After 2021’s winter storm electric blackouts, Texas lawmakers worked to shore up the state’s electric grid. But they’re not finished, despite what you might hear from campaigning politicians.
2022 elections
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Texas 2022 Elections
At least 18,000 Texas mail-in votes were rejected in the first election under new GOP voting rules
In just 16 of the state’s largest counties, more than 18,000 mail-in ballots were rejected, most for failing to meet the new law’s ID requirements. A full statewide tally isn’t yet available.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Democrat Lee Merritt suspends campaign for attorney general nine days after election day, clearing path for runoff
Merritt endorsed the top vote-getter, Rochelle Garza, who will face Joe Jaworski in the Democratic runoff for attorney general on May 24.
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Transgender Texans
Fighting care for transgender kids shifts from a fringe issue to a litmus test for Texas Republicans
The issue is no longer contained to just the party’s fringes — and it is unlikely to go away any time soon as the national fervor grows, Gov. Greg Abbott’s directive faces legal challenges and it factors prominently into a slew of GOP primary runoffs.
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Unconventional Wisdom
Analysis: If it was easier to vote in Texas, would turnout still be this low?
Texas has loaded its election and voting laws with obstacles — and also has remarkably low voter turnout. Maybe those two things are connected.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Harris County election chief resigns as political parties demand answers over fumbled vote count
Republicans are suing and Democrats want a full review after Harris County missed deadlines to have its votes tallied and failed to count 10,000 ballots in its initial returns.
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Unconventional Wisdom
Analysis: The Fred Rogers test, for Texas public officials
Texas voters can get some guidance for sorting through the political noise of campaigns from an unlikely source — a comforting tale for children.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Uncounted mail-in ballots discovered in Harris County add uncertainty to two Democratic races
The 6,000 Democratic primary votes could be enough to impact the results in the races for attorney general and one state House seat.
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Texas 2022 Elections
Analysis: Texas’ GOP runoffs hinge on a name that’s not on the ballot
Ken Paxton and George P. Bush are in a May runoff for attorney general — the top race on that GOP ballot. But a name that’s not on the ballot might be the biggest name in that race.
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Texas 2022 Elections
U.S. Rep. Van Taylor ends reelection campaign after he admits to affair
Taylor made the stunning announcement hours after he finished his five-way primary with 49% of the vote. Former Collin County Judge Keith Self, who finished second, is now likely to become the next congressman for the 3rd District.