INSIDER
Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative session
Read full article: Houston Rep. Gene Wu to lead Texas House Democrats through GOP-dominated legislative sessionWu defeated incumbent Trey Martinez Fischer on Thursday to become the next chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus.
How David Cook went from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelanās ally to lead the movement to replace him
Read full article: How David Cook went from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelanās ally to lead the movement to replace himThe two-term Republican caught many Capitol observers off guard when he emerged as the standard-bearer for a coalition that wants to depose Phelan and reshape how the House operates.
Texas can schedule Robert Robersonās execution ā but lawmakers still expect his testimony first
Read full article: Texas can schedule Robert Robersonās execution ā but lawmakers still expect his testimony firstRoberson was convicted of killing his 2-year-old daughter in a āshaken babyā case that many say led to an innocent manās death sentence.
Texas Supreme Court removes temporary block to Robert Robersonās execution
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court removes temporary block to Robert Robersonās executionThe stateās highest civil court ruled that legislators canāt use subpoenas to block death row inmatesā executions, but suggested thereās still time for Roberson to testify before a Texas House panel.
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.
State Rep. 121 candidates LaHood, Swift host dueling rallies in San Antonio
Read full article: State Rep. 121 candidates LaHood, Swift host dueling rallies in San AntonioThe candidates in the running for Texas House of Representatives District 121. will have dueling rallies on Wednesday afternoon ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
State Rep. Jeff Leach asked Texas judge to consider a new Robert Roberson trial in apparent conduct violation
Read full article: State Rep. Jeff Leach asked Texas judge to consider a new Robert Roberson trial in apparent conduct violationLeach, one of the driving forces behind the effort to stop Robersonās execution, later apologized to the judge, who told the lawmaker there were still pending matters before the court.
Ken Paxton and Texas House members accuse each other of mischaracterizing Robert Robersonās case
Read full article: Ken Paxton and Texas House members accuse each other of mischaracterizing Robert Robersonās caseAfter the attorney general insisted on the death row inmateās guilt in a graphic press release, four lawmakers issued a point-by-point rebuttal.
Robert Robersonās case spotlights Texasā GOP divide on criminal justice
Read full article: Robert Robersonās case spotlights Texasā GOP divide on criminal justiceTexasā junk science statute has remained hamstrung for the last decade. So too have other criminal justice reforms, despite efforts from the Texas House.
Republican Marc LaHood declares victory in Texas House District 121 election
Read full article: Republican Marc LaHood declares victory in Texas House District 121 electionRepublican Marc LaHood declared victory on Tuesday night over Democrat Laurel Jordan Swift in the race for State Representative District 121.
Robert Roberson juror says new evidence would have prevented his conviction in shaken baby case
Read full article: Robert Roberson juror says new evidence would have prevented his conviction in shaken baby caseThe death row inmate was expected to testify before a Texas House committee, but those plans were scrapped amid a dispute over whether he should appear in person or virtually.
A legal battle spared Robert Robersonās life, for now. Hereās what happens next.
Read full article: A legal battle spared Robert Robersonās life, for now. Hereās what happens next.The effort to spare Roberson sparked a conflict between the executive and legislative branches that must be resolved. When it is, the death row inmate will likely be back on the path to execution.
Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhere
Read full article: Republicans raise $1 million targeting South Texas House races as Democrats invest elsewhereDemocrats have long held an edge in South Texas, but Republicans see an opening there to expand their House majority.
Does Dade Phelan have the votes to keep his job as Texas House speaker? It depends on how you count.
Read full article: Does Dade Phelan have the votes to keep his job as Texas House speaker? It depends on how you count.Phelan appears to lack support from the majority of House Republicans, but he could still win with some Democratic support.
Democratic Rep. Ana-Maria RodrĆguez Ramos joins crowded Texas House speaker race
Read full article: Democratic Rep. Ana-Maria RodrĆguez Ramos joins crowded Texas House speaker raceRodrĆguez Ramos faces an uphill battle, as Democrats are the minority party with 64 seats in the 150-member Texas House.
Texasā prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics say
Read full article: Texasā prison guard shortfall makes it harder for inmates to get reprieve from extreme indoor heat, critics sayAbout 25% of Texasā correctional officer positions are unfilled. Inmates say the shortages make it harder for them to get respite during hot summer months.
State Rep. James Frank becomes fourth Republican to challenge Dade Phelan for House speaker
Read full article: State Rep. James Frank becomes fourth Republican to challenge Dade Phelan for House speakerFrank said he would work to bring better communication, member empowerment and management of the flow of legislation if he became the chamberās leader.
