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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.
Launching his presidential bid, former Gov. Rick Perry warned of the perils of electing young, grandstanding U.S. senators to the nation's highest office. The dart was aimed at more than one target, and looks to be a centerpiece of the Perry campaign. Full Story
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On Thursday, former Gov. Rick Perry announced he was entering the 2016 campaign for president, the second time he has run for the White House. The Texas Tribune is compiling Perry’s public events — past and future — since his official launch. Full Story
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A super PAC supporting Rick Perry's presidential campaign is wasting no time going on the air in early-voting Iowa, launching the first major ad buy of its kind for the primary season. Full Story
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A mix of veteran hands and relative newcomers are set to help former Gov. Rick Perry as he launches his second bid for the White House. Full Story
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He's been teeing up the ball since leaving the governor's office, and on Thursday Rick Perry is set to take the first official swing in his 2016 presidential bid. He will enter the race with decided disadvantages and little room for mistakes. Full Story
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In a Houston speech Thursday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is expected to call for expanded early voting across the country, and criticize states like Texas that have passed restrictive election laws. Full Story
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Former Gov. Rick Perry will formally step into the presidential race still under indictment for two felonies. The case, which once made Perry a cause célèbre in some circles, has become more of a headache as he seeks money and votes in a crowded GOP field. Full Story
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Texas House Speaker Joe Straus has filed the paperwork to officially seek another term presiding over the lower chamber. If he wins, it will be his fifth. Full Story
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State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, has not yet said whether he is running for re-election in 2016, but that has not stopped a number of potential candidates from eying his seat, awaiting his final decision. Full Story
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State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, announced Tuesday he is not running for re-election, bringing to a close a 27-year tenure at the Capitol. Full Story
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