Tech-backed PACs shape Texas primaries amid AI regulation debate
WASHINGTON — A surge in political spending tied to artificial intelligence interests is reshaping congressional races in Texas, highlighting the growing influence of the tech industry on U.S. elections and policy debates. In the lead-up to the March 2026 primary elections, Republican candidate Chris Gober was promoted in a television ad as a “Trump conservative” and “MAGA warrior,” though the messaging avoided direct references to artificial intelligence despite backing from AI-link
Tech-backed PACs shape Texas primaries amid AI regulation debate
WASHINGTON — A surge in political spending tied to artificial intelligence interests is reshaping congressional races in Texas, highlighting the growing influence of the tech industry on U.S. elections and policy debates. In the lead-up to the March 2026 primary elections, Republican candidate Chris Gober was promoted in a television ad as a “Trump conservative” and “MAGA warrior,” though the messaging avoided direct references to artificial intelligence despite backing from AI-link
Paxton secures CPAC backing in Texas Senate runoff challenge
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an endorsement from the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (CDT), following strong support during the conference held on Friday, March 27, 2026, strengthening his campaign to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in an increasingly competitive Republican runoff race. Speaking at the conference, Paxton criticized Cornyn for not attending what he described as one of the largest grassro
Paxton secures CPAC backing in Texas Senate runoff challenge
GRAPEVINE, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured an endorsement from the Conservative Political Action Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (CDT), following strong support during the conference held on Friday, March 27, 2026, strengthening his campaign to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Cornyn in an increasingly competitive Republican runoff race. Speaking at the conference, Paxton criticized Cornyn for not attending what he described as one of the largest grassro
Texas Senate primary tightens as Cornyn, Paxton near runoff
AUSTIN, Texas — Primary elections across Texas are set for Tuesday, and newly released polling suggests several high-profile contests could extend into runoff elections as candidates vie for their party nominations in key statewide races. According to data from the Texas Politics Project, the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate remains highly competitive. The poll indicates that Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow lead with 36% support among likely Republican primary vot
Texas Senate primary tightens as Cornyn, Paxton near runoff
AUSTIN, Texas — Primary elections across Texas are set for Tuesday, and newly released polling suggests several high-profile contests could extend into runoff elections as candidates vie for their party nominations in key statewide races. According to data from the Texas Politics Project, the Republican primary for the U.S. Senate remains highly competitive. The poll indicates that Attorney General Ken Paxton holds a narrow lead with 36% support among likely Republican primary vot
Trump to visit Texas as GOP Senate primary race intensifies
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Texas on Friday, timing his visit with the final day of early voting and just days before the state’s closely watched Republican primary. The trip, confirmed by a White House official, will take place in Corpus Christi, although specific details about the event have not yet been publicly released. State Representative Stan Gerdes said the announcement prompted him to move a previously scheduled campaign appearance with
Trump to visit Texas as GOP Senate primary race intensifies
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Texas on Friday, timing his visit with the final day of early voting and just days before the state’s closely watched Republican primary. The trip, confirmed by a White House official, will take place in Corpus Christi, although specific details about the event have not yet been publicly released. State Representative Stan Gerdes said the announcement prompted him to move a previously scheduled campaign appearance with
Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Texas Senate District 9 in historic special runoff
Voters in Tarrant County delivered a significant political upset on Saturday by electing Democrat Taylor Rehmet to represent Texas Senate District 9 in a special runoff election, flipping a seat that had been controlled by Republicans for decades. Rehmet defeated Republican opponent Leigh Wambsganss with 5
Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips Texas Senate District 9 in historic special runoff
Voters in Tarrant County delivered a significant political upset on Saturday by electing Democrat Taylor Rehmet to represent Texas Senate District 9 in a special runoff election, flipping a seat that had been controlled by Republicans for decades. Rehmet defeated Republican opponent Leigh Wambsganss with 5
Texas orders Dallas to remove rainbow crosswalks or risk losing infrastructure funds