Warrants detail allegations that led to search of Democratic candidate for Texas House
Read full article: Warrants detail allegations that led to search of Democratic candidate for Texas HouseThe Texas attorney generalās office searched the home of Cecilia Castellano and a Democratic legislative aide. It said itās investigating vote harvesting. Activists called it āintimidation.ā
In a North Texas House race, two Asian candidates campaign on their version of the American Dream
Read full article: In a North Texas House race, two Asian candidates campaign on their version of the American DreamA competitive Texas House race in the Dallas suburbs features the first Asian to win Miss Texas and the second ever Asian woman to serve in the state Legislature.
Four Texas House Republicans censured for campaigning against incumbents
Read full article: Four Texas House Republicans censured for campaigning against incumbentsThe censured members said they had been punished for campaigning against āliberal incumbentsā alongside statewide elected officials like Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Majority of incoming Texas House Republicans calls for end to Democratic committee chairs, narrowing path for Phelan
Read full article: Majority of incoming Texas House Republicans calls for end to Democratic committee chairs, narrowing path for PhelanHouse Speaker Dade Phelan has stuck to the tradition of appointing chairs from the opposing party, drawing fierce pushback from the GOPās right wing.
Hereās how school vouchers, Paxton impeachment affected the Texas GOP primaries
Read full article: Hereās how school vouchers, Paxton impeachment affected the Texas GOP primariesGov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton crusaded against House Republicans who voted against school vouchers and in favor of impeachment, respectively.
State Rep. Shelby Slawson says sheās running for House speaker in letter condemning Phelan
Read full article: State Rep. Shelby Slawson says sheās running for House speaker in letter condemning PhelanThe announcement came two days after Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, narrowly survived a runoff challenge from the GOPās hard right.
Texas runoff yields no clear winner among GOPās warring factions, setting stage for power struggle
Read full article: Texas runoff yields no clear winner among GOPās warring factions, setting stage for power struggleNeither of the Texas GOPās dueling factions landed a clean knockout blow during a grueling primary season that only seemed to set up further chaos and strife.
Lauren Ashley Simmons declares victory over Texas Rep. Shawn Thierry, who broke with Democrats on LGBTQ+ votes
Read full article: Lauren Ashley Simmons declares victory over Texas Rep. Shawn Thierry, who broke with Democrats on LGBTQ+ votesThe Simmons-Thierry contest emerged as a test of whether Democratic lawmakers who do not fully support LGBTQ+ causes can remain in good standing with their own partyās voters.
Texas House runoffs bring wave of GOP incumbent defeats, give Abbott votes for school vouchers
Read full article: Texas House runoffs bring wave of GOP incumbent defeats, give Abbott votes for school vouchersSix of eight GOP incumbents lost their races. Gov. Greg Abbott declared he ānow has enough votes to pass school choice.ā
Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff election
Read full article: Texas voters will choose party nominees Tuesday in the primary runoff electionGet The Texas Tribuneās coverage of election results for the 2024 primary runoff elections, which includes the Texas Legislature and more.
Dade Phelan directs House leaders to revisit vouchers, property taxes in the next legislative session
Read full article: Dade Phelan directs House leaders to revisit vouchers, property taxes in the next legislative sessionThe Beaumont Republican issued his interim charges even as it remains unclear whether heāll be reelected.
Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirms
Read full article: Decayed power pole sparked the largest wildfire in state history, Texas House committee confirmsA lack of air support and ineffective coordination hurt efforts to contain this year's Panhandle fires, the committee said.
Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in Texas
Read full article: Amid white supremacist scandal, far-right billionaire powerbrokers see historic election gains in TexasAll told, 11 of the 28 House candidates supported by Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks won their primaries outright, and another eight are headed to runoffs this May.
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.
In a sharp reversal, North Texas voters pick Brent Money over Jill Dutton in House GOP primary
Read full article: In a sharp reversal, North Texas voters pick Brent Money over Jill Dutton in House GOP primaryDutton just won a special election against Money to fill expelled Rep. Bryan Slatonās unexpired term through the end of the year.
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.
At odds with Abbott and Paxton, Rep. Stan Lambert is under fire and getting outraised in his GOP primary
Read full article: At odds with Abbott and Paxton, Rep. Stan Lambert is under fire and getting outraised in his GOP primaryDistrict 71 is one of three-dozen Texas House races where statewide Republicans are trying to oust incumbents from their own party. Lambert says he knows his constituents better than they do.
