In Houston, Castro Avoids Veep Chatter
U.S. Housing Secretary Julián Castro on Friday declined to wade into the growing speculation that he is on Hillary Clinton's shortlist for a running mate. 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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Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
End Near in Bruising San Antonio Mayoral Race
A photo finish is expected Saturday in the San Antonio mayoral runoff, which features interim Mayor Ivy Taylor and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte vying for the city's top job. Full Story
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![San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor (left) and former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte are set for a runoff for the city's top job.]()
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Bush Plans Texas Fundraising Swing After 2016 Announcement
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, on the verge of announcing a presidential campaign, has booked a trip to Texas later this month. Full Story
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![Jeb Bush]()
Credit: World Affairs Council of Philadelphia -
Press Secretary Leaving Abbott's Office
A top spokesperson for Gov. Greg Abbott is leaving for Washington, D.C. Amelia Chasse has served as Abbott's press secretary since he took office in January. Full Story
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![Governor candidate Greg Abbott holds a short press conference after voting in south Austin on Oct. 30, 2014.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Perry to Embark on Texas Fundraising Blitz
Four days, seven cities and nine events: Former Gov. Rick Perry sweeps through Texas next week on a fundraising tour fresh from officially announcing his second presidential bid. Full Story
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![Former Gov. Rick Perry announces his 2016 candidacy for president June 4, 2015, in Addison, Texas.]()
Credit: Bob Daemmrich -
Abbott Tries Wooing General Electric to Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott is making good on his promise to pick up where his predecessor left off, using Texas' new tax-relief package to pitch the state's business climate to Connecticut-based General Electric. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott signs several higher education related bills into law on June 4, 2015. He also praised state Sen. Judith Zaffirini, left, for her work in the most recent legislative session on education issues.]()
Credit: Marjorie Kamys Cotera -
Water Conservation, Contract Bidding Bills Fall Victim to Abbott's Veto
Gov. Greg Abbott has vetoed two more pieces of legislation in the wake of the 84th legislative session. Full Story
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![Gov. Greg Abbott discusses HB40 with the press prior to its ceremonial signing in the Governor's Reception Room on May 18, 2015. The bill gives the state exclusive control over regulation of oil and gas operations, and preempting local laws against fracking.]()
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Veteran Texas Strategist Joins Ohio Governor's 2016 Campaign-in-Waiting
John Weaver, a veteran Republican consultant from Texas, has joined the political team of Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Full Story
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![Ohio Gov. John Kasich]()
Credit: the Office of Ohio Governor John R. Kasich -
Ted Cruz Goes Hunting in the Valley of Democrats
Long used to enrapturing friendly crowds in the reddest parts of beet-red Texas, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz came to the Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday with a less familiar task: finding a receptive audience in one of the state's few remaining Democratic bastions. Full Story
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![U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, holds a news conference Tuesday in Edinburg after a briefing with law enforcement officials. The 2016 presidential candidate was visiting the Rio Grande Valley for a fundraiser.]()
Credit: Patrick Svitek -
With Texas Trip, Santorum Highlights Ties to a Familiar State
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, who launched a 2016 presidential campaign last month, got a chance to show off his deep ties to Texas with a recent trip to the state. Full Story
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![Former Sen. Rick Santorum speaks at the Iowa Freedom Summit at the Hoyt Sherman Place theater in Des Moines, Iowa, on Jan. 24, 2015.]()
Credit: Rebecca F. Miller