Aman Batheja

Aman Batheja was a political reporter and editor for the Tribune from 2012 to 2019. Previously he worked for eight years at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, most of that time covering state and local politics. A native of Cedarhurst, New York, he has an undergraduate degree in journalism and psychology from New York University and a master's in economics from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Past Contributions

Lawmaker Defends Prada Marfa Against Permit Questions

By Aman Batheja Oct. 1, 2013

The famed art installation made to look like a Prada store is drawing scrutiny from the Texas Department of Transportation over whether it constitutes an illegal advertisement. Full Story

Credit: Brandon Burns
Abbott Announces Settlement Over American Airlines Merger

By Aman Batheja and Jay Root Oct. 1, 2013

UPDATED: Under a settlement announced Tuesday, American Airlines has agreed to ensure that after its merger with US Airways, the airline will maintain daily service to 22 Texas airports for at least three years. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / Marjorie Kamys Cotera / Phil Roeder
Medina, Running for Comptroller, Open to Bid for Governor

By Aman Batheja Sept. 27, 2013

Former gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina, running as a Republican this year for comptroller, said wealthy donors are encouraging her to run instead for governor — as an independent. Full Story

Credit: Michael Stravato
A Conservative Maverick Tries to Stay in the Picture

By Aman Batheja Sept. 20, 2013

If Debra Medina doesn't run for comptroller in 2014, it will be because of a lack of money, not will. The former gubernatorial candidate said grass-roots supporters can't contribute enough funds to wage a serious statewide bid. Full Story

Credit: Michael Stravato
TxDOT Banking On "Don't Mess With Texas" to Provide More Cash

By Aman Batheja Sept. 19, 2013

The cash-strapped Texas Department of Transportation is hoping to partner with a vendor to launch a new line of merchandise that takes advantage of the company's intellectual property — most notably, "Don't Mess With Texas." Full Story

Credit: Jamie Golden
A Boom for Oil, but a Bust for Texas' Rural Roads

By Aman Batheja Sept. 13, 2013

As the Texas Department of Transportation blames a funding shortfall for its plans to convert some rural roads to gravel, South Texans argue they are being unfairly punished for the region’s drilling boom. Full Story

Credit: Eddie Seal
Austin-San Antonio Rail Effort Could Get Federal Funds

By Aman Batheja Sept. 6, 2013

The mayors of San Antonio and Austin are in talks with federal officials about federal funding to help develop a high-speed rail project between the two cities, local and federal officials have confirmed. Full Story
Amid Funding Shortfall, Three Counties Allowed to Raise Vehicle Fees

By Aman Batheja Sept. 4, 2013

While Texas lawmakers this year failed to find the billions of dollars needed to address a transportation funding shortfall, Bexar, El Paso and Webb counties managed to win special approval to raise their vehicle registration fees. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman / James Lee
Combs' Legacy Not a Presence in Comptroller's Race

By Aman Batheja Sept. 4, 2013

The Republicans running for comptroller aren't talking about the current officeholder at all: Susan Combs is off the ballot and out of the field of play, for now. Full Story

Credit: Todd Wiseman / Marjorie Kamys Cotera / Spencer Selvidge
TxDOT Officials Address Concerns on Cost-Cutting Plans

By Aman Batheja Aug. 29, 2013

During a meeting when local and state officials accused the agency of poor communication, Texas Department of Transportation officials confirmed plans Thursday to delay converting more asphalt roads to gravel. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich