All articles tagged with #texas politics
Jasmine Crockett’s FIRE PAC-backed Colin Allred won the Texas 32nd District Democratic primary over Talarico-backed Julie Johnson, reviving their high-profile Senate primary rivalry and signaling Crockett’s influence in a broader Texas Democratic strategy as Black voters loom large for future statewide contests.
Colin Allred wins the Democratic primary for Texas’ 33rd District to reclaim his former seat in the U.S. House after briefly pursuing Senate runs; he defeats incumbent Rep. Julie Johnson, who had replaced him in Washington.
Texas Democratic congressional hopeful Maureen Galindo faced wide condemnation after social media posts in which she vowed to turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a “prison for American Zionists” and stated anti‑Zionist positions, prompting antisemitism accusations from both parties. Galindo denies antisemitism, saying she opposes “Zionist Jews.” The controversy has drawn scrutiny over potential conservative funding via Lead Left PAC and elicited reactions from Democratic leaders and GOP rivals as the TX‑35 primary proceeds.
Barack Obama surprised diners at an Austin Taco Joint with Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico and gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, mingling with patrons, discussing issues from data centers to voting, and posing for photos before leaving; he paid in cash and did not publicly endorse the candidates, but the appearance signals national support for Texas Democrats in a high-stakes race, with Obama even signing a children’s book for Talarico’s niece Jane.
Texas Republicans are divided over rapid AI data-center growth led by OpenAI’s Stargate, with Abbott and Trump backing Texas as a data-center hub while rural voters worry about water use and grid strain; lawmakers debate county-level regulation versus statewide guidelines as industry lobbying and political donations surge ahead of the next session and midterm elections.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a state-court lawsuit against ActBlue, alleging the Democratic donor platform accepts donations from foreign nationals and donors who have reached the legal contribution limit, including via gift cards and prepaid cards, and seeks to halt such contributions with up to $10,000 in civil penalties per violation under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. ActBlue denies wrongdoing and calls the claims politically motivated, as Paxton’s investigations into the platform continue amid broader debates over campaign fundraising.
Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales said he would retire from Congress amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into a relationship with a former senior aide, a move that comes as Rep. Eric Swalwell resigns and as lawmakers weigh potential expulsions in a high-stakes ethics saga.
Black Democratic strategists and lawmakers critique Jasmine Crockett's string of campaign missteps in the Texas Senate primary, arguing a weak ground game and overreliance on social media over traditional TV advertising cost her the race, despite endorsements and name recognition. The loss raises concerns inside the party about electoral appeal for Black women and how identity politics intersect with strategy in statewide contests.
A Texas billionaire donor, Robert Marling, funded about two-thirds of a pro-Toth super PAC’s anti-Crenshaw campaign with roughly $675,000, helping Steve Toth defeat Rep. Dan Crenshaw 55% to 40% in the Republican primary. The feud between Crenshaw and Marling—centered on district dynamics and ideological differences—was amplified by mailers and TV ads paid for by Marling, with Trump not endorsing Crenshaw and Cruz involved on the opposing side. The loss illustrates how a single affluent donor can seize a GOP primary in a single district.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick easily won their Republican primaries, keeping their bids for reelection alive; Democrat Gina Hinojosa captured the nomination to challenge Abbott, while Austin's Vikki Goodwin led the Democratic field for lieutenant governor. Abbott framed the race around conservative governance and tax restraint, with Patrick touting his leadership in the Texas Senate and alignment with Trump. Democrats hope the high-profile U.S. Senate contest could bolster turnout down the ticket.
Embattled Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales was forced into a May runoff after backlash over reports of an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide; he will face 2A influencer Brandon Herrera in a contest that echoes his narrow 2024 victory and could hinge on Hispanic voters and GOP loyalty.
State Rep. James Talarico held a narrow lead over U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for Texas’s U.S. Senate as early returns rolled in, a high-stakes race watched as a potential barometer for the state party. Turnout was strong, with notable early voting, while Dallas County faced polling confusion after a rule-change dispute and court orders on counting certain ballots. Outside spending heavily supported both camps, underscoring national interest in whether Texas could flip the seat.
State Rep. Steve Toth declared victory in the Republican primary to challenge U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw in Texas’s 2nd Congressional District, opening a wide early lead as Crenshaw’s fundraising edge did not prevent a surge for Toth and signaling a contest over the GOP’s ideological direction with endorsements from Cruz and Turning Point Action.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris recorded a robocall urging Texas voters to back U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, providing a high-profile boost on the eve of early voting as Crockett contends with state Rep. James Talarico for the seat currently held by Sen. John Cornyn.
Texas Tribune reporting shows U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales pressed his district director for an explicit photo, which she refused; her husband later alleged an affair and provided texts to the Tribune. A police report indicates Santos-Aviles told officers she set herself on fire after learning her husband was involved with her best friend. Gonzales denies the affair and has faced calls to resign as he competes in a primary, with opponents accusing him of exploiting the tragedy for political points.