INSIDER
Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?
Read full article: Texas Democrats underperformed yet again. Now what?Tuesday was another electoral blowout in which Democrats underperformed expectations, weakening their case that Texas is a battleground state worthy of investment and attention from the national party.
Why AP called the Texas Senate race for Ted Cruz
Read full article: Why AP called the Texas Senate race for Ted CruzThe Associated Press declared that Republican Sen. Ted Cruz successfully defended his seat against Democratic Rep. Colin Allred based on the incumbent’s competitive showing in the state’s large population centers, bolstered by his overwhelming leads in more conservative rural areas across the state.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate race
Read full article: Democrats invest $5 million to try to defeat Republican Ted Cruz in Texas Senate raceDemocrats backing Rep. Colin Allred’s bid to defeat Texas Sen. Ted Cruz are investing $5 million in an ad campaign focused on abortion.
Ted Cruz and Colin Allred wage another big US Senate fight in Texas
Read full article: Ted Cruz and Colin Allred wage another big US Senate fight in TexasRepublicans have a stranglehold on every statewide elected office in Texas and control the state Supreme Court, both chambers of the Legislature and both U.S. Senate seats.
Bernie Sanders tells Texas progressives to back Harris, says Allred win would “make all the difference”
Read full article: Bernie Sanders tells Texas progressives to back Harris, says Allred win would “make all the difference”Joining Sanders as he campaigns up and down the I-35 corridor are Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Greg Casar, and former El Paso congressman Beto O’Rourke.
Colin Allred’s understated campaign strategy draws mixed reviews from fellow Democrats
Read full article: Colin Allred’s understated campaign strategy draws mixed reviews from fellow DemocratsAllred’s sharp divergence from Beto O’Rourke’s more active campaign style has stirred dissent among some Democrats. His allies say it’s working.
Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persist
Read full article: Texas Democrats try to unify against GOP “extremism” as their own challenges and strife persistThe party faces internal tension over the Israel-Hamas war and Biden’s new immigration policy heading into November.
After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in Allred
Read full article: After overlooking O’Rourke, national Democrats show early confidence in AllredSix years after Beto O’Rourke nearly toppled Ted Cruz, Democrats outside Texas are expressing confidence in Colin Allred’s 2024 challenge.
Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 pace
Read full article: Colin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 paceU.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised over $9.5 million for his U.S. Senate campaign this quarter, surpassing Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 first quarter sum of $6.7 million.
Democrats target GOP strongholds Texas and Florida with Senate majority on the line
Read full article: Democrats target GOP strongholds Texas and Florida with Senate majority on the lineDemocrats hoping to hold their slim Senate majority after November are looking for wins in two unlikely places that could neutralize potential setbacks elsewhere, Florida and Texas.
New George Soros-backed, Democratic PAC aims to turn Texas blue
Read full article: New George Soros-backed, Democratic PAC aims to turn Texas blueThe group is “helping to build party infrastructure at the regional level, because the various regions of our state are distinct and therefore require different strategies,” a PAC official said.
Eddie Bernice Johnson’s family says medical neglect led to former congresswoman’s death
Read full article: Eddie Bernice Johnson’s family says medical neglect led to former congresswoman’s deathThe family of the recently retired congresswoman says Johnson contracted an infection at Baylor Scott & White’s rehabilitation facility that led to her death.
Texas Supreme Court declines to revive billionaire’s defamation lawsuit against Beto O’Rourke
Read full article: Texas Supreme Court declines to revive billionaire’s defamation lawsuit against Beto O’RourkeKelcy Warren, a Dallas pipeline billionaire, sued O’Rourke in early 2022, saying the Democrat defamed him with critical comments about his company’s windfall profits after the Texas energy-grid collapse in February 2021.
Her daughter was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting. Now she's running for mayor of Uvalde
Read full article: Her daughter was killed in the Robb Elementary shooting. Now she's running for mayor of UvaldeKimberly Mata-Rubio's 10-year-old daughter was one of the 19 children and two teachers killed in the May 24, 2022, shooting in Uvalde, Texas.