The state of Texas has given the city of Dallas until the end of January to remove several decorative pavement markings, including rainbow-painted crosswalks in the Oak Lawn neighborhood and a large “Black Lives Matter” street mural on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. State officials have warned that failure to comply could put millions of dollars in transportation and infrastructure funding at risk. The dispute traces back to an order issued on Oct. 8, 2025, when Texas Gov. Gr
Texas orders Dallas to remove rainbow crosswalks or risk losing infrastructure funds
The state of Texas has given the city of Dallas until the end of January to remove several decorative pavement markings, including rainbow-painted crosswalks in the Oak Lawn neighborhood and a large “Black Lives Matter” street mural on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. State officials have warned that failure to comply could put millions of dollars in transportation and infrastructure funding at risk. The dispute traces back to an order issued on Oct. 8, 2025, when Texas Gov. Gr
Las Vegas Sands intensifies push for casino legalization in Texas
A major political battle is unfolding in Texas as the Las Vegas Sands organization accelerates its long-term campaign to expand legalized gambling in the state. The company, which hopes to build a luxury casino resort in North Texas modeled after its world-renowned Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore, is preparing to invest substantial financial resources into upcoming political contests. Executives say this effort will continue for years as they work to overcome significant legal and poli
Las Vegas Sands intensifies push for casino legalization in Texas
A major political battle is unfolding in Texas as the Las Vegas Sands organization accelerates its long-term campaign to expand legalized gambling in the state. The company, which hopes to build a luxury casino resort in North Texas modeled after its world-renowned Marina Bay Sands property in Singapore, is preparing to invest substantial financial resources into upcoming political contests. Executives say this effort will continue for years as they work to overcome significant legal and poli
Taylor Rehmet and Leigh Wambsganss head to runoff in Tarrant County Senate race
The race for Texas State Senate District 9 in Tarrant County is headed to a runoff after none of the three candidates managed to secure a majority in Tuesday’s election. With 100% of precincts reporting, Democrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss emerged as the top two contenders, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive second round. Taylor Rehmet, a military veteran and union leader, finished with 48% of the total vote. Wambsganss, a conserva
Taylor Rehmet and Leigh Wambsganss head to runoff in Tarrant County Senate race
The race for Texas State Senate District 9 in Tarrant County is headed to a runoff after none of the three candidates managed to secure a majority in Tuesday’s election. With 100% of precincts reporting, Democrat Taylor Rehmet and Republican Leigh Wambsganss emerged as the top two contenders, setting the stage for what is expected to be a highly competitive second round. Taylor Rehmet, a military veteran and union leader, finished with 48% of the total vote. Wambsganss, a conserva
Texas Election Results 2025: Full List of General and Special Election Outcomes
Texans across the state went to the polls on November 4, 2025, for the general and special elections that determined key constitutional amendments and filled several important local and state positions. The ballot included seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, a special election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, and numerous local races throughout major cities and rural counties. The election was one of the most closely followed statewide events of the year, shaping l
Texas Election Results 2025: Full List of General and Special Election Outcomes
Texans across the state went to the polls on November 4, 2025, for the general and special elections that determined key constitutional amendments and filled several important local and state positions. The ballot included seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, a special election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, and numerous local races throughout major cities and rural counties. The election was one of the most closely followed statewide events of the year, shaping l
Texans divided over Trump’s immigration policies, new survey reveals
HOUSTON, Texas — A new statewide survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that Texans remain deeply divided over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to the findings, 51 percent of registered voters said they approve of the administration’s immigration approach, while 49 percent disapprove, reflecting an evenly split electorate on one of the state’s most politically charged issues. The survey highlights a
Texans divided over Trump’s immigration policies, new survey reveals
HOUSTON, Texas — A new statewide survey conducted by the University of Houston and Texas Southern University reveals that Texans remain deeply divided over former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. According to the findings, 51 percent of registered voters said they approve of the administration’s immigration approach, while 49 percent disapprove, reflecting an evenly split electorate on one of the state’s most politically charged issues. The survey highlights a
