Texas Elections 2018

The Dallas County Republican Party has sued to get over 120 Democratic candidates off the ballot in one of the state's biggest Democratic strongholds. Full Story 

You think politicians don’t listen? One might argue that they listen too closely. “I’ll consider every alternative,” sounds reasonable, except in politics. In politics, some things are simply not to be talked about. Full Story 

The political arm of the Texas AFL-CIO decided not to endorse U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, D-El Paso, in his campaign to unseat U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. The group offered no endorsement in the race. Full Story 

The Republican primary to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, has drawn 18 candidates — a staggering number that has created an early urgency to stand out in the crowded field. Full Story 

State Rep. Dan Huberty's only primary challenger was on Friday declared ineligible to run to represent House District 127. Reginald C. Grant's name will remain on the ballot. Full Story 

Guns, taxes, capital punishment, sanctuary cities and minimum wages play well with some audiences. What Lupe Valdez is talking about on her way to the Texas Democratic primaries could be risky if she makes it to the general election. Full Story 

Watch a replay of our conversation in Austin with Lupe Valdez, Democratic candidate for Texas governor. Full Story 

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller appears to be in the most financially competitive statewide primary, with his challenger, former lobbyist Trey Blocker, reporting a higher cash-on-hand number ahead of the March 6 primary. Full Story 

Anguish over property taxes is at or near the top of the list of what politicians hear most often from Texans. This is not a complicated part of the civic compact: Voters are peeved. Politicians aim to please. Lowering taxes would make a politician popular with voters. Full Story 

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday unveiled a plan to limit annual local governments' property tax revenue growth to 2.5 percent. To increase revenue beyond that, governments would need approval from two-thirds of voters. Full Story 

In Texas’ largest city and its suburbs, Hurricane Harvey is a key issue for both incumbents and candidates, as they try to convince voters they can best represent a region that continues to reel from last year’s devastating hurricane. Full Story 

Candidates run to the things that help them, run away from the things that hurt them and leave the rest alone. Republicans are not running from President Donald Trump, an indication they don't think voters want them to. Full Story 

Democrat Lupe Valdez, campaigning for governor in San Antonio, defended her record as Dallas County Sheriff, said Gov. Greg Abbott's 2015 swipe at her on sanctuary cities hadn't changed a thing and said a Democratic rival needs to "make up his mind" on where he stands on abortion rights. Full Story 

Gov. Greg Abbott accused state Rep. Sarah Davis of nearly thwarting the state's response to Hurricane Harvey at a private fundraiser Thursday evening for Davis' primary challenger, according to people with direct knowledge of the event. Full Story 

A famous name can be a blessing in politics. If it's famous, that is, and if the voters connect the candidate to someone they hold in high regard. Full Story 

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew White on Thursday called for the abolishment of the death penalty. Full Story 

Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has $43.3 million on hand for his 2018 re-election campaign, giving him a likely massive advantage over his Democratic challengers. Full Story 

On this week's TribCast, Patrick talks to Alexa, Jay and Ross about a state House candidate's pipe bomb-making history, a Texas transportation commissioner's conflict of interest, the ongoing discussion about sexual harassment at the state Capitol and the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Full Story 

The most conservative Republicans have made a strong run for the "establishment" flag, and they’re trying to strengthen their position in this year’s elections. Full Story 

Gov. Greg Abbott is wading deeper into the state House Republican primaries, endorsing a challenger to state Rep. Wayne Faircloth, R-Galveston. Full Story