Dan Patrick says he won’t accept donations during trial, after taking heat for pro-Paxton money
Read full article: Dan Patrick says he won’t accept donations during trial, after taking heat for pro-Paxton moneyThe Senate Republican and Democratic caucuses also said they will not fundraise as organizations during the trial, which starts Tuesday.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises $4.4 million in second quarter as he seeks reelection
Read full article: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz raises $4.4 million in second quarter as he seeks reelectionThe Republican’s haul fell short of the money raised by Rep. Colin Allred, a Democratic opponent who collected $6.2 million in a shorter period — but Cruz prevailed in the 2018 election despite getting outraised then.
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $6.2 million in first 2 months of Senate race
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raises $6.2 million in first 2 months of Senate raceAllred also transferred $2.4 million from his House campaign account, giving him $8.6 million in total receipts through the end of June.
Bills to create new Texas courts would likely reverse Democratic gains, restore GOP dominance
Read full article: Bills to create new Texas courts would likely reverse Democratic gains, restore GOP dominanceSupporters say the proposals would increase efficiency and expertise, but opponents argue the attempts are political and probably unconstitutional.
Why Ted Cruz’s next reelection path looks smoother with Beto O’Rourke behind him
Read full article: Why Ted Cruz’s next reelection path looks smoother with Beto O’Rourke behind himU.S. Sen. Ted Cruz will be up for reelection next year, now a seasoned senator and established conservative leader. But Democrats are still holding out hope they can repeat the sensation of Beto-mania.
In defamation lawsuit against Beto O’Rourke, lawyers debate whether Kelcy Warren is a public figure
Read full article: In defamation lawsuit against Beto O’Rourke, lawyers debate whether Kelcy Warren is a public figureWarren, a Dallas pipeline tycoon, sued O’Rourke in February over accusations he made on the campaign trail that Warren effectively bribed Gov. Greg Abbott with a $1 million campaign contribution following the 2021 power grid collapse.
Beto O’Rourke returned $1 million check from FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke returned $1 million check from FTX’s Sam Bankman-FriedO’Rourke’s campaign said they gave the money back before the company’s scandals became widely public, because they were taken aback by such a large unsolicited donation.
What Greg Abbott’s decisive win over Beto O’Rourke portends for his future
Read full article: What Greg Abbott’s decisive win over Beto O’Rourke portends for his futureAfter defeating O’Rourke — Texas’ most promising Democrat in recent history — Abbott begins his third term in a strong position, with a rising national profile and a governing mandate in the eyes of fellow Republicans.
Texas sends next busload of migrants to Philadelphia
Read full article: Texas sends next busload of migrants to PhiladelphiaTexas Gov. Greg Abbott says Philadelphia will be the next destination for migrants the state is transporting from the U.S.-Mexico border by the thousands to Democratic-led locales.
Beto O’Rourke’s campaign reflects on failed governor race
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke’s campaign reflects on failed governor raceIn a press call Monday, O’Rourke’s team reflected on its failures during the election, but said Gov. Greg Abbott had the advantage with his ability to attract media attention and rely on” established narratives” that historically favor Republicans.
Texas Democrats admit to faltering on messaging and voter turnout, contributing to resounding midterm losses
Read full article: Texas Democrats admit to faltering on messaging and voter turnout, contributing to resounding midterm lossesBeto O’Rourke lost by double-digits on Tuesday night and so did every other statewide Democrat. That has left Democrats in a familiar position: wounded after a disappointing election night while contemplating their strategy and their future.
Crypto company that faces scrutiny from Texas regulators files for bankruptcy after competitor questioned its viability
Read full article: Crypto company that faces scrutiny from Texas regulators files for bankruptcy after competitor questioned its viabilityFTX’s collapse came after customers raced to cash out their deposits when a major competitor questioned its viability and declined to buy the company in a bailout deal.
Beto O’Rourke has lost three races in four years. Is his political career over?
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke has lost three races in four years. Is his political career over?He has been the Texas Democratic Party’s great hope. But after failed runs for senator, president and governor, observers wonder if he has a political future.
