Bush Dynasty Ends with a Whimper in Texas Runoffs Light on Surprise
Democrats solidified their statewide slate as scandal-plagued Attorney General Ken Paxton stepped closer to a third term and Representative Jasmine Crockett won in Dallas.
Henry Cuellar
Jessica Cisneros Takes Her Second Shot at the King of Laredo
The primary rematch for Congressional District 28 is a litmus test for Democrats in South Texas.
Henry Cuellar Prevailed Against Progressive Insurgency, But He Didn’t Go Unscathed
The resilient Blue Dog Democrat held on to his South Texas seat, but it was a much closer call than expected.
These Primary Races Will Test Texas’ Progressive Movement
Up and down the ballot, progressives are running up against establishment Democrats. The outcome could shape the future of politics in the state.
The Party Pariah
How Henry Cuellar rose to power—and how he intends to stay there.
Questions About Politics in 2020 That Aren’t ‘Will Texas Turn Blue?’
Democrats and Republicans are gearing up for a clash in Texas. Here’s the context you need to understand the coming year in politics.
The Private Prison Industry (Finally) Faces an Uncertain Future
Traditionally, for-profit jailers have drawn bipartisan support. But Trump, the sector’s ostensible savior, has made the industry a lightning rod.
SIGN UP FOR TEXAS OBSERVER EMAILS
Democrats Finally Play Hardball on the Border Wall
Emboldened congressional Democrats are going on offense against the wall. And that could be good news for the Rio Grande Valley.
Henry Cuellar and the Art of the Deal
The Laredo congressman publicly opposes the border wall, but keeps voting to fund it in his own district. Is he a savvy compromiser, or is he compromised?
‘Thrown Under the Bus’: Rio Grande Valley Residents Criticize New Border Deal
Some South Texas residents, including those protected from border wall construction by Congress' new proposal, aren't convinced the bargain's a victory for the region they call home.