Cruz Stays Above Fray in Combative First Debate
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz largely avoided the political combat that characterized the GOP's first prime-time presidential debate late Thursday in Cleveland. 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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![Texas Senator and GOP presidential hopeful Ted Cruz at the GOP debate in Cleveland, Ohio on August 6, 2015.]()
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In First Debate, Perry Redoubles Assaults on Trump
Former Gov. Rick Perry, hungry for redemption but relegated to an undercard event, used his first appearance on the Republican debate stage to play up his differences with GOP presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry at the first GOP presidential debate in Cleveland, Ohio on Aug. 6, 2015.]()
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Cruz and Perry: 5 Things to Watch for in the First Debates
After months of fine-tuning their pitches, the two White House hopefuls from Texas will have their highest-profile opportunities Thursday to show why they deserve the presidency. Full Story
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Perry Doesn't Make Cut for Presidential Debate
Former Gov. Rick Perry has failed to qualify for the first Republican presidential debate. Perry was not among those selected Tuesday by Fox News to share the stage Thursday night in Cleveland. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry on Wednesday delivered a speech on Wall Street reform in New York. The Republican presidential candidate vowed that if elected, the United States "will not bail out a single bank on Wall Street."]()
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Pro-Cruz Super PAC Ramps Up With 7-Figure Media Blitz
A super PAC backing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz for president is starting to spend the millions of dollars it has raked in. Full Story
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![U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at Citizens United Freedom Summit in South Carolina on May 9, 2015.]()
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Texas Grand Jury Selection to Become More Random
Texas is on the verge of overhauling the way it selects grand jurors, shifting away from an antiquated process that critics say creates the potential for conflicts of interest. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story
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Cruz, Perry Warm Up in New Hampshire Forum
The two White House hopefuls from Texas participated Monday night in the last major GOP forum before part of the 2016 field meets for its first official debate. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry and U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz]()
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Paxton Surrenders in Securities Fraud Indictment
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton appeared for booking in Collin County prior to the public release of a securities fraud indictment against him. Full Story
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Crownover Will Not Seek Re-Election to House
State Rep. Myra Crownover, R-Denton, announced Monday she will not seek re-election in 2016. Full Story
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Paxton No Stranger to Controversial Deals
Even before Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton admitted he violated civil securities laws — or faced a subsequent criminal investigation — his private business dealings had been under fire from watchdogs and political opponents. Full Story
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![Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to media in June 2015.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera
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