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.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett confirms security team member killed by Dallas police in standoff
Read full article: Rep. Jasmine Crockett confirms security team member killed by Dallas police in standoffDiamon Mazairre Robinson impersonated a federal agent and had two active felony warrants for years, officials say, but was hired by Crockett and police agencies under an alias.
Brandon Herrera gets Trump endorsement for 23rd Congressional District
Read full article: Brandon Herrera gets Trump endorsement for 23rd Congressional DistrictHerrera, who won the most votes in the Republican primary for the seat, avoided a runoff when incumbent Rep. Tony Gonzales dropped out of the race amid an affair scandal.
Rep. Tony Gonzales attacks primary opponent amid reporting of his affair with aide who died by suicide
Read full article: Rep. Tony Gonzales attacks primary opponent amid reporting of his affair with aide who died by suicideThe San Antonio Express-News reported on a text message from a staffer admitting to having an affair with Gonzales. The staffer died last year after setting herself on fire in Uvalde.
Dan Crenshaw vs. Steve Toth primary is a fight over who’s the real RINO
Read full article: Dan Crenshaw vs. Steve Toth primary is a fight over who’s the real RINOCrenshaw, fighting to remain in his Houston-area congressional seat, has drawn criticism from right-wing media and a challenge from Toth, among the most conservative members of the Texas House.
Amanda Edwards drops out of Houston race for 18th Congressional District
Read full article: Amanda Edwards drops out of Houston race for 18th Congressional DistrictThe Democrat's announcement comes a week after she lost to Christian Menefee in a special election runoff for the seat that had been vacant since the death of Sylvester Turner.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Read full article: Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. SenateCrockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional District
Read full article: Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional DistrictThe former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from Congress
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls won’t seek reelection, becoming sixth Texas Republican to announce exit from CongressThe Richmond Republican, a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, made the announcement with days left before the deadline for candidates to file for the 2026 primaries.
U.S. House OKs funding deal to reopen government with support from Texas Republicans
Read full article: U.S. House OKs funding deal to reopen government with support from Texas RepublicansThe spending package includes a provision that will criminalize the sale of almost all consumable hemp products nationwide, restoring a similar ban to the one vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott.
The Latest: Longest government shutdown in US history ends after 43 days as Trump signs funding bill
Read full article: The Latest: Longest government shutdown in US history ends after 43 days as Trump signs funding billPresident Donald Trump has signed a government funding bill to end a record 43-day shutdown that caused financial stress for federal workers who went without paychecks, stranded scores of travelers at airports and generated long lines at some food banks.
“You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks Texas
Read full article: “You woke us up”: California Gov. Gavin Newsom, energized by Prop 50 redistricting win, thanks TexasThe Democrat took a victory lap on rival Gov. Greg Abbott’s home turf Saturday and called on other blue states to push back on a GOP effort to retain control of the U.S. House.
Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelection
Read full article: Rep. Al Green switches congressional districts in bid for reelectionThe veteran lawmaker whose current district was redrawn to benefit Republicans would face the winner of the 18th Congressional District special election runoff.
Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards advance to runoff in special election for Houston congressional seat
Read full article: Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards advance to runoff in special election for Houston congressional seatThe runoff winner will serve out the term of U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner, who died in office earlier this year. The seat will immediately be up for election again in 2026 for a full two-year term.
State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for Michael McCaul’s seat in Congress
Read full article: State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt announces run for Michael McCaul’s seat in CongressThe Austin Democrat will face an uphill battle in the GOP-leaning district. McCaul announced earlier this year he would not seek reelection.
This newly drawn Houston district could unearth tensions between Democrats of color
Read full article: This newly drawn Houston district could unearth tensions between Democrats of colorA primary challenge to Rep. Sylvia Garcia underscores Latino Democrats’ fears of being unrepresented in Harris County.
Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of state
Read full article: Texas Senate approves new congressional lines as House Democrats remain out of stateDemocrats' absence has halted work in the Texas House, which must also approve the new boundaries, for more than a week.
