
With estranged husband on the ballot, Angela Paxton tells group of Texas women to vote GOP “even if we’re mad at them”
Read full article: With estranged husband on the ballot, Angela Paxton tells group of Texas women to vote GOP “even if we’re mad at them”Angela Paxton accused Ken Paxton of adultery in divorce filings but has been publicly silent about her view of his race. On Friday, she spoke to a group of Republican women in a speech called the “Elephant in the room.”

TribCast: Bo French, the Railroad Commission and other downballot races
Read full article: TribCast: Bo French, the Railroad Commission and other downballot racesIn this week’s episode, we talk about how French’s tweet has brought turmoil to the Republican Party and assess whether other statewide races are really competitive.

Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claims
Read full article: Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claimsVice President JD Vance and White House officials are announcing plans to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees from public healthcare exchanges.

Appeals court favors Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, but Supreme Court will have final say
Read full article: Appeals court favors Trump-backed Missouri congressional map, but Supreme Court will have final sayA federal appeals panel has ruled in favor of new Missouri congressional districts backed by President Donald Trump.

Despite state law, only eight of 160 utility companies have filed wildfire response plans
Read full article: Despite state law, only eight of 160 utility companies have filed wildfire response plansLawmakers recently learned of the slow progress made by the companies, which have four months to come under compliance with the law prompted by the 2024 Panhandle wildfires.

Republican Mike Rogers courts Michigan Democrats and Trump voters as GOP hopes to hold the Senate
Read full article: Republican Mike Rogers courts Michigan Democrats and Trump voters as GOP hopes to hold the SenateRepublicans are trying to win an open Senate seat race in Michigan, and nominee Mike Rogers is stepping up his appeals to some Democrats.

Federal judge pauses Texas Republicans’ bid to close primaries
Read full article: Federal judge pauses Texas Republicans’ bid to close primariesU.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk said in his ruling that he expects Republicans to succeed in restricting primaries to voters registered with the party during the next legislative session.

Trump pushes his $5,000 'dividend' pledge if GOP wins midterms. Republican candidates, not as much
Read full article: Trump pushes his $5,000 'dividend' pledge if GOP wins midterms. Republican candidates, not as muchNaturally, Republicans running for Congress should campaign on President Donald Trump’s promise to pay adult Americans $5,000 if the GOP wins the midterm elections.

Top Texas Republicans knew Bo French’s history of racist comments. They supported him anyway.
Read full article: Top Texas Republicans knew Bo French’s history of racist comments. They supported him anyway.The Railroad Commission candidate is under fire from fellow Republicans for a post that said a picture of college students celebrating a football victory shows “how many Americans have been displaced by foreigners.”

Texas land commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to know
Read full article: Texas land commissioner 2026: Who is running and what you need to knowThe General Land Office oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education, manages state lands, operates the Alamo and administers disaster recovery funds and benefits to Texas veterans. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 race and where they stand.

One group has stayed mostly mum on Bo French’s racist post — Texas’ oil and gas industry
Read full article: One group has stayed mostly mum on Bo French’s racist post — Texas’ oil and gas industryOne of the state’s largest oil and gas industry groups condemned French’s comments about South Asian students. They have not pulled their endorsement.

Appeals court weighs Trump-backed Missouri congressional map despite Supreme Court block
Read full article: Appeals court weighs Trump-backed Missouri congressional map despite Supreme Court blockA federal appeals court panel is considering an attempt to revive Missouri congressional districts backed by Donald Trump.

“Uncharted territory”: Two months from Election Day, Democrats in Texas are truly competitive
Read full article: “Uncharted territory”: Two months from Election Day, Democrats in Texas are truly competitiveDemocrat James Talarico is consistently leading in the polls over Ken Paxton, which is unheard of in recent decades. National forecasters are calling Texas a tie, or else giving the advantage to the Democrat.

House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein investigation
Read full article: House holds billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress over Epstein investigationThe House has approved a resolution holding billionaire Leon Black in contempt of Congress after he defied the Oversight Committee’s subpoenas in its investigation into disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump and Whatley double down on the administration's record in North Carolina Senate contest
Read full article: Trump and Whatley double down on the administration's record in North Carolina Senate contestPresident Donald Trump has tested his midterm campaign appeal in North Carolina as he tries to help his handpicked Republican Senate hopeful and former national party chairman.

