The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
Ted Cruz once suggested he could clinch the Republican presidential nomination by the end of March. Now he's gearing up for a long slog that could end on the convention floor in Cleveland in July. Full Story
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After a new round of states voted Tuesday, Texas still had the second lowest voting-age participation rate of all that have held both Democratic and Republican primaries so far, behind only Louisiana. Full Story
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D.C. Circuit Chief Judge Merrick Garland has a history with cases involving the Environmental Protection Agency, which Texas has sued 24 times since Obama took office. Full Story
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For decades, the petroleum industry has largely fueled Texas' influence in national Republican politics. But operatives are seeing early signs that the current oil bust has depressed the sector’s political giving. Full Story
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One of Ted Cruz's remaining obstacles to a two-man race with Donald Trump for the GOP presidential nomination faded away Tuesday as Marco Rubio ended his presidential campaign after losing his home state. Full Story
Two state representatives are set to face off for an open position in the Texas senate after the third place candidate said Monday he will not request a recount. Full Story
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It's true that Texas has cases of voter fraud, but it's more a trickle than a flood. Gov. Greg Abbott says that voter fraud is "rampant," but the numbers don't seem to bear that out. Full Story
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Long after dark here Monday night, the U.S. senator from Texas was pitching Illinois Republicans just hours before polls open in what could be the most consequential day yet of the Republican race for the White House. Full Story
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"The fact is that voter fraud is rampant," Abbott said in response to President Barack Obama's suggestion last week that Texas leaders are uninterested in improving voter turnout. Full Story
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Launching a daylong barnstorm of Illinois, U.S. Sen. Cruz equated Republican presidential opponent Donald Trump with the state's history of elected officials who have been accused of using their power for political gain. Full Story
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Perhaps it’s not in the best interests of the people now in office in Texas — whatever their party labels — to change the electoral setup that put them in office. Full Story
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Every month, busloads of deported undocumented immigrants arrive at the southern border, returning to Mexico after serving prison time in the United States. Meanwhile, other migrants prepare to attempt illegal border crossings. This story is part of our "Bordering on Insecurity" series. Full Story
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Ted Cruz is continuing to pick up delegates in the lead-up to the high-stakes nominating contests Tuesday that could knock two of his Republican rivals out of the race for the White House. Full Story
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Weighing in on the controversial candidacy of Donald Trump, President Obama ridiculed the so-called "Republican establishment" for being "shocked" by the billionaire's rise to presidential frontrunner. Full Story
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Texas’ Republican leadership has stifled voter turnout, and the public sector should do more to encourage online voting and other civic engagement, President Barack Obama said in an interview Friday with Tribune CEO and Editor-in-Chief Evan Smith. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz ratcheted up his criticisms Friday of Donald Trump during an event at an evangelical church in Orlando, painting the real estate mogul as an active participant in what Cruz has long labeled the "D.C. cartel." Full Story
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Wayne Christian, a candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, frequently touts his energy expertise. But he did not know one of the agency’s key duties — regulating natural gas utilities — until a reporter told him. Full Story
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While the political world focuses on Ohio and Florida, Ted Cruz is hoping to take advantage of a relatively open field in three other states that vote Tuesday: Illinois, Missouri and North Carolina. Full Story
In South Texas, a candidate named Dolly Elizondo had a chance to make history as the first Latina from Texas to serve in Congress. Those involved say she struggled to translate national interest into sufficient local support. Full Story
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Elections always raise obvious questions, like "Who'll be the next president?" and less obvious ones, like "Who would replace a U.S. senator from Texas if he won the presidential election?" Full Story
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