In her reelection bid, Rep. Shawn Thierry tests whether Democrats will tolerate anti-LGBTQ votes
Read full article: In her reelection bid, Rep. Shawn Thierry tests whether Democrats will tolerate anti-LGBTQ votesThe Houston Democrat voted for three anti-LGBTQ bills last year, which could make her more vulnerable as she fights for reelection.
Border security overpowers school vouchers and Paxton impeachment in Republican Texas House primaries
Read full article: Border security overpowers school vouchers and Paxton impeachment in Republican Texas House primariesDespite all the hubbub about vouchers and the attorney generalās impeachment, itās still about the border.
Speaker Dade Phelan forcefully defends Ken Paxton impeachment in campaign ad
Read full article: Speaker Dade Phelan forcefully defends Ken Paxton impeachment in campaign adFacing heat for presiding over the impeachment of the attorney general, Phelan is addressing the issue head-on and citing an alleged Paxton extramarital affair.
House Speaker Dade Phelan, enemy of the far-right, faces toughest reelection yet
Read full article: House Speaker Dade Phelan, enemy of the far-right, faces toughest reelection yetAttorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and former President Donald Trump are accusing Phelan of being a āRINO,ā even as Phelan has overseen the passage of some of the most conservative bills in recent history.
In Texas House special election, big endorsements werenāt enough for Brent Money
Read full article: In Texas House special election, big endorsements werenāt enough for Brent MoneyMoney fell short in the runoff for House District 2, despite winning the support of a whoās who of Texas Republican leaders.
Two House Republicans repent for voting to impeach Ken Paxton
Read full article: Two House Republicans repent for voting to impeach Ken PaxtonWhile most GOP state reps stand by their votes, Reps. JM Lozano of Kingsville and Gary Gates of Richmond have publicly distanced themselves since the September impeachment trial in the state Senate.
In debate, GOP candidates for Texas House special election mirror statewide intraparty tensions
Read full article: In debate, GOP candidates for Texas House special election mirror statewide intraparty tensionsThe two feuding Republicans were the top two finishers in a November special election to succeed expelled state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City, in House District 2.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and AG Ken Paxton promised retribution for votes they didnāt like. Hereās who they are targeting.
Read full article: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and AG Ken Paxton promised retribution for votes they didnāt like. Hereās who they are targeting.Paxton has been seeking revenge on fellow Republicans who voted to impeach him earlier this year. Similarly, Abbott is looking to unseat GOP House members who voted against school vouchers.
Ken Paxton and aides ordered to answer questions under oath in whistleblower case
Read full article: Ken Paxton and aides ordered to answer questions under oath in whistleblower caseThe four whistleblowers asked the court last month to force the attorney general and his aides to sit for deposition, which would require them to answer questions under oath related to the allegations of bribery and corruption.
We ranked Texas House members along the ideological spectrum based on their 2023 votes
Read full article: We ranked Texas House members along the ideological spectrum based on their 2023 votesHereās a look at House members, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on their votes cast during the 2023 regular session and four special sessions.
The field for the Texas primary election is set ā hereās what to watch for
Read full article: The field for the Texas primary election is set ā hereās what to watch forWith both Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton out for revenge, Republican members of the Texas House are the top target on the ballot.
After school voucher bill falls apart, supporters and opponents get ready for future fights
Read full article: After school voucher bill falls apart, supporters and opponents get ready for future fightsThe Texas Houseās vote to block education savings accounts disappointed voucher advocates and likely spelled doom for additional public school funding. Both bands say theyāll keep pushing for their priorities during next yearās primary elections and the 2025 legislative session.
With GOP priorities unfinished, Texas House plans to wrap fourth special session Tuesday
Read full article: With GOP priorities unfinished, Texas House plans to wrap fourth special session TuesdayThe decision to end work Tuesday leaves long odds for bills to boost school safety funding and make sure that election challenges donāt delay the implementation of property tax cuts, teacher pension raises and infrastructure spending.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets January date for Texas House special election runoff
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets January date for Texas House special election runoffThe runoff features two Republicans from dueling factions of the party, Jill Dutton and Brent Money, vying to finish the term of former state Rep. Bryan Slaton, R-Royse City.
Gov. Greg Abbott endorses reelection bids of 58 House members who voted for school vouchers
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott endorses reelection bids of 58 House members who voted for school vouchersNo members who voted against Abbottās top legislative priority received the governorās backing.
Republican Rep. Andrew Murr, who led impeachment of Ken Paxton, wonāt seek reelection
Read full article: Republican Rep. Andrew Murr, who led impeachment of Ken Paxton, wonāt seek reelectionMurr, who represents Junction, suggested he wanted to come home to spend more time with family. He had become a target of hardline conservative supporters of Attorney General Paxton.
