Texas House of Representatives

Texplainer: When Legislators Die or Resign, What Happens to Their Seats?

By Hollie O'Connor June 20, 2012

When legislators die or resign, their seat is filled through a special election. The new representative serves out the end of the old representative's term. Full Story

Credit: Steve Laugh
A House of Strangers Calls for a Shrewd Leader

By Ross Ramsey June 4, 2012

Races for speaker of the House are based on relationships. How does that work when there are so many freshmen and sophomore members in the House? Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
TribLive: Branch and TMF on Hughes vs. Straus

By Evan Smith June 1, 2012

At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Reps. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, and Trey Martinez Fischer, D-San Antonio, discussed the prospect of a Speaker's race leading up to the 2013 legislative session. Full Story
Updated: State Rep. Ken Legler Passes Away

By Aman Batheja June 1, 2012

State Rep. Ken Legler, R-Pasadena, has passed away, according to the House speaker's office. He was 54. Full Story
Hughes Files for Speaker

By Ross Ramsey May 29, 2012

State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, filed papers saying he will run for speaker of the House in January, setting up another challenge for House Speaker Joe Straus. Full Story
In Wealthy D-FW District, Truitt Fights Old Rival

By Aman Batheja May 25, 2012

State Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Southlake, is in a tight race against Giovanni Capriglione, a public equity manager running against her for the second time. Throughout the race, she has played up her image as a tough fighter. Full Story
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Patrick-Carona Feud

By Justin Dehn May 25, 2012

The Patrick-Carona feud, and a list of people facing very tough career reviews this month. Full Story
Turnover Offers Political Tool for Leaders in 2013

By Ross Ramsey May 18, 2012

It's great to have experienced leaders on hand to help run the Legislature. But it's also great — at least from a leader's perspective — to have some openings to offer to potential supporters. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Bob Daemmrich
Current Differences Hint at Possible Friction in '13

By Ross Ramsey May 14, 2012

Usually, the political establishment is more or less united, with major trade groups and major officeholders sticking with incumbents and, more importantly, sticking with one another. Not this year. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Campaign Chatter

By Ross Ramsey May 11, 2012

The endorsements just keep on rolling in... Full Story

Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
Guest Column: Republican Candidates, Side by Side

By Mark P. Jones May 7, 2012

Rice University political scientist Mark P. Jones looks at the legislative voting records of candidates in a half-dozen GOP primaries, finding some significant differences in House races and negligible differences in two Senate contests. Full Story

Credit: Tommy LaVergne of Rice University
Pierson, Turner Seek Return Engagement in HD-101 Primary Race

By Aman Batheja May 2, 2012

A three-person HD-101 Democratic primary in Tarrant County features two former state representatives who can't stop swiping at each other and a fake string of emails that have been called "Machiavellian." Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
In Central Texas, Educating Voters About New District

By Ben Philpott, KUT News May 1, 2012

Central Texas got a new GOP-friendly state House district in the redistricting process. And as is the case in all newly created districts, candidates don’t just have to campaign — they also have to educate voters about the change. Ben Philpott of KUT News and the Tribune reports. Full Story
At Capitol, Fresh Faces and an Experience Deficit

By Ross Ramsey April 27, 2012

The next version of the Texas Legislature will have an unusually high number of new lawmakers — and a temporary deficit in legislative experience. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Commercial Benefits of University Research Touted at Hearing

By Minjae Park April 25, 2012

Two House committees held a joint hearing today to explore how scientific research at universities can be commercialized for the benefit of businesses and the state economy. They heard testimony from the state's leading research universities. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Kumar Appaiah / Todd Wiseman
Workman the Incumbent — Sort of — in HD-47 Primary

By Ben Philpott, KUT News April 23, 2012

Changes in Texas' legislative maps have created opportunities for those hoping to knock off incumbent lawmakers — like in HD-47 in western Travis County. Ben Philpott reports for KUT News and the Tribune. Full Story

Credit: Jeff Heimsath
Life of a Texas Lawmaker: Lousy Pay, Great Benefits

By Ross Ramsey April 13, 2012

The pay for Texas lawmakers is low, but the pension benefits are sweet. Some say, though, that lawmakers who break the law should have to forfeit their pensions. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
First Minority Cancer Month Highlights Disparities

By Paul Theobald March 28, 2012

Lawmakers and health care advocates gathered today to kick off the state's first annual Minority Cancer Awareness Month, designated in the last legislative session to bring awareness to racial disparities in cancer survival. Full Story
Texas Gets a D+ in Public Integrity Study

By Paul Theobald March 19, 2012

Texas has scored a 68 out of 100, placing 27th in a national state integrity study. The state got high marks for auditing and for monitoring pension funds, but not as high for accountability of the governor and legislators. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Billionaire's PAC Admits Contribution Error, Seeks Refunds

By Paul Theobald Feb. 23, 2012

The political action committee of Dallas billionaire waste magnate Harold Simmons is asking 18 lawmakers to return about $65,000 in contributions after admitting that an oversight led to illegal campaign contributions. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman