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Why a Texas Gun Control Activist is Optimistic About the Chances for Reform
Texas Gun Sense’s Ed Scruggs on how Abbott and Patrick talk about guns behind closed doors—and what that says about the prospects for change.
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
As Texodus Continues, Tom DeLay’s Tall Political Shadow Fades
Some of the biggest beneficiaries of the Hammer’s infamous gerrymandering in 2003 are bowing out of office—or facing huge reelection fights in 2020.
After the Midland-Odessa Shooting, Texas Republicans Double Down on God and Guns Doctrine
After the second Texas mass shooting in a month, Democrats call for action while Republicans promise to protect the “God given rights” of gun ownership.
‘Mistakes Were Made’: Greg Abbott’s Non-Denial Denial on Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric
The governor spoke of a “course correction,” but it’s going to take a mighty swerve to steer away from the Texas GOP’s weaponization of viciously anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Beto’s Last Chance at a 2020 Revival
The confines of a traditional presidential primary campaign weren’t working for O’Rourke. In the wake of El Paso, he is embracing a new strategy.
Governor Abbott Swaps One Scandal-Scarred Secretary of State for Another
As Texas Workforce Commission chair, Ruth Hughs secretly coordinated with tech lobbyists to rewrite the rules of the gig economy. Now she’s in charge of state elections.
Republicans Come to Texas to Prepare for the 2021 Redistricting Battle
The right has an audacious plan to, once again, use the redistricting process to maintain power. At ALEC’s annual conference in Austin, Republican state legislators learned how to navigate the legal and political challenges that will likely arise.
From Bon Temps to Bonnghazi: The Tale of Texas’ Embattled House Speaker
How Dennis Bonnen became the target of a lawsuit; a potential Texas Rangers investigation; and of the right, left, and middle.
Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez Enters the U.S. Senate Race
In taking on Senator John Cornyn, Tzintzún Ramirez, a progressive organizer, hopes to build on Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 campaign, mobilize Latinx voters, and finally prove that Texas progressives can win a statewide election.
Texas Is at the Center of Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Facebook Ad Campaign
His reelection campaign has spent big money in Texas on a digital advertising effort, which includes more than 2,000 Facebook ads warning about an “invasion”—language used by the El Paso shooter.