Texas Politics
The Next Census Could Determine the Future of Port Arthur
With Paid Leave Policies, Texas Cities Tried to Prepare for Coronavirus
Too many Texas workers can’t stay home when they’re sick. Two years ago, a movement tried to change that.
As the coronavirus spread across the nation late last week, U.S. Senator John Cornyn had some simple advice: “If you’re sick, stay home.” Easy, right? T...Read More
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.
This article was produced in partnership with The Nation. A few hours after Jessica Cisneros voted at her local polling station—a Pep Boys auto shop near Lare...Read More
Upset: Incumbent Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton Ousted by Newcomer
A South Texas businessman and political newcomer, Wright has criticized commissioners for accepting donations from the same industry they regulate.
In a startling upset, first-time candidate Jim Wright defeated incumbent Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton in last night’s Republican primary. Sitto...Read More
A Democratic Socialist Damn Near Won the Texas Primary
It took a small army of politicians and pundits to stave Bernie Sanders off.
Let’s take a step back. Despite all the talk and portents of a Democratic Spring, Texas remains a red state. Just ask anyone who’s run statewide since For...Read More
Democratic Voters Surge in Texas Primary, Waiting in Punishingly Long Lines as Officials Struggle to Keep Up
Grueling wait times stretched hours past closing time at polling locations across Texas. One voter in Houston waited nearly seven hours to cast his ballot.
One of the biggest and most disturbing storylines to emerge on Super Tuesday wasn’t about any top-of-the-ticket race, but rather the shockingly long wait time...Read More
Texas Prosecutor Races Offer Competing Visions for Criminal Justice Reform
In Harris County, Kim Ogg’s more cautious approach to reform wins big while Travis County’s incumbent DA still faces a challenge from the left.
Kim Ogg’s bruising primary fight to remain Harris County District Attorney was one of the most closely watched races in criminal justice reform circles headin...Read More
State Senator Eddie Lucio Is Headed to a Runoff
The Texas Senate’s most conservative Democrat may not be invincible.
In Brownsville, a Goliath has stumbled. After 29 years in the Texas Senate, Eddie Lucio—the upper chamber’s most conservative Democrat—has been pushed int...Read More
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.
2018 offered a spark of hope for Democrats in Texas: Beto O’Rourke ran a competitive Senate campaign, and Dems flipped several reliably Republican congression...Read More
What You Need to Know About Voting on Super Tuesday
A record number of Texans are registered to vote. But will they? And why should you?
Ahead of the March primaries, the number of registered voters in Texas hit a record 16 million—a million more than 2018 and almost 2 million more than the 201...Read More