How closely do congressional delegations reflect how people vote? Not very
Read full article: How closely do congressional delegations reflect how people vote? Not veryAt the core of the fight in Texas over redrawing the state’s congressional districts is a debate over a time-honored right spelled out in the Constitution: Every two years, “the People” get to pick someone to represent their interests in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to know
Read full article: The Texas redistricting fight spurring a legislative standoff: What you need to knowTexas Republicans are trying to redraw congressional districts to pick up five additional U.S. House seats. Democrats face financial and political risk in their bid to block the GOP plan.
The Latest: House gives final approval to Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to sign
Read full article: The Latest: House gives final approval to Trump’s big tax bill and sends it to him to signHouse Republicans have lifted President Donald Trump’s $4.5 trillion tax breaks and spending cuts bill to final passage.
GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans $1,600 a year and boost highest earners by $12,000, CBO says
Read full article: GOP tax bill would cost poor Americans $1,600 a year and boost highest earners by $12,000, CBO saysThe Republican tax bill approved by the House would cost the poorest Americans roughly $1,600 a year while increasing the income of the wealthiest households by an average of $12,000 annually.
A Texas Republican new to Congress, Brandon Gill has a knack for getting noticed
Read full article: A Texas Republican new to Congress, Brandon Gill has a knack for getting noticedWith a scant legislative record but a lot of face recognition, the representative from North Texas has found a way to make a mark in his first term.
Mayra Flores to challenge Henry Cuellar in the 28th District
Read full article: Mayra Flores to challenge Henry Cuellar in the 28th DistrictHours after the announcement, the Flores team said that the new candidate had been hospitalized and is now recovering. There were no details about her condition.
House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agenda
Read full article: House GOP pushes 'big' budget resolution to passage, a crucial step toward delivering Trump's agendaHouse Republicans have muscled their budget blueprint to passage, with a push from President Donald Trump.
Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the process
Read full article: Texas Legislature 101: How bills become laws — and how you can participate in the processHere’s a rundown of how legislation moves through the Capitol, the ways lawmakers operate and who the power players are.
Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdown
Read full article: Farm Bill gets extension as Congress passes spending package and averts shutdownThe legislation includes financial aid and money for recent natural disasters, but farmers still will be relying on outdated provisions from the 2018 bill.
Water infrastructure bill passed in Washington will have ripple effects on San Antonio creek
Read full article: Water infrastructure bill passed in Washington will have ripple effects on San Antonio creekA bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives targeting water infrastructure across the United States will have ripple effects on a San Antonio creek.
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul briefly detained after appearing intoxicated at airport
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul briefly detained after appearing intoxicated at airportA nervous flier, the House Foreign Affairs chief said he made a “poor decision” to mix Ambien and alcohol before his flight home to Texas on Nov. 4.
The Latest: Republicans grow their Senate majority with a win in Pennsylvania
Read full article: The Latest: Republicans grow their Senate majority with a win in PennsylvaniaPresident Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation in what was his first appearance on camera in the aftermath of Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
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.
A Texas rematch: Republican Mayra Flores aims to beat Democrat Vicente Gonzalez for U.S. House seat
Read full article: A Texas rematch: Republican Mayra Flores aims to beat Democrat Vicente Gonzalez for U.S. House seatFlores briefly represented the district after winning a 2022 special election. Gonzalez went on to beat her by nearly 9 points in the general.
Hong Kong hits out at US Congress for passing a bill that could close its representative offices
Read full article: Hong Kong hits out at US Congress for passing a bill that could close its representative officesHong Kong's government says the U.S. House of Representatives twisted facts in an attack on the city as it passed a bill that could close its representative offices in America.
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.
Houston-area US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74
Read full article: Houston-area US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74The family of Houston-area Democratic congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has been an elected public servant for 35 years, announced her death Friday evening. She was 74.
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 Tribune’s coverage of election results for the 2024 primary runoff elections, which includes the Texas Legislature and more.
China blasts US military aid to Taiwan, saying the island is entering a 'dangerous situation'
Read full article: China blasts US military aid to Taiwan, saying the island is entering a 'dangerous situation'China blasted the latest package of U_S_ military assistance to Taiwan, saying such funding was pushing the self-governing island republic into a “dangerous situation.”.
Rural housing programs serve Texas’ elderly and disabled. This federal bill could make the process easier.
Read full article: Rural housing programs serve Texas’ elderly and disabled. This federal bill could make the process easier.Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett introduced House Bill 7412 to fix administrative issues that have created hurdles for some in rural communities.
Hospitalized Texas Democrat Al Green rushed to Capitol for impeachment vote in scrubs, saving Mayorkas
Read full article: Hospitalized Texas Democrat Al Green rushed to Capitol for impeachment vote in scrubs, saving MayorkasThe Houston Democrat is recovering from abdominal surgery. Democrats did not expect him to attend the vote, but his surprise appearance sank the impeachment vote.
National Democrats back Michelle Vallejo for 15th congressional district
Read full article: National Democrats back Michelle Vallejo for 15th congressional districtThe U.S. House Democratic campaign arm added Vallejo to its “Red to Blue” program, which supports promising candidates challenging Republican incumbents.
New Jan. 6 video shows U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls in tense Capitol standoff
Read full article: New Jan. 6 video shows U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls in tense Capitol standoffDespite once condemning the violent attack, Nehls has since downplayed the insurrection and defended many of the rioters who have been prosecuted.
George Santos attorney expresses optimism about plea talks as expelled congressman appears in court
Read full article: George Santos attorney expresses optimism about plea talks as expelled congressman appears in courtFormer U.S. Rep. George Santos’ lawyer expressed optimism about plea negotiations in Santos’ criminal fraud case Tuesday, successfully fending off prosecutors’ attempts to speed up the the ousted congressman’s trial.
U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul dismisses House GOP Israel package as going nowhere
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul dismisses House GOP Israel package as going nowhereThe bill is among the first major legislative packages by House Speaker Mike Johnson and has faced criticism for tying the aid to a cut to the IRS.
Texas Republicans unite to elect Mike Johnson as U.S. House Speaker
Read full article: Texas Republicans unite to elect Mike Johnson as U.S. House SpeakerAll Texas Republicans in the U.S. House voted for Louisiana’s Mike Johnson to be speaker, ending a stalemate that has left the chamber leaderless for three weeks. Johnson is a deeply religious conservative who won the support of the party’s disparate factions.
Texans Pete Sessions, Roger Williams both out in whirlwind day to pick U.S. speaker
Read full article: Texans Pete Sessions, Roger Williams both out in whirlwind day to pick U.S. speakerSessions dropped out of the race after a first round of voting within the Republican conference. Williams entered the race after the apparent front-runner, Tom Emmer of Minnesota, failed to reach the 217-vote threshold, but later on Tuesday evening and the Texas lawmaker was also out.
U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington, Roger Williams decline House speaker bid
Read full article: U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington, Roger Williams decline House speaker bidOnly one Texan, Rep. Pete Sessions, remains in the race for House Speaker. Republicans will hear from the candidates Monday night as they try to fill the job following U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan’s failure to win a majority.
Jim Jordan is out. Here are the three Texas Republicans who helped keep him from the speaker’s gavel.
Read full article: Jim Jordan is out. Here are the three Texas Republicans who helped keep him from the speaker’s gavel.Reps. Kay Granger, Tony Gonzales and Jake Ellzey were firm in their opposition to Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan.
Texas Reps. Jodey Arrington, Pete Sessions and Roger Williams are making moves to become U.S. House speaker
Read full article: Texas Reps. Jodey Arrington, Pete Sessions and Roger Williams are making moves to become U.S. House speakerArrington and Williams expressed their interest after the House Republican Conference voted in a closed door meeting to drop Jim Jordan as their nominee for speaker. Sessions announced his run shortly after.
Texas Republicans oppose a temporary speaker as U.S. House struggles to find leadership
Read full article: Texas Republicans oppose a temporary speaker as U.S. House struggles to find leadershipThe move would let the House act on legislation amid the Israel-Hamas war and other priorities, but several Texans recoiled at the idea, saying it would hand power to Democrats and break trust with supporters.