āOur public school system is our townā: Why this rural Republican is voting against school vouchers
Read full article: āOur public school system is our townā: Why this rural Republican is voting against school vouchersDespite intense political pressure, Republican Rep. Gary VanDeaver said he wonāt support a bill that includes school vouchers. Rural Republicans like VanDeaver have long opposed school vouchers because of the unique role public schools they play in their communities.
Texas House votes to remove school vouchers from massive education bill
Read full article: Texas House votes to remove school vouchers from massive education billThe outcome was an embarrassment to Gov. Greg Abbott, who spent seven months lobbying two dozen Republicans who signaled opposition to vouchers in April.
Texas legislators approve bill allowing police to arrest people who cross the border illegally
Read full article: Texas legislators approve bill allowing police to arrest people who cross the border illegallyThe Texas House also voted to spend $1.5 billion on new state border walls, though that measure must be reconciled with the Senate version before itās sent to Gov. Greg Abbott for consideration.
Texas House committee advances school voucher bill, overcoming key hurdle
Read full article: Texas House committee advances school voucher bill, overcoming key hurdleThe committee action means school voucher legislation is poised to get its first House floor vote in recent history. Gov. Greg Abbott said if the Legislature fails to pass it this time, he will continue to call them back into session until they do.
School voucher critics remain largely unswayed during Texas House hearing
Read full article: School voucher critics remain largely unswayed during Texas House hearingHouse Bill 1, which stagnated during the previous special session, finally received a hearing in the lower chamber, a crucial step that will decide whether the proposal gets a full vote.
The Texas Houseās new priority education bill offers concessions to sway voucher skeptics
Read full article: The Texas Houseās new priority education bill offers concessions to sway voucher skepticsThe revised bill promises a significant funding increase for public schools and academic accountability measures for students participating in the proposed voucher program, two of the biggest requests from voucher opponents.
Watch a Texas Tribune conversation on the state Legislatureās special session
Read full article: Watch a Texas Tribune conversation on the state Legislatureās special sessionJournalists covering the Texas Capitol discussed what came out of this yearās third special session and what is still to be resolved.
With time running out, House punts on taking action on school vouchers
Read full article: With time running out, House punts on taking action on school vouchersGov. Greg Abbott just announced heād reached a deal with the House to advance school vouchers, but with less than a week before the Legislature must adjourn the lower chamber took no action on the governorās priority legislation.
Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher program
Read full article: Private schools are ready to expand into smaller communities if Texas adopts voucher programWith rural Texas relatively underserved by private schools, the potential for expansion could play a role in the debate over whether to let families use taxpayer money to pay for private education.
Defend Texas Liberty backs Brent Money in special election to replace Bryan Slaton
Read full article: Defend Texas Liberty backs Brent Money in special election to replace Bryan SlatonThe far-right political action committee is getting involved in a critical special election for the Texas House, the first major test of its influence since its then-leader was spotted meeting with a prominent white supremacist.
Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers
Read full article: Texas House approves ban on COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employersViolations could bring a $50,000 fine under an amendment adopted Wednesday. The billās sponsor said the ban would be the strongest in the nation.
Texas voters split on House, Senate handling of Paxton impeachment, poll finds
Read full article: Texas voters split on House, Senate handling of Paxton impeachment, poll findsRepublicans showed a more clear divide, giving the Senate higher marks than the House for how the attorney generalās impeachment was handled.
House, Senate bills at odds over power to boost future funding for Texas school voucher program
Read full article: House, Senate bills at odds over power to boost future funding for Texas school voucher programThe Senateās Republican bill would let state leaders grow the program by taking money from other agencies without the Legislatureās approval. The House bill would bar the practice.
Texas House priority bill increases education spending in exchange for creating voucher program
Read full article: Texas House priority bill increases education spending in exchange for creating voucher programHouse Bill 1 would make an educational savings account program available to 25,000 Texas students in its first year, with increased participation to follow. The governorās office indicated that the proposal was lacking.
Rep. Andrew Murr took on Ken Paxton and lost. He has no regrets.
Read full article: Rep. Andrew Murr took on Ken Paxton and lost. He has no regrets.The five-term House member, and his mustache, gained notoriety during the high-profile impeachment of Paxton. He warned tolerating corruption could hurt Republicans in the long term.
Special session on school vouchers begins with Republicans in disarray
Read full article: Special session on school vouchers begins with Republicans in disarrayGov. Greg Abbott needs a delicate coalition of Republicans to pass his top priority. But the House and Senate leaders arenāt getting along.
Ken Paxton to file criminal complaints against Texas House impeachment managers
Read full article: Ken Paxton to file criminal complaints against Texas House impeachment managersTexas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he will file criminal complaints against the group of state representatives who led his impeachment trial. He accused the lawmakers of violating a state law by releasing his personal information.
Body camera footage shows February drunk-driving arrest of Sen. Charles Schwertner
Read full article: Body camera footage shows February drunk-driving arrest of Sen. Charles SchwertnerNewly released body camera footage shows state Sen. Charles Schwertnerās February arrest for suspicion of drunk driving. Travis County prosecutors dropped the charge in July.
Ken Paxton blasts fellow Republicans and floats Cornyn challenge in post-impeachment interview
Read full article: Ken Paxton blasts fellow Republicans and floats Cornyn challenge in post-impeachment interviewIn his first remarks since being acquitted on 16 articles of impeachment, the suspended Texas attorney general blamed Democrats while also taking aim at a number of high-profile Republicans.
Ken Paxton verdict heightens political tension ahead of education special session
Read full article: Ken Paxton verdict heightens political tension ahead of education special sessionThe Texas House and Senate were already far apart on āschool choice.ā Anger over the impeachment trial might make it even harder to find common ground.
Ken Paxtonās prosecutors stumbled at times. But did it matter in the GOP-dominated Senate?
Read full article: Ken Paxtonās prosecutors stumbled at times. But did it matter in the GOP-dominated Senate?The House impeachment managers faced a high bar: convincing enough Republican senators to vote against their own political self-interest.
Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proof
Read full article: Senate Republicans say House managers failed to meet high burden of proofDemocrats, however, said their GOP colleagues ācavedā to outside pressure in voting to acquit and return Ken Paxton to his job as attorney general.
Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan trade potshots after impeachment trial ends
Read full article: Dan Patrick, Dade Phelan trade potshots after impeachment trial endsThe lieutenant governor criticized the House for a secretive and rushed process that āwastedā taxpayer dollars. The House speaker fired back, saying Patrick confessed his bias and contempt.
Paxton defense calls charges āfoolishness,ā House argues AG ābetrayed usā in closing impeachment arguments
Read full article: Paxton defense calls charges āfoolishness,ā House argues AG ābetrayed usā in closing impeachment argumentsSenators begin deliberating in private after defense lawyers and impeachment managers make impassioned pleas after two weeks of trial.
Ken Paxton isnāt the only Texan fighting impeachment this week. Meet Texas A&Mās student body president.
Read full article: Ken Paxton isnāt the only Texan fighting impeachment this week. Meet Texas A&Mās student body president.Impeachment at all levels of government are becoming more common, a political scientist said. It could make the political tool pointless.
Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments election
Read full article: Taxes, state parks, infrastructure: What you need to know about the Nov. 7 constitutional amendments electionTexans will decide the fate of 14 constitutional amendments approved for the ballot by state lawmakers. Hereās a breakdown of each constitutional amendment and requirements to vote.
Ken Paxton impeachment defense rests after calling 4 witnesses
Read full article: Ken Paxton impeachment defense rests after calling 4 witnessesSenators will hear closing arguments beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, after which they will deliberate in private before emerging to cast votes on whether the attorney general can remain in office.
Ken Paxton took a ācorruptā interest in lawsuit on Nate Paulās behalf, whistleblower testifies
Read full article: Ken Paxton took a ācorruptā interest in lawsuit on Nate Paulās behalf, whistleblower testifiesDarren McCarty said the attorney general, his former boss, approached the Mitte Foundation lawsuit with āurgency and anxietyā ā and a focus on helping his friend and political donor.
āI did everything at his supervisionā: Outside lawyer says Ken Paxton approved every step of Nate Paul investigation
Read full article: āI did everything at his supervisionā: Outside lawyer says Ken Paxton approved every step of Nate Paul investigationHouston lawyer Brandon Cammack said he was excited to help the attorney generalās office with a criminal investigation. But after a whirlwind month, he was fired without payment and felt heād āgotten the rug pulled out from me.ā
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.
Paxton defense presses whistleblower on what evidence he brought to FBI
Read full article: Paxton defense presses whistleblower on what evidence he brought to FBIOn cross examination, Paxtonās defense attorney launched into whistleblower Ryan Vassar for bringing no physical evidence when he and others reported their boss to the FBI. Vassar said he was a witness and not an investigator.