Texas Politics
Texas Democratic and Republican Parties Spar Over How to Hold Elections During a Pandemic
With primary runoffs two months from now, Dems want universal mail-in voting; Republicans want delayed elections; and local elections officials just want some guidance.
The coronavirus outbreak in the United States presents a seemingly endless number of systemic challenges. One big one: How do you hold elections in a pandemic? ...Read More
How The Coronavirus Pandemic Exposed Abbott’s Hypocrisy On Local Control
After leaving cities and counties to handle coronavirus on their own, state intervention could be too little, too late.
Governor Greg Abbott’s office told reporters this week that cities and counties “have done a very good job of doing what is right for their municipalities...Read More
How Christian Nationalism Moved from the Fringe to the White House
Katherine Stewart’s The Power Worshippers exposes the Christian right’s attempts to revise history and create an American theocracy.
After Hurricane Harvey devastated the Texas coast in 2017, three affected churches sued FEMA, claiming the agency’s policy against providing relief funds ...Read More
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