The General Land Office oversees investments that earn billions of dollars for public education, manages state lands, operates the Alamo and distributes benefits to Texas veterans. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 Democratic and Republican primaries and where they stand.
State Government
Stay informed on Texas state government with The Texas Tribune’s in-depth coverage of the governor, Legislature, state agencies, and policies shaping the future of Texas.
How Taylor Rehmet upset a MAGA candidate to flip a North Texas Senate district Trump carried by 17 points
Republicans dismissed the result as a one-off explained by the unpredictability of special elections. Others cited Rehmet’s working-class appeal and Latino and suburban backlash to GOP policies.
Two CBP agents identified in Alex Pretti shooting are from South Texas
Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez fired on Pretti during a protest in Minneapolis last month, according to government records viewed by ProPublica.
5-year-old Liam Ramos and his dad released from detention in Texas
The pair have returned home to Minnesota, according to Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro.
Texas lawmakers: Cannabis is here to stay. And we will regulate the market in 2027.
Lawmakers and industry leaders gathered in Austin this week to discuss the future of the market. “We almost have to take it on,” a Republican state House member said.
Texas has stopped state agencies and universities from filing new H-1B visa applications. Here’s what that means.
Immigration experts weigh in on who is affected by Gov. Greg Abbott’s order, what the impact will be on employers and how certain sectors might be affected.
Texas A&M eliminates women’s and gender studies degree program
University leaders also said six courses were canceled and 48 exceptions were granted under new rules on race and gender.
Dan Patrick lists property tax cuts, preventing Sharia law among priorities for 2027 session
Patrick’s initial five-item to-do list also included assessing risks posed by hostile foreign entities to the grid’s supply chain and preventing fraud in Texas’ health and human services.
Texas Education Agency moves to correct 4,200 errors in Bible-infused curriculum
State Board of Education members criticized the publishing errors and postponed their vote on the agency’s request until their next meeting.
Texas comptroller primary: Who is running and what to know
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts is the state’s chief financial officer. Here’s a look at who’s running in the 2026 primary and where they stand.

