The Fort Worth Democrat had filed to challenge GOP incumbent Tim O’Hare just before last week’s deadline to get on the 2026 ballot. His withdrawal gives Commissioner Alisa Simmons a clear path to the Democratic nomination.
Gabby Birenbaum
Gabby Birenbaum is the Washington Correspondent for the Texas Tribune. She covers the Texas congressional delegation and the impact of federal policy on Texas. Gabby previously covered Washington for The Nevada Independent, where she wrote the weekly D.C. Download newsletter and covered the 2024 presidential election and competitive Senate race. Prior to The Nevada Independent, Gabby worked at The Washington Monthly and Vox. Gabby graduated from Northwestern University, where she studied journalism and political science. She is a native of Arlington, Virginia and is based in Washington, DC. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis, watching movies and being a long-suffering fan of DC sports teams. Her work is supported by a partnership with Report for America.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
In North Texas, game of musical chairs culminates in primary between Democrats Colin Allred and Julie Johnson
The primary between predecessor and successor arose from a combination of redistricting and the entry of Rep. Jasmine Crockett into the U.S. Senate race, which prompted Allred to drop out.
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Congress
After Trump pardon, Rep. Henry Cuellar restored to homeland security funding post
After his corruption indictment last year, the Laredo Democrat forfeited his role as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee that oversees more than $65 billion in annual spending.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Is Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign an asset or a liability for Democrats? It depends on who you ask.
Some Democrats dismissed the Dallas congresswoman as too polarizing to capture the swing voters needed to win. Others said her turnout-over-persuasion approach is the recipe to break through.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey files for Tarrant County judge, forgoing eighth term in Congress
The Fort Worth congressman’s district was upended under the new GOP-friendly map approved this summer. He was expected to run for the district being vacated by Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Rep. Jasmine Crockett enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
Crockett, a second-term congresswoman, has skyrocketed to fame through viral spats with Republicans, becoming one of her party’s most prolific fundraisers.
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2026 Texas Elections
Democrat Colin Allred drops out of Senate race, announces run for 33rd Congressional District
The former Dallas congressman said he wanted to help his party avoid a runoff. In his campaign to return to the House, he will face U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson, his successor in Congress.
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2026 Texas Elections
Donald Trump pardons Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Cuellar had faced a dozen charges of bribery, money laundering and conspiracy. On Wednesday, he filed for reelection as a Democrat, quieting speculation that he migh switch parties.
Posted in
Redistricting Texas 2025
Supreme Court’s map ruling sends Texas Democrats toward potential primaries, retirement or higher office bids
Houston Democrats are barreling toward a primary while North Texas Democrats await Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate decision.
Posted in
2026 Texas Elections
Jasmine Crockett, leaning toward Senate bid, schedules campaign event Monday
The Dallas congresswoman said she discussed polling with Colin Allred and James Talarico.