Greg Abbott reelected Texas governor, defeating Beto O’Rourke
Read full article: Greg Abbott reelected Texas governor, defeating Beto O’RourkeThe governor prevailed after a tumultuous period that included the pandemic, a statewide blackout, restrictions on voting and abortion and the Uvalde school shooting.
South Texas, Abbott vs. O’Rourke, and Harris County: Here are the biggest things to watch for on election night
Read full article: South Texas, Abbott vs. O’Rourke, and Harris County: Here are the biggest things to watch for on election nightWhile the GOP focuses on the border and economy under President Joe Biden, Democrats are hoping to prove polls and political forecasters wrong by tapping into anger over the overturning of Roe v. Wade and the Uvalde school shooting.
National political leaders stump through Texas ahead of midterm elections
Read full article: National political leaders stump through Texas ahead of midterm electionsFirst lady Jill Biden and U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy were in Texas Sunday to help members of their respective parties energize voters before Election Day.
‘I’m in no rush’: Voter apathy takes hold of early voting ahead of Texas midterm election
Read full article: ‘I’m in no rush’: Voter apathy takes hold of early voting ahead of Texas midterm electionRepublicans may be waiting to vote on Election Day after former President Donald Trump pushed voting in person on Nov. 8 at a rally in South Texas.
Uvalde families gather at Texas Capitol for Day of the Dead
Read full article: Uvalde families gather at Texas Capitol for Day of the DeadFamilies of some of the 19 children killed in the Uvalde school massacre commemorated the Day of Dead with a rally, procession and decorated altar outside the Texas Capitol on Tuesday night.
Uvalde families make last push for shakeup on Election Day
Read full article: Uvalde families make last push for shakeup on Election DayThe Uvalde school massacre has cast a long shadow in the midterm elections in Texas, intensifying Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign against Democrat Beto O’Rourke and driving a blitz of television ads.
Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plans
Read full article: Dodge, deny or fib: Candidates stay vague on 2024 plansPresidential aspirants running for reelection while dreaming of the highest office in the land often face an uncomfortable question: Will they commit to serving a full term — should they win one — when their best moment to take a shot at the White House may come sooner than that.
As early voting begins, pressure is on for Beto O’Rourke to close the gap with Greg Abbott
Read full article: As early voting begins, pressure is on for Beto O’Rourke to close the gap with Greg AbbottO’Rourke has not had the upper hand in any polls, or even come within low single digits, compared with 2018, when he more regularly showed up within the margin of error against U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.
What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?
Read full article: What is the Texas National Guard and why does it matter in this year’s gubernatorial election?A governor’s military powers are often not discussed as part of the election process, in favor of other prominent issues like education and taxes. But with Operation Lone Star in plain view, voters may have more questions this election.
Greg Abbott widens lead over Beto O’Rourke with likely voters in latest UT poll
Read full article: Greg Abbott widens lead over Beto O’Rourke with likely voters in latest UT pollThe 11-point margin is one of the wider advantages Abbott has registered among likely voters in a public survey yet. Abbott had a smaller 5-point advantage in the last UT poll, which was done in August, though that was among registered voters.
Gov. Greg Abbott says state should fund distribution of medication that can reverse opioid overdose
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott says state should fund distribution of medication that can reverse opioid overdoseWhile not detailing how the distribution might be funded, Abbott said the medication, Narcan, should be distributed to law enforcement agencies as well as some hospitals and schools.
Beto O’Rourke catches Gov. Greg Abbott in cash on hand as race hits homestretch
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke catches Gov. Greg Abbott in cash on hand as race hits homestretchThe Democratic challenger ended the latest fundraising period, July 1 through Sept. 29, with slightly more cash on hand than the governor.
Dan Patrick targets rural Texas in media-shy bus tour
Read full article: Dan Patrick targets rural Texas in media-shy bus tourPatrick’s campaign strategy in rural Texas may suggest he’s trying to shore up the party’s most reliable base of voters in an area that both Beto O’Rourke and Mike Collier have spent considerable resources to win over this election cycle.
