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Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
In a long speech, Trump declared his support for Gov. Greg Abbott, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Attorney General Ken Paxton, and decried the investigation of special counsel Robert Mueller. Full Story
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Two Republicans, former Grimes County Judge Ben Leman and Bellville businesswoman Jill Wolfskill — plus one Democrat, Cecil Webster — are on the ballot Saturday to finish the term of ex-state Rep. Leighton Schubert, R-Caldwell, who resigned in February. Full Story
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lupe Valdez has agreed to debate her runoff opponent, Andrew White, on May 11 in Austin. Full Story
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White said Wednesday that he won't be able to divest before the runoff. His opponent, Lupe Valdez, accused him of making decisions based on "what’s politically expedient and not doing right by Texas." Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has opened a new front in his crusade to paint his Democratic challenger, Beto O'Rourke, as out of step with solidly red Texas. Full Story
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"A debate in Spanish would not be very good because my Spanish isn’t good enough," U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz said at a campaign event Tuesday afternoon, "but I look forward to debating Congressman O’Rourke." Full Story
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"This weekend, I fell short," Valdez said in a lengthy statement. "A young woman asked me a question at a forum over the weekend regarding my track record, and she did not get the answer she deserved. I am sorry, and I understand why people are disappointed." Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott has slated a Nov. 6 special election to finish the term of former state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman. Full Story
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President Donald Trump is set to address the National Rifle Association's annual gathering later this week in Dallas. Full Story
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Jolt Texas was created last year to mobilize young Latinos in turning the state blue. Full Story
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