Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick doubles down on school choice fight
Days after a House hearing in which lawmakers gave the issue skeptical treatment, Patrick made clear private school choice topped his list of legislative priorities. Full Story
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Patrick Svitek
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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.
Past Contributions
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick offers a preview of the 85th legislative session at a Dallas Chamber of Commerce event at the Belo Mansion on Oct. 20, 2016.]()
Credit: Laura Buckman -
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expects "peaceful transition" in November
Donald Trump's top supporter in Texas said Thursday he expects a "peaceful transition" of power in November as the Republican presidential nominee continued to decline to say he would accept the outcome of the election. Full Story
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![Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gives a preview of the 85th legislative session at a Dallas Chamber of Commerce event on Oct. 20, 2016.]()
Credit: Laura Buckman -
Trump's "rigged" vote claims resonate with some in Texas GOP
Even though they've won pretty much every statewide office for years, some Texas Republicans routinely complain about voter fraud, and Gov. Greg Abbott has called it "rampant." Full Story
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![Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during the first debate with Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on Sept, 26, 2016.]()
Credit: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson -
Clinton campaign buys Texas TV ad time in rare move for Democrats
Hillary Clinton's campaign is going on the air in solid-red Texas, a remarkable move by a Democratic presidential nominee as her Republican rival, Donald Trump, struggles across the country. Full Story
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![Hillary Clinton greets supporters at Texas Southern University in Houston Saturday, February 20, 2016, after winning the Nevada caucus.]()
Credit: MIchael Stravato -
Hurd raises almost twice as much as Gallego in latest report
The incumbent entered the final stretch of the campaign with a large cash advantage in the hotly contested swing congressional district. Full Story
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![Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest.]()
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Amid turnout concerns, Cruz steps up travel for Texas Republicans
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is set to appear at a trio of events next week in support of his goal of making sure conservatives don't sit out the November elections. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is interviewed by Texas Tribune CEO Evan Smith at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 24, 2016.]()
Credit: Erich Schlegel for The Texas Tribune -
Trump's campaign spiral jolts Hurd-Gallego rematch
Most Texas Republican leaders have largely stood by Donald Trump, but one has fully distanced himself — U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, locked in a heated rematch with Pete Gallego. Full Story
![Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest.]()
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Gallego pushes for more debates in CD-23 contest
Also, a Democratic super PAC supporting Pete Gallego will drop another $445K into efforts to help him win back the swing congressional district. Full Story
![Former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego (left) was ousted by Republican Will Hurd, right, in the 2014 CD-23 contest.]()
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Hegar forecasts "extremely modest growth" for Texas economy
Also, the state comptroller declines this week to say if he's voting for his party's nominee for president, Donald Trump, after saying he would last month. Full Story
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![Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is interviewed by Texas Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith on Jan. 21, 2016.]()
Credit: Shelby Knowles/ Texas Tribune -
Poll: Trump leads Clinton by only 4 in Texas
The WFAA/SurveyUSA poll found Donald Trump beating Hillary Clinton 47 percent to 43 percent, with a margin of error of 4 percent. Full Story
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![Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are facing off in the 2016 presidential election.]()
Credit: Michael Stravato / Shelby Tauber