Texas governor’s race surpasses $100M in money raised
Read full article: Texas governor’s race surpasses $100M in money raisedDemocrat Beto O’Rourke says his campaign for Texas governor raised another $25 million over the past three months as a big-spending race with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott enters the final stretch.
President Biden is calling for marijuana possession pardons. But that doesn’t mean it’ll happen in Texas.
Read full article: President Biden is calling for marijuana possession pardons. But that doesn’t mean it’ll happen in Texas.Biden’s federal pardons will help at least 6,500 people, though most possession crimes are charged at the state level. Gov. Greg Abbott hasn’t yet said whether he’ll follow suit. Gubernatorial candidate Beto O’Rourke was quick to support the measure.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke accused each other of misinforming Texans during their debate. Here are the facts.
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke accused each other of misinforming Texans during their debate. Here are the facts.O’Rourke and Abbott accused each other of bending the truth during the only planned gubernatorial debate on Friday. Many of their claims needed context and clarification.
Uvalde shooting, border dominate only Texas governor debate
Read full article: Uvalde shooting, border dominate only Texas governor debateRepublican Gov. Greg Abbott said in his first debate against Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke that Texas would send busloads of migrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border to more cities.
35 family members of Uvalde shooting victims throw their support behind Beto O’Rourke ahead of debate
Read full article: 35 family members of Uvalde shooting victims throw their support behind Beto O’Rourke ahead of debateIn a news conference ahead of the only gubernatorial debate, 35 family members of Uvalde school shooting victims said they would support O’Rourke because of Gov. Greg Abbott’s inaction on gun control measures.
Abbott, O’Rourke spar over immigration, abortion and Uvalde shooting in debate
Read full article: Abbott, O’Rourke spar over immigration, abortion and Uvalde shooting in debateThe one-hour debate took place in Edinburg. It was the only scheduled debate between the two candidates before the November election.
Texas Democrats try to convince voters they aren’t bad for oil and gas
Read full article: Texas Democrats try to convince voters they aren’t bad for oil and gasCandidates like Beto O’Rourke and Mike Collier say they want to work toward a cleaner energy future but aren’t looking to eliminate the energy jobs that boost Texas’ economy.
Beto O’Rourke shrugs off polling deficit, promises he won’t let down Democrats in South Texas
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke shrugs off polling deficit, promises he won’t let down Democrats in South TexasThe Democratic nominee for governor said during The Texas Tribune Festival that he’s counting on a big turnout of voters energized by the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Comptroller, railroad commissioner, lieutenant governor: What do Texas state officials actually do?
Read full article: Comptroller, railroad commissioner, lieutenant governor: What do Texas state officials actually do?For example, members of the Railroad Commission don’t deal with railroads. Here’s what the many officials elected statewide do with the power voters give them.
Gov. Greg Abbott leads Beto O’Rourke by 5 percentage points in new poll
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott leads Beto O’Rourke by 5 percentage points in new pollThe latest survey also gave Republican incumbents single-digit leads in two other statewide races. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick led Democrat Mike Collier by 7 points, and Attorney General Ken Paxton registered a 5-point advantage over Democrat Rochelle Garza.
Mysterious group targeting Gov. Greg Abbott reserves $6 million in TV ads ahead of November election
Read full article: Mysterious group targeting Gov. Greg Abbott reserves $6 million in TV ads ahead of November electionThe sudden TV spending by Coulda Been Worse LLC comes as Abbott battles for a third term against Democratic challenger Beto O’Rourke.
Not so fast: Greg Abbott, Texas Republicans face a complex election landscape after abortion ruling, Uvalde shooting
Read full article: Not so fast: Greg Abbott, Texas Republicans face a complex election landscape after abortion ruling, Uvalde shootingBoth Gov. Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke hope to define the election on issues viewed as favorable to their own parties.
Beto O’Rourke confronts a formidable GOP firewall as he woos rural Texans
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke confronts a formidable GOP firewall as he woos rural TexansDespite its dwindling population, rural Texas has consistently helped protect GOP dominance in statewide races, even as Democratic support grows in the state’s populous metro centers and suburbs.
