After Paxton’s lawyers sought to dismiss articles of impeachment as unsubstantiated, House managers responded by accusing the suspended attorney general of going to great lengths to cover up his relationship to the real estate investor.
Patrick Svitek
Patrick Svitek was the primary political correspondent for The Texas Tribune. Patrick covered elections, state leaders, the Legislature and political trends across the state from 2015 until 2024. He previously worked for the Houston Chronicle's Austin bureau. Patrick graduated in 2014 from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. He is originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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Politics
Bodycam video shows confrontation between U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson and law enforcement
The footage shows Jackson being tackled to the ground and placed in handcuffs, with the Amarillo Republican directing a profanity-laced tirade toward a trooper. His office has said Jackson, a physician, was trying to help with a medical emergency.
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Politics
State Rep. Matt Schaefer will not seek reelection
The deeply conservative leader said he is looking forward to spending time with his family, church and business — but added that a return to politics is possible if a Texas Senate seat opens up.
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Politics
Ousted Rep. Bryan Slaton’s tarnished legacy looms over special election to replace him
Candidates are promising to restore integrity to the district, including one Republican who has welcomed endorsements from some of Slaton’s leading supporters.
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Texas Legislature 2023
After property-tax deal, Speaker Dade Phelan weighs in on leadership relations, next special session, reelection
Rapport among the state’s top three Republicans has greatly improved, the House leader said, but another relationship-testing special session awaits on contentious education issues.
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Politics
Democrats Colin Allred, Roland Gutierrez draw distinctions on key issues as they target Sen. Ted Cruz in 2024
Heading into the primary, the U.S. House member and state senator answer questions on guns, the border, abortion and other parts of their platforms.
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Ken Paxton Impeachment
Ken Paxton, lawyers test limits of gag order restricting comments on impeachment trial
Supporters of the suspended attorney general find ways to make known their displeasure about the case — and evidence — ahead of the September trial before the Texas Senate.
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Criminal Justice
Ken Paxton moves one step closer to trial on long-delayed securities fraud charges
The impeached attorney general appeared in a Houston courtroom, where lawyers from both sides agreed to return in October to set an expected trial date on charges that have been pending since 2015.
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Politics
Henry Cuellar, a previous Democratic primary target, touts 2024 support from national party leaders
The moderate Democrat from Laredo announced endorsements from top Democrats in the U.S. House, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
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Politics
U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson “briefly detained” by officers at rodeo near Amarillo
The Amarillo Republican, a doctor, was trying to help somebody experiencing a medical emergency in a chaotic situation, his office said. The sheriff is reviewing the incident.