Tarrant County approves new lower tax rate after heated debate
Tarrant County commissioners have voted to approve a slightly lower property tax rate after days of disagreements and tension. With four commissioners present, the proposal passed by a 3-1 vote, setting the new rate at $0.1862 per $100 of valuation. This represents a small decrease of 0.69 percent from last year’s rate of $0.1875. For a home valued at $300,000, the cut amounts to annual savings of about four dollars. While the financial impact on individual homeowners is min
Tarrant County approves new lower tax rate after heated debate
Tarrant County commissioners have voted to approve a slightly lower property tax rate after days of disagreements and tension. With four commissioners present, the proposal passed by a 3-1 vote, setting the new rate at $0.1862 per $100 of valuation. This represents a small decrease of 0.69 percent from last year’s rate of $0.1875. For a home valued at $300,000, the cut amounts to annual savings of about four dollars. While the financial impact on individual homeowners is min
Texas lawmakers form committees after Charlie Kirk campus killing to review security and speech
Texas lawmakers have created new committees to study campus climate, free speech, and security in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk. Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows of Lubbock and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick of the Senate announced the formation of select committees that will evaluate how universities handle safety and expression following Kirk’s death. Kirk was shot and killed in front of a large audience at Utah Valley
Texas lawmakers form committees after Charlie Kirk campus killing to review security and speech
Texas lawmakers have created new committees to study campus climate, free speech, and security in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist and podcaster Charlie Kirk. Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows of Lubbock and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick of the Senate announced the formation of select committees that will evaluate how universities handle safety and expression following Kirk’s death. Kirk was shot and killed in front of a large audience at Utah Valley
Texas Senate Approves New GOP Congressional Maps Amid Legal Challenges
The Republican-controlled Texas Senate has approved new congressional maps designed to strengthen the party’s hold on power in Washington, completing a contentious redistricting process that has triggered heated partisan battles both within the state and across the country. The decision, reached in an overnight session, clears the way for Governor Greg Abbott to sign the measure into law, a move that will reshape Texas’ political landscape for years
Texas Senate Approves New GOP Congressional Maps Amid Legal Challenges
The Republican-controlled Texas Senate has approved new congressional maps designed to strengthen the party’s hold on power in Washington, completing a contentious redistricting process that has triggered heated partisan battles both within the state and across the country. The decision, reached in an overnight session, clears the way for Governor Greg Abbott to sign the measure into law, a move that will reshape Texas’ political landscape for years
Texas Rep Nicole Collier sleeps on House floor after rejecting DPS escort
A dramatic protest unfolded in the Texas House when Representative Nicole Collier of North Texas spent the night on the House floor after rejecting a mandated escort by state troopers. Collier declared that she would not sign away her dignity and described herself as a political prisoner in response to what she believes is an abuse of legislative power. The confrontation took place during the second special session of the legislature. The previous special session ended without pas
Texas Rep Nicole Collier sleeps on House floor after rejecting DPS escort
A dramatic protest unfolded in the Texas House when Representative Nicole Collier of North Texas spent the night on the House floor after rejecting a mandated escort by state troopers. Collier declared that she would not sign away her dignity and described herself as a political prisoner in response to what she believes is an abuse of legislative power. The confrontation took place during the second special session of the legislature. The previous special session ended without pas
Lina Hidalgo Censured Over Tax Proposal Dispute And Courtroom Tensions
Harris County commissioners voted 3-1 to formally censure Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a tense and contentious court meeting that unfolded on Thursday. The decision came after an intense exchange in which Hidalgo reportedly interrupted fellow commissioners multiple times, expressing frustration over the failure of her proposed tax increase aimed at supporting early childhood education. The measure, which she hoped to place on the November ballot, w
Lina Hidalgo Censured Over Tax Proposal Dispute And Courtroom Tensions
Harris County commissioners voted 3-1 to formally censure Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a tense and contentious court meeting that unfolded on Thursday. The decision came after an intense exchange in which Hidalgo reportedly interrupted fellow commissioners multiple times, expressing frustration over the failure of her proposed tax increase aimed at supporting early childhood education. The measure, which she hoped to place on the November ballot, w