Illness interrupts O'Rourke campaign for Texas governor
Read full article: Illness interrupts O'Rourke campaign for Texas governorTexas Democratic gubernatorial nominee Beto O'Rourke says he has cleared his campaign schedule after receiving treatment at a San Antonio hospital for an unspecified bacterial infection.
Families of the Uvalde shooting victims denounce Gov. Greg Abbott’s inaction on gun reform
Read full article: Families of the Uvalde shooting victims denounce Gov. Greg Abbott’s inaction on gun reformThe governor has made a vocal enemy in the families of Robb Elementary shooting victims. They are demanding a special legislative session to reach a compromise on the minimum age to purchase semi-automatic rifles.
Governor candidate Beto O’Rourke intensifies campaign on abortion rights as trigger law goes into effect
Read full article: Governor candidate Beto O’Rourke intensifies campaign on abortion rights as trigger law goes into effectGov. Greg Abbott signed the “trigger law” last year, ensuring that Texas would automatically outlaw abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court ever overturned Roe v. Wade. That happened in June, mobilizing Democrats nationwide and giving O’Rourke’s campaign a burst of momentum.
Progressive fundraising group raising $25 million to boost Democrats this November and beyond
Read full article: Progressive fundraising group raising $25 million to boost Democrats this November and beyondThe list of the Texas Future Project’s beneficiaries includes groups like Annie’s List and Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, which work to elect more Democratic women who support abortion rights.
Beto O’Rourke swears at Greg Abbott supporter who heckled him over Uvalde shooting
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke swears at Greg Abbott supporter who heckled him over Uvalde shootingO’Rourke confronted a heckler at a campaign event Wednesday who laughed while he was talking about the Uvalde school shooting, telling the person, “It may be funny to you, motherfucker, but it is not funny to me.”
A new MAGA: Mothers Against Greg Abbott mobilizes against the incumbent governor seeking a third term
Read full article: A new MAGA: Mothers Against Greg Abbott mobilizes against the incumbent governor seeking a third termMothers Against Greg Abbott has grown into a potent political force in the governor’s race, with a membership of over 50,000 on Facebook. The group recently caught more attention after releasing ads that have gone viral on social media.
With rural Texas watching, Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke dig in on school vouchers fight
Read full article: With rural Texas watching, Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke dig in on school vouchers fightO’Rourke is hammering Abbott over vouchers on the campaign trail in rural Texas, where Democrats know they need to do better and where vouchers are a political hot potato for Republicans.
Gov. Abbott provides $1.25M grant to Uvalde ISD for trauma-informed counseling
Read full article: Gov. Abbott provides $1.25M grant to Uvalde ISD for trauma-informed counselingGovernor Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Public Safety Office (PSO) is providing $1.25 million to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (UCISD).
Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke broke fundraising records in their race for Texas governor. Here’s how much.
Read full article: Greg Abbott and Beto O’Rourke broke fundraising records in their race for Texas governor. Here’s how much.Final fundraising figures show that both gubernatorial candidates raised a combined $160 million in the November midterm election.
Beto O’Rourke gets $2 million, his largest campaign donation yet, from Austin couple
Read full article: Beto O’Rourke gets $2 million, his largest campaign donation yet, from Austin coupleIt’s O’Rourke’s largest-ever donation as he runs for governor against Greg Abbott. Abbott, however, maintains a massive fundraising advantage and is no stranger to seven-figure contributions.
At Texas Democratic Party convention, recognition of high stakes and a tough road ahead
Read full article: At Texas Democratic Party convention, recognition of high stakes and a tough road aheadAttendees in Dallas seemed energized by the state’s abortion ban, lax gun laws and power grid failures. But they also knew they face major headwinds.
TribCast: Are there signs of life for Beto O’Rourke’s campaign?
Read full article: TribCast: Are there signs of life for Beto O’Rourke’s campaign?In this week’s episode, Matthew speaks with Mitchell and Patrick about the power grid, the race for governor and the extra money the Texas Legislature will have on hand to spend next year.