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To the Right, to The Right
Greg Abbott and Ken Paxton both won Donald Trump’s coveted endorsements. But their 2022 primary battles are just beginning.
Justin Miller
Justin Miller is the news and politics editor for the Texas Observer. He joined the Observer in 2018 as a staff writer covering state politics and the Legislature. He’s covered lobbying and money in politics, border security and state contracting, and much more. He previously worked at The American Prospect magazine and received a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota.
Articles by Justin Miller
How Far Can Texas Democrats Take the Quorum Break?
House Democrats are intent on staying in D.C. until this session’s GOP voting bill is dead. Beyond that, it’s unclear.
Abbott Received Massive Contribution From Texas Blackout’s Biggest Profiteer
The natural gas industry raked in billions during the winter grid failure and Governor Abbott let them off the hook. He was rewarded with a huge campaign contribution from the grid collapse’s biggest profiteer.
Greg Abbott’s Summer Special Session Sideshow
The governor gives second life to the GOP’s elections crackdown, along with a smattering of other right-wing priorities that failed to pass in the spring.
Drawing Power
In a special session for redistricting, expect the GOP to use aggressive gerrymandering to extend the shelf life of its diminishing white base.
The Unlikely Demise of Texas’ Biggest Corporate Tax Break
After 20 years, the state’s most lucrative corporate welfare program comes to an end.
With a Special Session on Voting Restrictions Looming, Texas Dems Push for Federal Protections
Voting rights advocates say Texas Republicans’ underhanded effort to ram through new voter suppression measures highlights the need to restore federal voting rights legislation.
The Lege This Week: Behind Closed Doors
With the end of session near, Texas lawmakers descend into the backrooms of the Capitol to hash out hugely consequential legislation.
Texas’ Largest Corporate Welfare Program Is Leaving Companies Flush and School Districts Broke
The state’s Chapter 313 program offers steep discounts on property taxes to attract big industrial projects that are supposed to pay off over the long term. But by the time these projects return to the tax rolls, much of that value has disappeared.
The Lege This Week: Lurching Rightward
As the session enters its final stretch, Republicans are advancing a barrage of right-wing bills—from permitless carry and abortion bans to pro-fossil fuel theatrics and anti-“woke” mandates for schools.