The latest politics news from The Texas Tribune.
In its final weeks, former Gov. Rick Perry's presidential campaign spent nearly four times as much as it took in, and by the time he withdrew only $45,000 was left, according to new federal election reports. Full Story
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Emphasizing her early activism in South Texas, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton rallied supporters Thursday with a promise to continue the work she started in the state more than four decades ago. Full Story
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Accepting Julián Castro's endorsement Thursday, Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton addressed the speculation he could serve as her running mate, saying she plans to "really look hard at him for anything." Full Story
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Full video of my 10/15 conversation with political commentator Paul Begala, a senior adviser to the pro-Hillary Clinton SuperPAC Priorities USA Action. Full Story
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Full video of my 10/14 conversation with former United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk. Full Story
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This week on The Ticket: Jay Root and Ben Philpott talk with Evan Smith about how Texas could play a defining role in both party primaries. And Jay and Ben offer their analysis of the first Democratic presidential debate. Full Story
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Former U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said Wednesday he still supports Hillary Clinton, who lauded the Trans-Pacific Partnership he helped negotiate during her tenure as secretary of state but has more recently opposed it. Full Story
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Following a legislative session in which lawmakers debated whether to cut property taxes, business taxes, sales taxes or a combination of the three, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick signaled an interest Wednesday in continuing the conversation. Full Story
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U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, maintained a financial advantage over his likely Democratic rival for Texas' 23rd Congressional District — the man he unseated, former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego — in the most recent campaign period. Full Story
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In the 2015 Texas legislative session, state lawmakers frequently used their religious beliefs to defend their policymaking. Take a look back at "God & Governing," our documentary-style series on the role lawmakers' personal faith played in their legislating. Full Story
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The U.S. armed forces should not serve as a "cauldron for social experiments" U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said in Iowa, expressing skepticism about the military's move to end its ban on transgender soldiers. Full Story
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Fetal tissue used for scientific research tops the list of topics Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has asked Texas senators on the Health and Human Services Committee to study before the Legislature reconvenes in 2017. Full Story
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The presidential campaign of U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is fiercely guarding its libertarian base against GOP rival Ted Cruz. Full Story
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A recent high-profile battle over funding therapy services for poor and disabled kids has been cast as budget-ax-wielding lawmakers against suffering children. But there's plenty at stake for some for-profit companies as well. Full Story
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As part of our "God & Governing" project, we sat down with two-dozen Texas elected officials to hear how their faith guides their decision-making. Check out the full, unedited interviews with everyone from Attorney General Ken Paxton to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Full Story
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Seeking to fight scandal-plagued Volkswagen alone, Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking two Texas counties to halt their lawsuits against the automaker. Full Story
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The Democratic Party has done a better job than the Republican Party connecting with low-income voters frustrated by a persistent “wealth gap,” GOP presidential contender Rick Santorum said in North Texas Monday. Full Story
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Hillary Clinton's visit to San Antonio later this week will kick off a concerted outreach to Latino voters nationally. But supporters say the campaign is also hoping to run the table in the Texas primary in March. Full Story
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U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz opened a packed swing through early-voting Iowa on Monday by blasting leaders in his own party for contemplating changes to the presidential primary calendar, calling it “lunacy” and a “terrible idea.” Full Story
U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-Bryan, said Monday he intends to seek the gavel of the United States House of Representatives if his colleague, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, doesn't. Full Story
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