article: Enhanced role for immigration officers at US airports as shutdown frustrates travels and screenersPresident Donald Trump’s 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.