The Observer’s Best Longform Stories of 2020
We rounded up some of our hardest hitting longform stories from this unprecedented year.
2020
John Cornyn’s Democratic Challengers Feel a Little Familiar
There’s a robust field of Democrats lining up to take on the state’s senior senator. The last time that happened was in 2002, when Cornyn first won the open seat.
How Julián Castro’s ‘Decade of Downtown’ Reshaped San Antonio
The presidential hopeful has branded himself as an affordable housing visionary. But his record in San Antonio on this issue is more complicated.
Power Steering
The most interesting story in American politics in the coming year isn’t in Iowa, but on the outskirts of Houston and Dallas.
Texas Republicans’ War on Workers Roars Back to Life in the House
One of the GOP’s top priorities — banning local labor protections like mandatory paid sick leave — stalled for much of the session. Now, Republicans are putting their foot on the gas.
Winning Isn’t Enough. The Next President Needs to be a Doer.
We think what it takes to shake up Washington is an outsider with new ideas, but what’s needed is an insider with strong convictions.
One Candidate, One Destiny: Julián Castro’s Inevitable Presidential Bid
Julián Castro has plotted his political trajectory with great care and calculation. Can that work in the Trump era?
How Beto Built His Texas-Sized Grassroots Machine
To pull off the largest GOTV effort in state history, O’Rourke turned to the top architects of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.
Dear Beto and Julián, Please Don’t Run for President
Most failed presidential campaigns are high-risk bids for personal glory and a waste of time and money.