Jim Jordan snags more Texas support in troubled bid for House Speaker
Read full article: Jim Jordan snags more Texas support in troubled bid for House SpeakerA handful of Texas Republicans back the Ohio Republican’s speaker bid after initially backing the former frontrunner, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise
U.S. House speaker hopefuls seek Texas GOP’s blessing
Read full article: U.S. House speaker hopefuls seek Texas GOP’s blessingTexas has by far the largest Republican delegation in the House, and gaining their support would be a major boost for any candidate as the conference meets to pick new leaders next week.
4 Texas Republicans join ultraconservatives to sink GOP attempt to keep federal government open
Read full article: 4 Texas Republicans join ultraconservatives to sink GOP attempt to keep federal government openThe funding bill was a long shot, but far-right U.S. representatives said it didn’t go far enough in promoting their priorities, including border security and defunding investigations into Donald Trump.
Texas congressional Democrats say impeaching Biden is “not comparable” to Trump impeachments
Read full article: Texas congressional Democrats say impeaching Biden is “not comparable” to Trump impeachmentsSpeaker Kevin McCarthy announced his plans Tuesday to launch an impeachment inquiry, saying it was the “logical next step” after months of probing by House Republicans into the Biden family. The investigations have so far yet to turn up evidence that the president violated the law.
Texans in Congress take bipartisan path to boost semiconductors, a crucial industry to the state
Read full article: Texans in Congress take bipartisan path to boost semiconductors, a crucial industry to the stateRepublicans like Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrats like Rep. Colin Allred — opponents in the 2024 election — propose streamlining environmental reviews to promote investment and expansion by chipmakers.
Henry Cuellar, a previous Democratic primary target, touts 2024 support from national party leaders
Read full article: Henry Cuellar, a previous Democratic primary target, touts 2024 support from national party leadersThe moderate Democrat from Laredo announced endorsements from top Democrats in the U.S. House, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
U.S. Capitol Police to open Texas field office, citing rising threats against members of Congress
Read full article: U.S. Capitol Police to open Texas field office, citing rising threats against members of CongressOffices also will open in Milwaukee and Boston “due to the increased threat environment,” the police chief says.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy helps bend powerful House committee further to the right
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy helps bend powerful House committee further to the rightWith help from two other ultraconservatives, the Texas Republican’s seat on the Rules Committee has let him press for red-meat priorities, even in traditionally bipartisan legislation.
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar stages “thirst strike” to advocate for federally mandated water breaks in extreme heat
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Greg Casar stages “thirst strike” to advocate for federally mandated water breaks in extreme heatThere are no federal or state requirements that people who work outside receive paid water breaks. Casar, an Austin Democrat, wants to change that.
Democrats confident U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will keep his South Texas seat in 2024 election
Read full article: Democrats confident U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez will keep his South Texas seat in 2024 electionRepublicans recently announced Mayra Flores’ comeback effort with great fanfare, but Democrats argue that a redrawn district — and Flores’ voting record — are hurdles the GOP can’t clear.
With new federal food stamp limits coming, advocates mobilize to inform Texas recipients
Read full article: With new federal food stamp limits coming, advocates mobilize to inform Texas recipientsA requirement to work 80 hours a month, starting in September, could affect 44,000 Texans over age 49. Meanwhile, attention in Congress shifts to the farm bill’s significant impact on food stamp policy.
National GOP recruiting Mayra Flores, ousted from her South Texas seat, to run again for Congress
Read full article: National GOP recruiting Mayra Flores, ousted from her South Texas seat, to run again for CongressThe Los Indios Republican won a special election in 2022 but lost to U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez five months later in the general election.
In U.S. House, the far right gains a powerful spending-cuts ally in Texas Republican Kay Granger
Read full article: In U.S. House, the far right gains a powerful spending-cuts ally in Texas Republican Kay GrangerThe chair of the House Appropriations Committee vows to hold spending bills to 2022 levels to counter “years of out-of-control spending.”
Bill banning trans athletes from competing on certain college sports teams goes to governor
Read full article: Bill banning trans athletes from competing on certain college sports teams goes to governorTexas Gov. Greg Abbott has said he would support legislation prohibiting transgender men from competing on men’s college sports teams and transgender women from joining women’s college athletic teams.
Why Texas’ GOP-controlled House wants to impeach Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton
Read full article: Why Texas’ GOP-controlled House wants to impeach Republican Attorney General Ken PaxtonAfter years of legal and ethical scandals swirling around Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, the state’s GOP-controlled House of Representatives has impeached him in a vote that automatically suspended him from office.