Texas Lawmaker Gene Wu Faces Backlash After Accusations of Being Back in China
A tweet from Texas Senator Mayes Middleton has sparked a wave of controversy after he questioned whether Houston Representative Gene Wu, a prominent member of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, was “back in China.” This remark was made amid the ongoing standoff in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers, including Wu, left the state to prevent a Republican-led redistricting vote from proceeding. Middleton's
Texas Lawmaker Gene Wu Faces Backlash After Accusations of Being Back in China
A tweet from Texas Senator Mayes Middleton has sparked a wave of controversy after he questioned whether Houston Representative Gene Wu, a prominent member of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, was “back in China.” This remark was made amid the ongoing standoff in Texas, where Democratic lawmakers, including Wu, left the state to prevent a Republican-led redistricting vote from proceeding. Middleton's
Proposed Texas map threatens two Democrat-held districts in North Texas
A newly proposed Congressional map in Texas is drawing attention for the major changes it would bring to two North Texas districts currently held by Democratic representatives. The redistricting plan could significantly alter the political landscape in Districts 32 and 33, with the potential to shift control in at least one of these seats ahead of the next midterm elections. The Republican-led proposal comes amid growing efforts to gain ground in key districts and align with broad
Proposed Texas map threatens two Democrat-held districts in North Texas
A newly proposed Congressional map in Texas is drawing attention for the major changes it would bring to two North Texas districts currently held by Democratic representatives. The redistricting plan could significantly alter the political landscape in Districts 32 and 33, with the potential to shift control in at least one of these seats ahead of the next midterm elections. The Republican-led proposal comes amid growing efforts to gain ground in key districts and align with broad
Former Austin Council Member and UT Professor Bill Spelman Dies at 68
Bill Spelman, the former Austin City Council member and University of Texas professor, passed away at the age of 68. Spelman, renowned for his work in public policy and criminology, was remembered for his commitment to data-driven policymaking and his significant contributions to the Austin community. The news was shared by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who paid tribute to Spelman, describing him as a man who brought intellect, integrity, and heart to everything he
Former Austin Council Member and UT Professor Bill Spelman Dies at 68
Bill Spelman, the former Austin City Council member and University of Texas professor, passed away at the age of 68. Spelman, renowned for his work in public policy and criminology, was remembered for his commitment to data-driven policymaking and his significant contributions to the Austin community. The news was shared by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, who paid tribute to Spelman, describing him as a man who brought intellect, integrity, and heart to everything he
Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell announces early resignation after nearly a decade in office
Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell, the city’s longest-serving mayor, has announced his resignation one year before his term officially ends. His departure marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Kyle, Texas, as he prepares to step down after nearly a decade of dedicated service. Having first joined the city council nine years ago, Mitchell has served as mayor for the past eight years and has become a familiar and trusted figure in the local government. Mitchell&
Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell announces early resignation after nearly a decade in office
Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell, the city’s longest-serving mayor, has announced his resignation one year before his term officially ends. His departure marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Kyle, Texas, as he prepares to step down after nearly a decade of dedicated service. Having first joined the city council nine years ago, Mitchell has served as mayor for the past eight years and has become a familiar and trusted figure in the local government. Mitchell&
Gov. Abbott Vetoes THC Ban; Cedar Park Hemp Shops Relieved
A last-minute veto from Governor Greg Abbott has spared Texas’ growing hemp industry from a sweeping ban on THC products, prompting celebration from businesses across the state including in Cedar Park. At J Heart CBD, store manager Lizzie Taylor said the team was in disbelief on Sunday night as the news broke. “My coworker and I started screaming,” said Taylor. “We thought we were going to los
Gov. Abbott Vetoes THC Ban; Cedar Park Hemp Shops Relieved
A last-minute veto from Governor Greg Abbott has spared Texas’ growing hemp industry from a sweeping ban on THC products, prompting celebration from businesses across the state including in Cedar Park. At J Heart CBD, store manager Lizzie Taylor said the team was in disbelief on Sunday night as the news broke. “My coworker and I started screaming,” said Taylor. “We thought we were going to los