Texas Railroad Commission 2026: What it does and who’s running in the race
Read full article: Texas Railroad Commission 2026: What it does and who’s running in the raceThe commission doesn't have anything to do with railroads. It regulates Texas’ oil and gas industry. Here’s where 2026 candidates Bo French, Jon Rosenthal and Arthur DiBianca stand.

Several Texas Republicans condemn Bo French’s racist posts calling Asian students at UT a “problem”
Read full article: Several Texas Republicans condemn Bo French’s racist posts calling Asian students at UT a “problem”French, the Republican nominee for a statewide position regulating Texas’ oil and gas industry, posted a photo of University of Texas students, while decrying “foreigners” displacing Americans.

Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primaries
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court blocks Galveston County from using districts redrawn after the primariesRedrawing political boundaries between the primary and general election raises serious constitutional concerns, the court said.

Senate Republicans finally mobilize with big money for Ken Paxton in Texas
Read full article: Senate Republicans finally mobilize with big money for Ken Paxton in TexasAfter opposing Paxton in his primary and sitting out all summer, Senate GOP leadership is dropping tens of millions to help the attorney general play catch-up on the airwaves.

At Dallas convention, Texas Republicans claim credit for tax cuts, blame Democrats for high prices
Read full article: At Dallas convention, Texas Republicans claim credit for tax cuts, blame Democrats for high pricesWith high costs top of mind, GOP candidates in competitive races tested a tightrope act: Trump’s policies are helping, but Biden is still the culprit for your gas and grocery bills.

Trump wants to send Americans money. Congress and economists don't seem thrilled with the idea
Read full article: Trump wants to send Americans money. Congress and economists don't seem thrilled with the ideaDonald Trump’s pitch to send Americans $5,000 checks should Republicans prevail in the November midterms is drawing scorn from some members of Congress — the very people who have constitutional authority over federal spending.

Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixed
Read full article: Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixedWorking to keep the majority in Congress, Republicans are showcasing their chief legislative accomplishment in this midterm election.

Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixed
Read full article: Republicans showcase their 'big beautiful bill' to voters, but the law's impact has been mixedWorking to keep the majority in Congress, Republicans are showcasing their chief legislative accomplishment in this midterm election.

At midterm convention, Trump vows to campaign hard for Paxton after mocking his speech and looks
Read full article: At midterm convention, Trump vows to campaign hard for Paxton after mocking his speech and looksThe president used his winding, nearly two-hour keynote address to try to boost Republicans around the country, telling his supporters to “pretend that I’m on the ballot” this fall.

Trump, hoping to salvage midterms, makes a dubious pledge to give every US adult $5,000 if GOP wins
Read full article: Trump, hoping to salvage midterms, makes a dubious pledge to give every US adult $5,000 if GOP winsPresident Donald Trump says he plans to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midterm elections.

Texas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That’s a fraction of what’s needed.
Read full article: Texas prisons seek $298 million for air conditioning. That’s a fraction of what’s needed.It would cost $1.5 billion to fully cool all prisons, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice estimates.

GOP convention closes with Trump, Vance talking Senate, Texas delegation blasting Dems
Read full article: GOP convention closes with Trump, Vance talking Senate, Texas delegation blasting DemsNational Republicans branded their midterm convention as “Trumpapalooza,” with a clear goal of energizing GOP voters — and stocking their campaign coffers — during a difficult midterm environment.

GOP to open first-ever midterm convention in Dallas as Texas’ U.S. Senate race hangs in the balance
Read full article: GOP to open first-ever midterm convention in Dallas as Texas’ U.S. Senate race hangs in the balanceThe two-day gathering, informally dubbed “Trumpapalooza,” will put Texas at the center of the political world as it hits the homestretch of its most competitive election cycle in years.

Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costs
Read full article: Texas cities say Abbott’s proposal to disband their electric companies won’t lower costsOn the campaign trail, the governor said dismantling city-owned utilities will save customers money by introducing competition.

MAGA Inc. cavalry arrives for Paxton in Texas Senate as Trump’s PAC places $10 million ad buy
Read full article: MAGA Inc. cavalry arrives for Paxton in Texas Senate as Trump’s PAC places $10 million ad buyThis is the first buy that Trump’s well-heeled political operation has made for a general election, underscoring how critical Texas’ Senate race is to the GOP’s hopes.

AG Ken Paxton hasn’t challenged the Trump administration over Texas’ $10-billion Medicaid cut even though he sued Biden
Read full article: AG Ken Paxton hasn’t challenged the Trump administration over Texas’ $10-billion Medicaid cut even though he sued BidenThe attorney general won a lawsuit against the feds for withholding a Medicaid funding stream three years ago. Texas faces the same cut, but Paxton has stayed quiet.

School librarians hesitant to discuss books, order more amid Texas battles to restrict titles, they say
Read full article: School librarians hesitant to discuss books, order more amid Texas battles to restrict titles, they sayLt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s latest push to restrict what students can access adds to Texas school librarians’ angst, the educators said.

Vance says Iran fight isn't a 'war' as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nears
Read full article: Vance says Iran fight isn't a 'war' as Trump tries to navigate unpopular conflict as election nearsVice President JD Vance says he wouldn't call the U.S. conflict with Iran a "war," despite recent escalations.

Maryland’s top court allows Democratic-backed congressional redistricting measure on November ballot
Read full article: Maryland’s top court allows Democratic-backed congressional redistricting measure on November ballotThe Maryland Supreme Court says a congressional redistricting amendment backed by Democrats can appear on the November ballot.

Missouri court blocks Trump-backed US House map and orders it to be put to a vote
Read full article: Missouri court blocks Trump-backed US House map and orders it to be put to a voteThe Missouri Supreme Court has blocked a new U.S. House map backed by President Donald Trump from being used in the November election.

Texas A&M System removes courses on LGBTQ, ethnic studies and climate change from core offerings
Read full article: Texas A&M System removes courses on LGBTQ, ethnic studies and climate change from core offeringsMore than 200 courses, including those on LGBTQ literature, cultural studies and climate change, will no longer count toward core degree requirements at 11 Texas A&M universities.

With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantle
Read full article: With voters squeezed by high costs, Texas candidates race to claim affordability mantleIf not carefully vetted, candidates’ proposals to lower costs could exacerbate future affordability issues, experts say.

Trump promises to campaign for Republicans and says they have a winning midterm message
Read full article: Trump promises to campaign for Republicans and says they have a winning midterm messagePresident Donald Trump is urging Republican lawmakers to run on his White House record despite his sagging popularity.

Gov. Greg Abbott doubles down his support on rare public fight for Medicaid funding
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott doubles down his support on rare public fight for Medicaid fundingAbbott’s spokesman reiterated that Texas is not doing anything wrong that would disqualify hospitals from receiving nearly $10 billion in Medicaid funding annually.

Vance privately addresses Republican Jewish Coalition during tension over Israel and antisemitism
Read full article: Vance privately addresses Republican Jewish Coalition during tension over Israel and antisemitismVice President JD Vance has spoken at the annual gathering of the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Lawmakers added $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. That money paid for thousands of Flock cameras.
Read full article: Lawmakers added $1 to Texans’ car insurance policies. That money paid for thousands of Flock cameras.The higher fee, meant to combat catalytic converter theft, provided millions to expand the Flock network across Texas. Some lawmakers say that wasn’t the intent.

President’s visit brings fundraising and political momentum for republicans
Read full article: President’s visit brings fundraising and political momentum for republicansPresident Donald Trump is coming to Houston Thursday, and drivers should prepare for traffic delays and temporary road closures in parts of southeast Houston and near NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

After years of hardship, Texas agriculture faces a new threat
Read full article: After years of hardship, Texas agriculture faces a new threatData centers and agriculture depend on many of the same resources, such as water, land and electricity, which has some in the industry worried about the future.

President’s visit brings fundraising and political momentum for republicans
Read full article: President’s visit brings fundraising and political momentum for republicansPresident Donald Trump’s visit to Houston could give Republicans a boost in both fundraising and momentum heading into the 2026 elections.

Talarico campaign asks court to unseal Paxton’s depositions in energy investing dispute
Read full article: Talarico campaign asks court to unseal Paxton’s depositions in energy investing disputeThe petition, to be filed in Collin County, seeks the transcripts from two rounds of testimony Paxton gave as part of a legal clash that entangled his financial adviser and former business associates.

Trump and Vance will keynote the Republicans' midterm convention in Texas next month
Read full article: Trump and Vance will keynote the Republicans' midterm convention in Texas next monthAs if there was any doubt, Republicans’ midterm convention will be the Donald Trump show, with the president appearing at both nights of the event in Dallas on Sept. 9-10.

MAGA Inc. spends $827,000 to back Darline Graham on final day of South Carolina GOP Senate runoff
Read full article: MAGA Inc. spends $827,000 to back Darline Graham on final day of South Carolina GOP Senate runoffSen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman are wrapping up their campaigns for South Carolina's Republican nomination in a special U.S. Senate primary.