Texas Democrat unveils bipartisan immigration plan with path to citizenship, border security spending
Read full article: Texas Democrat unveils bipartisan immigration plan with path to citizenship, border security spendingU.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar’s legislation, dubbed the Dignity Act in partnership with a Florida Republican, also seeks to change asylum processes.
Democrat Michelle Vallejo seeks rematch against U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in 2024
Read full article: Democrat Michelle Vallejo seeks rematch against U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz in 2024Despite a 9-point defeat in 2022, Vallejo hopes to attract national support to her race for the South Texas district.
U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 ends
Read full article: U.S. House passes border bill shaped by Texas Republicans as Title 42 endsThe Secure the Border Act would resume construction of the border wall, limit asylum eligibility and require asylum-seekers to wait in Mexico. It faces tough going in the Senate.
Look up your representatives in the Tribune’s elected officials directory
Read full article: Look up your representatives in the Tribune’s elected officials directoryLook up information about every statewide elected official, every member of the Texas Legislature and every Texan in Congress and see who represents you.
For U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, national security can’t be a partisan fight
Read full article: For U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, national security can’t be a partisan fightThe Austin Republican and new chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee hopes to reach across the aisle to project a unified front as the country faces new threats, despite a staunchly conservative record.
Texas defense hawks urge Congress away from military funding cuts to raise the debt ceiling
Read full article: Texas defense hawks urge Congress away from military funding cuts to raise the debt ceilingTexas Republicans in the U.S. House are working with their divided party to eke out a path forward on raising the debt limit.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy emerges as key GOP agitator in U.S. House speaker fight
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Chip Roy emerges as key GOP agitator in U.S. House speaker fightThree Texas Republicans, including Roy, voted three times against U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s bid to be House speaker. They’re demanding rules changes that would give more power to rank-and-file members.
House advances giant Texas storm surge project in water bill
Read full article: House advances giant Texas storm surge project in water billThe U.S. House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act and it includes authorizations for a $34 billion plan to protect residents and the petrochemical industry near Galveston and Houston in Texas.
New Congress will feature few leadership roles for the many Texans in the U.S. House
Read full article: New Congress will feature few leadership roles for the many Texans in the U.S. HouseTexans will chair some powerful committees in the House, but their roles in top leadership elections last week were more often as anti-establishment voices than contenders.
Monica De La Cruz is the first Republican to represent Texas’ 15th Congressional District. What will she do with it?
Read full article: Monica De La Cruz is the first Republican to represent Texas’ 15th Congressional District. What will she do with it?After finally flipping the Democratic district, Monica De La Cruz vowed to “represent all of South Texas” and likely will be influential on border issues.
GOP Congressman Dan Crenshaw says election deniers know they’re lying
Read full article: GOP Congressman Dan Crenshaw says election deniers know they’re lyingThe representative from Houston said fellow Republicans admitted behind closed doors that the 2020 election wasn’t stolen, and he warned that such messaging could dangerously mislead voters.
Republicans outraise Democrats in battle for South Texas congressional seats
Read full article: Republicans outraise Democrats in battle for South Texas congressional seatsThe three GOP candidates raked in a combined $4.3 million over the past three months, and their Democratic competitors got $2.4 million together, according to new campaign finance filings.
Pelosi condemns Azerbaijan over Armenia attack
Read full article: Pelosi condemns Azerbaijan over Armenia attackSpeaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi says the United States deplores recent attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenia, and has called for a negotiated solution to the countries’ conflict.
District director for U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores resigns amid sexual harassment allegations
Read full article: District director for U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores resigns amid sexual harassment allegationsFlores’ district director, Aron Peña, was accused of touching and kissing an intern without her consent. He denies any wrongdoing.
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert asked Trump for a pardon after insurrection, Jan. 6 committee reveals
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert asked Trump for a pardon after insurrection, Jan. 6 committee revealsGohmert was mentioned several times during Thursday’s hearing, which focused on the coordinated effort by Trump and his allies to convince the Justice Department to investigate voter fraud and help overturn election results.