The latest Texas Senate news from The Texas Tribune.
The lieutenant governor used to be the most powerful official in state government, but with a record-setting term in the governor's office, Rick Perry moved that post into the top spot. With new people in the top jobs, will the power shift back? Full Story
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At our 12/11 conversation, incoming Texas Senators Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and Van Taylor, R-Plano, talked about the need for and possible sources of greater transportation funding. Full Story
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At our 12/11 conversation, incoming Texas Senators Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and Van Taylor, R-Plano, talked about the likely fate of the chamber's two-thirds rule. Full Story
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Full video of my 12/11 conversation with three incoming members of the Texas Senate: Konni Burton, R-Colleyville, Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, and Van Taylor, R-Plano. Full Story
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The list of who's in and who's out in the Texas Legislature and in the state's congressional delegation is not quite complete, but it's getting there. Here's the current list. Full Story
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State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, won a five-way race on Saturday to replace Comptroller-elect Glenn Hegar in the Texas Senate. Full Story
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Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on what 2014 means for 2015 and beyond. Panelists included Christy Hoppe of The Dallas Morning News; Harvey Kronberg of Quorum Report; Erica Grieder of Texas Monthly; and Ross Ramsey of The Texas Tribune. Full Story
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Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on the budget debate. Panelists included state Sens. Judith Zaffirini and Kel Seliger and state Reps. Drew Darby and Donna Howard. Full Story
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Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on what the Tea Party is seeking. Panelists included state Sens.-elect Paul Bettencourt and Konni Burton, state Rep. Jeff Leach, state Rep.-elect Matt Rinaldi and state Rep. Jonathan Stickland. Full Story
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Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on what's in store for big issues on the agenda. Panelists included state Reps. John Zerwas, Joe Pickett and Jimmie Don Aycock and state Sen. Kirk Watson. Full Story
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Here's video of our 84th Legislature preview session on the relationship between the House and the Senate. Panelists included state Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer, state Sen. Royce West, state Rep. Charlie Geren and state Sen. Larry Taylor. Full Story
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After fending off accusations of liberalism from opponent Gary Gates throughout their special election race, Rep. Lois Kolkhorst got to respond to her main challenger face-to-face Tuesday night. Full Story
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Betty King, the beloved former secretary of the Texas Senate, died Monday after a long illness, according to her family. She was 89. Full Story
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Less than a month after Election Day, some Texans are already headed back to the polls to fill the state Senate seat given up by Glenn Hegar after he was elected Comptroller of Public Accounts. Full Story
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As the numbers mount in favor of House Speaker Joe Straus' reelection, the establishment wing of the Republican Party in Texas appears to be prevailing over activists who insist the state is more conservative than its Legislature. Full Story
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State Sen. Glenn Hegar sent a letter to Gov. Rick Perry Friday resigning his Senate seat as of Dec. 5. The Katy Republican will be sworn in as comptroller in January. A Dec. 6 special election for his seat was announced later Friday. Full Story
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Two months ahead of the first day of the 84th legislative session, eager lawmakers on Monday filed bills addressing issues including guns, texting while driving, health, transportation and much more. Full Story
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After the winners of Tuesday’s elections are sworn in, there will be only seven white Democrats left in the Texas Legislature. Full Story
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Texas voters reasserted themselves in the face of ballyhooed Democratic voter turnout efforts: This remains — emphatically — a Republican state. Full Story
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Republican state Sen. Dan Patrick cruised to a landslide victory Tuesday night in the race for lieutenant governor, easily defeating Democratic opponent, Leticia Van de Putte. For more election results, see our Election Scoreboard. Full Story
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