Flock cameras face growing backlash across Texas counties, but getting rid of them is complicated
Read full article: Flock cameras face growing backlash across Texas counties, but getting rid of them is complicatedSome government officials said they understand the community’s anger, but warn that many of these contracts fall outside their jurisdiction.

This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?
Read full article: This rare Nebraska district backed Harris but sent a Republican to Congress. Can Democrats win here?Just eight of 435 congressional districts backed a Republican in their House race and Democrat Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

Cornered by Big Bend backlash, Texas Republicans tread carefully around Trump
Read full article: Cornered by Big Bend backlash, Texas Republicans tread carefully around TrumpMost of the state’s GOP leaders have hedged on the White House's plans for the region, welcoming a construction pause without breaking from a president they're loath to cross.

Trump keeps embracing data centers even as they become toxic in midterm races
Read full article: Trump keeps embracing data centers even as they become toxic in midterm racesPresident Donald Trump has voiced strong support for AI and data centers, emphasizing their economic benefits and importance in the global AI race.

Democrats narrow their list of 2028 presidential convention sites to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia
Read full article: Democrats narrow their list of 2028 presidential convention sites to Boston, Denver and PhiladelphiaDemocrats have narrowed the list of potential host cities for their 2028 presidential convention to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia as their party looks ahead to a wide-open primary to succeed Republican President Donald Trump.

Talarico floods Texas airwaves in U.S. Senate race as Paxton, GOP stay quiet
Read full article: Talarico floods Texas airwaves in U.S. Senate race as Paxton, GOP stay quietWith early voting about two months away, the Democrat has had TV nearly to himself, outspending his Republican rival more than 200-to-1 on advertising as GOP groups weigh when — or whether — to get involved.

TribCast: Should we believe the polls about Paxton and Talarico?
Read full article: TribCast: Should we believe the polls about Paxton and Talarico?In this week's episode, Matthew speaks with James Henson, director of the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin about the polls showing a tight race for U.S. Senate. Are they reliable? Is Talarico really in the lead?

Feds pausing Big Bend border construction while CBP commissioner visits the park
Read full article: Feds pausing Big Bend border construction while CBP commissioner visits the parkIt was not immediately clear how long CBP plans to implement the pause. The Trump administration had announced plans to build an access road and vehicle barriers in the park.

Data center audit lacks specifics even as Gov. Abbott, industry leaders tout it
Read full article: Data center audit lacks specifics even as Gov. Abbott, industry leaders tout itWithout key details on the audits but the eagerness to support them, policy watchers question how impactful these audits will be in curbing data center growth.

Longstanding limits on certain firearms, silencers lifted in Texas after judge’s order takes effect
Read full article: Longstanding limits on certain firearms, silencers lifted in Texas after judge’s order takes effectThe Trump administration declined to immediately appeal a ruling by a federal judge in Lubbock that invalidated parts of the 1934 National Firearms Act.

Rio Grande Valley residents are feeling more negative about their lives. That could spill into the voting booth.
Read full article: Rio Grande Valley residents are feeling more negative about their lives. That could spill into the voting booth.Rio Grande Valley residents are unhappy with the economy, salaries, and other factors. That could sway their political views, according to political watchdogs.

Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters
Read full article: Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas votersCampaigning for the U.S. Senate, Paxton says he was “delivered by God” to protect Texas from leftists. Talarico’s focus

Democrats are gathering to give final approval to their 2028 presidential primary calendar
Read full article: Democrats are gathering to give final approval to their 2028 presidential primary calendarDemocrats are gathering to finalize their 2028 presidential primary calendar this week, setting the stage for a wide-open contest to succeed President Donald Trump and chart a path ahead as the party’s voters oscillate between progressive and more moderate candidates.

Broadband grants paused as critics allege favoritism toward Elon Musk’s Starlink
Read full article: Broadband grants paused as critics allege favoritism toward Elon Musk’s StarlinkThe Texas Broadband office made the announcement after facing scrutiny from lawmakers for changing the rules to seemingly favor companies such as Elon Musk’s Starlink.

Trial lawyers, once a force for Democrats, reclaim political clout in Texas GOP’s MAGA wing
Read full article: Trial lawyers, once a force for Democrats, reclaim political clout in Texas GOP’s MAGA wingTexas plaintiffs’ lawyers are bankrolling populist GOP insurgents. Tort reform groups like Texans for Lawsuit Reform are aghast.

Tuesday's takeaways: No clear direction for Wisconsin Democrats
Read full article: Tuesday's takeaways: No clear direction for Wisconsin DemocratsThe Democratic Party's ideological divide remained unresolved even as the establishment candidate eked out a narrow win in the Wisconsin governor's primary over a democratic socialist.

Despite federal efforts to drop vaccine recommendations, Texas requirements unchanged
Read full article: Despite federal efforts to drop vaccine recommendations, Texas requirements unchangedPublic health officials said some parents are confused about what vaccines are required to attend Texas schools amid efforts to change recommendations.

Todd Blanche is sworn in as attorney general after bruising confirmation fight
Read full article: Todd Blanche is sworn in as attorney general after bruising confirmation fightPresident Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, has been sworn in as attorney general after a bruising confirmation fight that exposed bipartisan concerns about the Justice Department’s direction under the Republican president.

Ted Cruz’s college sports bill hangs in the balance as U.S. Senate scrambles ahead of August recess
Read full article: Ted Cruz’s college sports bill hangs in the balance as U.S. Senate scrambles ahead of August recessThe Protect College Sports Act gained a burst of momentum with last week’s support from the SEC and Big Ten, but the clocking is ticking as the Senate prepares to leave town.

Democrats in Congress, able to visit ICE lockups in Texas, describe grim conditions
Read full article: Democrats in Congress, able to visit ICE lockups in Texas, describe grim conditionsImmigration officials denied the allegations, but Reps. Joaquin Castro and Veronica Escobar said they’ve come across numerous problematic examples.

McConnell says he's leaving rehabilitation center to continue recovery at home
Read full article: McConnell says he's leaving rehabilitation center to continue recovery at homeRepublican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he’s been discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery from home.

Sid Miller says Republicans will lose statewide elections due to rapid data center development, backlash
Read full article: Sid Miller says Republicans will lose statewide elections due to rapid data center development, backlashThe Texas agriculture commissioner has openly criticized Gov. Greg Abbott for not taking a stronger stand against data center development. The governor has ignored him.

Tennessee voters oust Trump-backed congressman, set fall matchup for redrawn Memphis-area House seat
Read full article: Tennessee voters oust Trump-backed congressman, set fall matchup for redrawn Memphis-area House seatFormer Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher has defeated Congressman Andy Ogles in a Republican primary.

Former state Rep. Lon Burnam eyes lawsuit after arrest during meeting on voting site cuts
Read full article: Former state Rep. Lon Burnam eyes lawsuit after arrest during meeting on voting site cutsThe former Democratic lawmaker was accused of disrupting a Tarrant County Commissioners Court meeting and spent hours in jail before his release.

National Democrats add former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales’ district to Texas congressional target list
Read full article: National Democrats add former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales’ district to Texas congressional target listThe sprawling district, vacated by former GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales earlier this year, went for President Trump by 15 points. But Democrats see an opening to win its Hispanic-majority electorate.

Maryland lawmakers ask voters to clear the way for a congressional map designed to boost Democrats
Read full article: Maryland lawmakers ask voters to clear the way for a congressional map designed to boost DemocratsMaryland voters will decide in November whether to clear the way for a new congressional map that would favor Democrats in all eight of the state’s U.S. House districts.

Flock license plate cameras are surging in Texas. So is an anti-surveillance backlash.
Read full article: Flock license plate cameras are surging in Texas. So is an anti-surveillance backlash.More than 200 local law enforcement agencies have data-sharing agreements with DPS, providing wide access to vehicle information.

Republicans want voters to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices and move court to the right
Read full article: Republicans want voters to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices and move court to the rightKansas voters will decide Tuesday whether to elect state Supreme Court justices rather than have the governor appoint them.

Trump wanted interest rate cuts to be 'Rocket Fuel' for the economy. He is losing that fight so far
Read full article: Trump wanted interest rate cuts to be 'Rocket Fuel' for the economy. He is losing that fight so farPresident Donald Trump has for months pressured the Federal Reserve to slash interest rates, claiming it would be “Rocket Fuel!”.

Trump says anti-weaponization fund in IRS settlement is 'dead' even as he defends it
Read full article: Trump says anti-weaponization fund in IRS settlement is 'dead' even as he defends itPresident Donald Trump says his $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund is “dead” while also continuing to defend it.






















