2012 elections

What to Watch for When Primary Results Come

By Ross Ramsey May 28, 2012

The long-delayed Texas primaries finally arrive Tuesday, and the results should offer a peek into the current political climate and a forecast of the state's politics over the next two years. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Texas Primary Preview

By Justin Dehn May 27, 2012

Jim Henson, c0-director of the University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll, talks about the main points and what they mean going into next week's primary elections. Full Story
Updated: Dewhurst's "Amnesty" Attack on Cruz Stirs Controversy

By Aman Batheja May 26, 2012

A new radio ad from Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst brought race and illegal immigration to the forefront of the U.S. Senate race Friday, the last day of early voting before Tuesday's primary. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich / Marjorie Kamys Cotera
In West Texas, Tuesday May Just Be First Round

By Ross Ramsey May 25, 2012

In the Panhandle and South Plains, the political races are marked by redistricting, rematches, retirements — and resentment toward Washington, D.C. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Republicans Battling for Three Open House Seats in DFW

By Thanh Tan May 25, 2012

The Republican candidates vying to fill three open seats in the Dallas area include Tea Partiers, moderates and a former state representative. In the crowded North Texas field, it's likely all of the races could end in runoffs. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Eight Months of the U.S. Senate Race

By Jim Henson May 25, 2012

Before Tuesday's election, here's a look at the last eight months of polling in the Republican race for U.S. Senate. Full Story

Credit: Graphic by Todd Wiseman / Jim Henson / Ross Ramsey
Patrick Faces Nurse Practitioner in HD-94 GOP Primary

By Anna Whitney May 25, 2012

In Arlington's HD-94, incumbent state Rep. Diane Patrick is being challenged by nurse practitioner Trina Lanza. The candidates — like many this primary season — are fighting over who is the true conservative in the race. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Ding Ding: Round 4 in Miles-Edwards Showdown

By Jay Root May 25, 2012

Voters in HD-146 could be forgiven for having a sense of déjà vu. They truly have been here before. Two years ago. Four years ago. Six years ago. Their ballots always seem to carry the same two names: Borris Miles vs. Al Edwards. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
What If the Dew Don't?

By Ross Ramsey May 25, 2012

A lot of people are rooting for David Dewhurst in the race for U.S. Senate — some because it would create a top political job opening in Texas. What if he loses? It would spoil a lot of ambitions. Full Story

Credit: Michael Stravato
In Wealthy D-FW District, Truitt Fights Old Rival

By Aman Batheja May 25, 2012

State Rep. Vicki Truitt, R-Southlake, is in a tight race against Giovanni Capriglione, a public equity manager running against her for the second time. Throughout the race, she has played up her image as a tough fighter. Full Story
Campaign Chatter

By Ross Ramsey May 25, 2012

Cruz has a big week. Dewhurst has some big numbers. News from the campaigns around the state. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Patrick-Carona Feud

By Justin Dehn May 25, 2012

The Patrick-Carona feud, and a list of people facing very tough career reviews this month. Full Story
Like High School, With Money

By Ross Ramsey May 25, 2012

Does the John Carona-Dan Patrick spat help either senator's hopes of becoming the next lieutenant governor? Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Jeff Heimsath / Bob Daemmrich
Anderson Draws Two Challengers in HD-56 Race

By Ross Ramsey May 24, 2012

Waco's Doc Anderson has two challengers in a classic experience vs. new blood contest that all parties agree is getting only light voter interest. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Weekend Insider: Texas Middle East Education, UT/TT Poll

By Justin Dehn May 24, 2012

This week in The New York Times and at texastribune.org, we look at two Texas higher-education institutions finding success in the Middle East, and we discuss the results of the most recent UT/Texas Tribune poll. Full Story
Poll Finds Dewhurst Close to Avoiding Runoff

By Aman Batheja May 24, 2012

The latest Public Policy Polling survey of Texas Republican primary voters finds Dewhurst with 46 percent support, followed by former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz at 29 percent. Full Story

Credit: Bob Daemmrich
TribLive: Carona on Supporting Democrats

By Evan Smith May 24, 2012

At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, explained why it's okay for a "committed conservative" to host fundraisers for and give money to Democrats. Full Story
In Valley, Democrats Vie for 2 House Seats as GOP Incumbents Bow Out

By Julián Aguilar May 24, 2012

State Rep. Aaron Peña, R-Edinburg, and Rep. Jose Aliseda, R-Beeville, have decided not to seek re-election, leaving six Democrats to run in the May 29 primary for their seats. Full Story

Credit: Illustration by Todd Wiseman
Santorum Endorses Cruz, Cites "Wow Factor"

By Aman Batheja May 24, 2012

Former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum endorsed former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz for U.S. Senate on Thursday morning. The former presidential candidate said Cruz will do more than "vote the right way." Full Story

Credit: Gage Skidmore
TribLive: Carona on Patrick

By Evan Smith May 24, 2012

At this morning's TribLive conversation, state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, defended — and expanded on — his now-infamous comments about state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston. Full Story