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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.
With early voting getting underway for the November elections — and President Donald Trump coming to the state Monday — Texas Republicans are hoping to counteract Democrats' long-building enthusiasm advantage. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, pushed Saturday for accountability for the Saudi role in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with Cruz also using the incident to paint a contrast with O'Rourke. Full Story
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Gov. Greg Abbott, the heavy favorite in his re-election race, is spending the early voting period traveling the state to help down-ballot Republicans. Full Story
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Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, said Thursday evening he was not "totally comfortable" with having used the nickname "Lyin' Ted" against Republican incumbent Ted Cruz in their recent debate. Full Story
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President Donald Trump's rally Monday in Houston has been moved from the NRG Arena to a bigger venue, the Toyota Center. Full Story
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In one ad, O'Rourke accuses Cruz of "selling paranoia and fear instead of solutions." Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and his Democratic rival, U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso, faced off for their second — and maybe final — debate Tuesday night in San Antonio. Full Story
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President Donald Trump is headed to Texas on Oct. 22 to hold a rally at NRG Arena in Houston. Trump had promised to visit the state before Election Day to campaign with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in his re-election bid. Full Story
The fundraising total is a record in U.S. Senate races. Full Story
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The Democrats running against Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and Attorney General Ken Paxton outraised the incumbents in the most recent fundraising period. Full Story
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