Rep. Scott Turner Not Running for Re-election
State Rep. Scott Turner, the Frisco Republican who unsuccessfully ran for speaker this year, has decided not to seek re-election. 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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![State Rep. Scott Turner, R-Frisco, gives a personal speech on the House floor in Austin in January 2015 after losing the speaker's race to Joe Straus, R-San Antonio.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich for The Texas Tribune -
Hitting "Washington Cartel," Cruz Conjures New Foil
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz is opening a new front in his war of words against Washington, D.C., decrying a "Washington cartel" replete with corruption and cronyism. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz at the First in the Nation Republican Leadership Summit in Nashua, N.H., on April 18, 2015.]()
Credit: Michael Vadon -
In First Session, Abbott Kept Drama at Bay
Gov. Greg Abbott, who took office in January as an enigma to even Capitol veterans, has ended his first session with a reputation as a thoughtful behind-the-scenes player with a less aggressive approach than his predecessor had. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott at a Tax Day press conference on April 15, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Perry: Removing Confederate Flag an "Act of Healing"
Former Gov. Rick Perry expressed support Monday for taking down the Confederate flag in South Carolina that has become a lightning rod of controversy since a deadly shooting at a church there. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry speaks to an audience of veterans and supporters at a fundraiser for the Puppy Jake Foundation in Iowa, on June 6, 2015.]()
Credit: Rebecca MIller -
Texas Politicians Part Ways With Money From White Supremacist Leader
A number of elected officials from Texas are parting ways with campaign donations from the white supremacist leader of a group tied to the recent massacre at a church in South Carolina. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz at a Texas Tribune Festival keynote interview with Dan Balz of the Washington Post on Sept. 20, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Abbott Wields Veto Pen in Final Days of Decision Period
Gov. Greg Abbott has issued 42 vetoes in the aftermath of the 84th legislative session. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott delivering his State of the State speech on Feb. 17, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Perry's "Accident" Incident
Former Gov. Rick Perry, who is seen as having a thin margin for error in his second bid for the White House, apparently misspoke Friday, calling a shooting massacre in South Carolina an "accident." Full Story
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![Gov. Rick Perry at his presidential campaign kickoff on June 4, 2015.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Field Takes Shape to Replace Fraser in SD-24
Potential and declared candidates are lining up to replace Troy Fraser in Senate District 24. Full Story
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![Sen. Troy Fraser R-Horseshoe Bay on floor April 23]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Abbott Signs Bill Decriminalizing Truancy
Students who skip school will no longer be sent to criminal court, facing fines and possible jail time, under legislation signed by Gov. Greg Abbott late Thursday. Truancy will be a civil offense. Full Story
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Credit: Illustration by KLRU-TV -
Abbott Signs Grand Jury Reform Legislation
Gov. Greg Abbott is officially getting rid of the state's controversial "pick-a-pal" system, signing legislation reforming the selection of people who serve on grand juries in Texas. Full Story
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