The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Speculation is rampant about whether Beto O'Rourke is going to make a White House bid. But the former U.S. Senate candidate is offering little about his plans, keeping even close allies and supporters in suspense. Full Story
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When asked whether the stalemate over President Trump's border wall is worth federal employees missing their paychecks, Texans in Congress appear to be divided along party lines — save for Republican U.S. Rep. Will Hurd. Full Story
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The standoff between the president and Congress that has led to a monthlong government shutdown has thrown DACA recipients in the middle of another round of political drama over immigration. Full Story
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Last week, a federal judge in New York ordered the administration to stop its plans to add the question to the survey. Full Story
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Patrick cited a "lewd comment" by Seliger in explaining the move. The two have been tussling over committee assignments in recent days. Full Story
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Johnson enters a race that includes at least eight other candidates, from Republican former state Rep. Jason Villalba to City Council member Scott Griggs and Dallas schools trustee Miguel Solis. Full Story
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A group of Texans is headed to court in hopes of blocking the Trump administration from including a citizenship question on the 2020 census. Here's a primer on the legal fight and what it could mean for the state. Full Story
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Democrats called the deal a ‘non-starter.' Full Story
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Two Democrats and 14 Republicans will chair the upper chamber's committees. Full Story
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Texas moved to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid years ago after a highly-edited video from an anti-abortion group suggested abortion providers sold fetal tissue. Full Story
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At issue was a December announcement that the U.S. Treasury Department would lift sanctions against companies tied to a Russian oligarch with strong ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Full Story
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The Houston congresswoman is accused of firing an employee after the employee sued the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation over an alleged 2015 rape. Full Story
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The court ordered Austin to pay a fine to the state for each day it prevented investigators from the attorney general's office from carrying their firearms. Full Story
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State leaders have promised to tackle school safety this session, and lawmakers are expected to push bills that would beef up mental health screening programs and make it easier to arm teachers. Full Story
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In July, Bonnen was a House member with $707,000 in his war chest. After he announced for House Speaker and became the favorite to succeed Joe Straus, he was getting more than $150,000 in donations per day. Full Story
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When it comes to many of the biggest policy issues facing the country today, Beto O’Rourke’s default stance is to call for a debate — even on issues related to the border and immigration. Full Story
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The two top statewide elected officials were sworn in Tuesday to second terms at the helm of Texas government. Full Story
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During his visit, the newly announced presidential candidate highlighted the much-criticized federal response to Hurricane Maria and aimed to distinguish himself as the candidate of an increasingly diverse Democratic Party. Full Story
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After winning re-election in November, both Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are embarking on their second, four-year term. Watch their swearings-in and inaugural speeches here. Full Story
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For the few months of each new 140-day legislative session, the respective chambers typically adjourn after meeting for less than an hour. There are several reasons lawmakers can't get off to a faster start. Full Story
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