Texas

Number of Infected Texas Lawmakers Who Fled State Rises to 5

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two more Texas lawmakers who left their state to hobble efforts to pass new voting restrictions have... Read More

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two more Texas lawmakers who left their state to hobble efforts to pass new voting restrictions have tested positive for the coronavirus, raising to five the number of infected people in the delegation. State Rep. Trey Martinez... Read More

The Long, 'Surreal' Days of the Runaway Texas Legislators

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sheltered in a downtown D.C. hotel, the Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a restrictive voting... Read More

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sheltered in a downtown D.C. hotel, the Democratic lawmakers who left Texas to block a restrictive voting bill are living a life of stress and scrutiny.  After bolting  the state Monday in order to sabotage the bill... Read More

By Thwarting Voting Overhaul, Texas Dems Allow Special Agenda to Expire

AUSTIN, Texas — When Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives left the state on Monday in a bid to... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — When Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives left the state on Monday in a bid to deny Republicans a quorum needed to conduct business, they also left a number of other consequential agenda items in limbo.... Read More

2021-07-14 18:50:44
by Dan McCue
ACLU Sues to Block Texas Abortion Ban

The American Civil Liberties Union on Monday sued the state of Texas to block “radical” new abortion restrictions currently set... Read More

The American Civil Liberties Union on Monday sued the state of Texas to block “radical” new abortion restrictions currently set to take effect on Sept. 1. The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of Texas abortion providers -- led by... Read More

2021-07-13 19:45:40
by Reece Nations
Here’s Why Texas Democrats Are Breaking Quorum by Leaving the State

AUSTIN, Texas — Once again, Texas Democrats have captured the national political spotlight by breaking quorum to foil the passage... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Once again, Texas Democrats have captured the national political spotlight by breaking quorum to foil the passage of Republican-backed voting legislation. At least 51 of 67 members of the Texas House of Representatives left the state on... Read More

2021-07-13 15:27:42
by Dan McCue
Texas Dems Flee to DC to Avoid Vote on State Voting Restrictions

WASHINGTON - At least 51 of 67 members of the Texas House fled their state on Monday, determined to stay... Read More

WASHINGTON - At least 51 of 67 members of the Texas House fled their state on Monday, determined to stay on the lam in the nation’s capital to thwart a vote on new voting restrictions in the Lone Star state.... Read More

2021-07-12 17:23:57
by Reece Nations
Texas Congressional District Runoff Between GOP Candidates Set for This Month

ARLINGTON, Texas — Susan Wright and state Rep. Jake Ellzey are running in a special election on July 27 to... Read More

ARLINGTON, Texas — Susan Wright and state Rep. Jake Ellzey are running in a special election on July 27 to fill the vacancy in Texas' 6th Congressional District. The stage was set by Gov. Greg Abbott in February to fill... Read More

2021-07-08 22:51:40
by Reece Nations
Texas Gov. Abbott to Face Primary Challengers in 2022

AUSTIN, Texas — Incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott now faces a pair of serious primary challengers in the form of... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Incumbent Texas Gov. Greg Abbott now faces a pair of serious primary challengers in the form of former Texas Republican Party Chairman Allen West and former state Sen. Don Huffines. In his 25 years in statewide politics,... Read More

2021-07-06 19:12:31
by Reece Nations
Looking Ahead to First Special Legislative Session in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the first of two special legislative sessions will commence on Thursday, July... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced the first of two special legislative sessions will commence on Thursday, July 8, but the full list of agenda items will be set solely at Abbott’s discretion. The two big-ticket items expected... Read More

2021-06-07 19:53:32
by Dan McCue
Cruz Victorious: Court Declares Campaign Loan Repayment Rule Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON - A federal court in Washington struck down a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act last week, declaring... Read More

WASHINGTON - A federal court in Washington struck down a provision of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act last week, declaring it unconstitutional after Sen. Ted Cruz complained it barred him from repaying the $260,000 he lent himself during his 2018... Read More

2021-06-04 15:40:09
by Reece Nations
Former Texas Public Utility Commissioners Issue Report on Preventing Grid Failure

AUSTIN, Texas — Five former Public Utility Commission of Texas commissioners and a senior regulatory advisor published a report detailing... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Five former Public Utility Commission of Texas commissioners and a senior regulatory advisor published a report detailing recommendations on how to improve the reliability of the state’s electric grid during extreme weather events. In their report, the... Read More

2021-06-02 20:59:59
by Reece Nations
Texas Legislature to Convene Special Session on Voting Bill

AUSTIN, Texas — In response to Texas Democrats' quorum-breaking walkout in opposition to overhauls of the state’s elections near the... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — In response to Texas Democrats' quorum-breaking walkout in opposition to overhauls of the state’s elections near the close of the session over the weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would convene a special session this summer. “We... Read More

Texas GOP to Revive Voting Bill, Democrats Plot Next Move

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Republicans pressed ahead with their push for tougher election laws Tuesday, vowing to ensure Democrats'... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Republicans pressed ahead with their push for tougher election laws Tuesday, vowing to ensure Democrats' weekend victory over one of the most restrictive voting measures in the country would only be temporary.  GOP Gov. Greg... Read More

Could Beto Be Back? O'Rourke Mulling Bid for Texas Governor

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — There's no road trip, no soul searching. No beard or blogging. But Beto O'Rourke is making... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — There's no road trip, no soul searching. No beard or blogging. But Beto O'Rourke is making a political life decision again. Three years after becoming Democrats' breakout star out of Texas, and a year removed from... Read More

2021-05-23 12:45:25
by Dan McCue
Texas House Seat to be Decided in July 27 Runoff Election

North Texas’s 6th Congressional District will be the next battleground in which Republicans are asked to choose between the party’s... Read More

North Texas’s 6th Congressional District will be the next battleground in which Republicans are asked to choose between the party’s traditions and a more Trumpian future. The state has scheduled a special runoff election on July 27, between Susan Wright... Read More

2021-05-19 20:50:28
by Alexa Hornbeck
Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Abortions as Early as Six Weeks

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law on Wednesday a bill that not only bans abortions in... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law on Wednesday a bill that not only bans abortions in the state before many women know they are pregnant, but, in a unique twist, gives private citizens the right to... Read More

2021-05-07 21:13:24
by Reece Nations
Texas Passes Contentious Voting Bill After All Night Debate

AUSTIN, Texas — Following hours of debate over amendments proposed by Democratic lawmakers, the Texas House of Representatives approved new... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Following hours of debate over amendments proposed by Democratic lawmakers, the Texas House of Representatives approved new restrictions to state election rules early Friday morning. After Democrats proposed more than 130 amendments to the legislation, the lawmakers... Read More

2021-04-07 21:42:55
by Reece Nations
Texas Legislature Poised to Pass State Voting Restrictions

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republicans are moving to pass their own set of limits on voting as legislation restricting early... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Republicans are moving to pass their own set of limits on voting as legislation restricting early voting access awaits a House committee assignment.  The Texas bill, one of 361 bills pending nationwide with restrictive provisions, passed... Read More

2021-04-07 21:38:49
by Tom Ramstack
Legality of Vaccine Passports Mired in Mix of Interpretations

An executive order on Tuesday from Texas' governor that prohibits state agencies from using tax money for vaccine passports is... Read More

An executive order on Tuesday from Texas' governor that prohibits state agencies from using tax money for vaccine passports is kicking up a dispute over the breadth of public health laws during the COVID-19 pandemic. Airlines and other private companies... Read More

2021-03-23 15:27:22
by TWN Staff
Filemón Vela Opts Out of Re-Election Bid

WASHINGTON - Rep. Filemón Vela, D-Texas, announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2022, becoming the second House Democrat... Read More

WASHINGTON - Rep. Filemón Vela, D-Texas, announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2022, becoming the second House Democrat to announce their retirement in what could be a difficult cycle for the majority party. Earlier this month, Rep. Ann... Read More

2021-03-15 21:00:15
by Reece Nations
LGBTQ Workers Win State-Level Protection in Texas

