The Year for Magical Thinking
How one progressive Texan's blog, filled with years of misplaced optimism and disproved predictions, has come to seem increasingly… reasonable
2026 Elections
Calculating the Taxpayers’ Tab for Ken Paxton’s Extensive Travels
In his three terms as attorney general, Paxton’s state police security detail has cost nearly $3 million as it accompanied him across Texas, the country, and the world.
More Money than Greg
A blue wave may be coming, but the governor's ever-growing campaign warchest casts a long shadow over Texas elections.
Sarah Eckhardt Wants to Return the Texas Comptroller to the Bob Bullock Era
The Democratic candidate hopes to bring the statewide accountant’s office back to its rightful role—independently enforcing good government.
Can Labor Candidates Help Texas Dems Win Back Power?
A slate of union-affiliated candidates are taking the labor movement on the campaign trail up and down the ballot.
Ken Paxton’s ‘Shoddy’ Prosecution of a Midwife Is Part of a Strategy to Expand His Power. Low-Income Houstonians Are Paying the Price.
Maria Margarita Rojas is the first healthcare provider charged for abortion care under Texas’ strict criminal ban. Her attorneys say the state has no evidence—yet her clinics remain shuttered.
Editor’s Letter: Introducing Our January/February 2026 Issue
A note from the editor-in-chief
Everyone Knows Jasmine Crockett. Could That Be a Good Thing?
Her critics would prefer a lesser-known candidate who can concoct a bipartisan pitch. But the Dallas congresswoman believes she’s starting “on second or third base.”
Lina Hidalgo Had a Vision. Harris County Won’t See It.
Her anti-climactic exit from office caps a saga of waning power and growing discord. But what her rise once promised is worth remembering.