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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.
Hegar is best known for her heroism on the battlefield when she co-piloted a helicopter that was shot down by the Taliban. But her experience also includes other challenges she faced as a woman serving her country. Full Story
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Candidates across the state are being accused of "district shopping" as opponents question their ties to the places they want to represent. The dynamic is playing out mostly in GOP primaries and particularly in more rural districts. Full Story
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The governor is hitting the campaign trail for at least 10 House incumbents and candidates whom he has endorsed. Full Story
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A couple of The Texas Tribune's political nerds highlight (their latest version of) the most interesting races up and down the 2020 primary ballot. Full Story
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The president gave his backing to three candidates who have been leading their primary races but are trying to avoid runoffs in crowded fields. Full Story
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The retiring Bryan Republican is backing Waco business owner Renee Swann in the 11-way primary. Full Story
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The Republican-leaning business group went on TV on Tuesday in the nationally watched primary, which has drawn over $2 million in outside spending. Full Story
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A pro-Hegar group, VoteVets, is launching a $3.3 million TV ad buy backing her as she tries to make it to an all-but-guaranteed runoff. Full Story
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The filings were due Friday and shed new light on Texas' massive U.S. House battlefield, which includes seven Democrat-targeted seats, six open seats, two Republican-targeted seats and a couple of serious primary challenges. Full Story
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Some of the 12 candidates have clearer advantages than others, but it is an open question who will make a widely expected runoff. Full Story
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