DALLAS — Texas’ Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled Thursday in favor of a former Tarrant County College District employee... Read More

DALLAS — Texas’ Fifth District Court of Appeals ruled Thursday in favor of a former Tarrant County College District employee who claimed she was fired from her job after disclosing her sexual orientation to a supervisor. Amanda Sims alleged in... Read More

2021-03-05 20:41:52
by Reece Nations
Affordable Housing in Danger in the Lone Star State

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has long been an attractive hotspot for individuals fleeing their states in search of low taxes... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas has long been an attractive hotspot for individuals fleeing their states in search of low taxes and affordable housing. But the state’s reputation as an economical place to live might be in danger as cost-of-living expenses... Read More

2021-03-02 21:21:29
by TWN Staff
Texas Ends Statewide Mask Mandate, Opens State 100%

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rescinded the state’s face mask mandate Tuesday afternoon, declaring that it’s time for... Read More

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rescinded the state’s face mask mandate Tuesday afternoon, declaring that it’s time for Texans to get back to business.   “Under no circumstance can someone be punished for not wearing a mask,” Abbott said... Read More

2021-02-23 22:01:53
by TWN Staff
Abbott Sets Special Election Date to Fill Rep. Wright's Seat

AUSTIN, Texas - Saturday, May 1, will be the day of the special election to fill the Texas 6th Congressional... Read More

AUSTIN, Texas - Saturday, May 1, will be the day of the special election to fill the Texas 6th Congressional District seat recently vacated due to the death of Rep. Ron Wright. Gov. Greg Abbott made the announcement Tuesday, adding... Read More

Court Case in Texas Shows DACA Program Remains Under Peril

HOUSTON (AP) — A Tuesday court hearing over a U.S. program shielding immigrants brought to the country illegally as children... Read More

HOUSTON (AP) — A Tuesday court hearing over a U.S. program shielding immigrants brought to the country illegally as children highlights the peril the program still faces even under an incoming Democratic president who has pledged to protect it. A... Read More

Cornyn Says Congress Has 'No Reason' to Overturn Electoral College

WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a senior Republican and adviser to the majority leader, said flatly Thursday that President Donald Trump has no realistic path... Read More

WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a senior Republican and adviser to the majority leader, said flatly Thursday that President Donald Trump has no realistic path to overturning the election. After weeks of court defeats, he noted, Trump's legal team has yet to show evidence of... Read More

2020-11-13 19:15:08
by TWN Staff
TX-17: Pete Sessions (R)

About Sessions: Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Sessions distinguished himself early in life by earning the rank of Eagle... Read More

About Sessions: Born and raised in Waco, Texas, Sessions distinguished himself early in life by earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor. In fact, accounts of his early life are absolutely idyllic. He attended... Read More

After Sweeping Losses in Congressional Races, Texas Democrats Ask Why

WASHINGTON — When national Democrats helicoptered into Austin in April 2019 and set up an operation to flip GOP seats in the U.S. House in 2020 — a list that grew... Read More

WASHINGTON — When national Democrats helicoptered into Austin in April 2019 and set up an operation to flip GOP seats in the U.S. House in 2020 — a list that grew from six districts to 10 — they exuded confidence, and Republicans took notice. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was fresh off gaining... Read More

Federal Judge Slams Postal Service and Orders Search for Mail Ballots in Texas Facilities

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge harshly criticized the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday, saying the agency had failed to comply with his... Read More

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge harshly criticized the U.S. Postal Service on Wednesday, saying the agency had failed to comply with his order to sweep postal facilities for leftover mail-in ballots in battleground states where election officials continue to count votes. Judge Emmet... Read More

Trump Fends Off Biden in Texas, But Too Many States Are Still Up for Grabs for a Verdict

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump survived a scare in Texas, though Election Day ended without a verdict on whether his tumultuous presidency will continue for another term... Read More

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump survived a scare in Texas, though Election Day ended without a verdict on whether his tumultuous presidency will continue for another term — or the huge blue wave that Joe Biden's supporters had hoped for. The former vice president held a substantial lead in... Read More

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