The average age of Texans last year was 37, while the Legislature’s average age was 55. Hurdles to voting and the unique challenges young candidates encounter fuel the mismatch.

A growing number of states are allowing candidates for local and state office to use their campaign dollars to pay for child care expenses.

The Texas Legislature has nine lawmakers who are openly LGBTQ, all Democrats. At the same time, some Republican lawmakers are pushing a slate of bills aimed at drag queens, transgender children and how sexuality is discussed in schools.

Experts say local governments should prioritize extreme weather preparedness. Cost can be a deterring factor.

The Texas Tribune spoke to Texans across the political spectrum and asked them to make their case for why voting matters this year. The deadline to register to vote was Oct. 11. Early voting runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 4.

Advocates and politicians say they hope Texas’ ban on abortion will motivate voters. But they say they’ll need to emulate the strategies of the anti-abortion movement to reach long-term success.

The fast-growing region likely will see a considerable number of new state and federal lawmakers after the 2022 election. And in many cases, they will be representing districts whose boundaries have significantly shifted.

The bill, which would provide funding through September 2023, will head back to the Senate before reaching Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.

Medical experts said gender-affirming care for transgender children rarely, if ever, includes use of the surgeries. Most care for transgender kids involves social transitioning and puberty blockers.

Texas Republicans are ratcheting up efforts to end a 31-day standoff with Democrats over new voting measures.

Some of the more than 50 absent Texas House Democrats have begun returning home from Washington, D.C. But between those staying behind and those planning not to show up at the Capitol, there appears little chance the House will have enough members Saturday to conduct business.

Credit: Michael Stravato for The Texas TribuneSeventeen Democrats in the Texas House launched a climate, environment and energy caucus this week with one simple goal: To talk about climate change at the Texas Capitol, where conversations on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases have been sidelined for years. Led by state Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, the caucus includes Democrats from major cities across the state. AdMembers pointed out that the Legislature didn’t hold a single hearing on any bill related to climate change during the last session. Instead, they have their sights set on a more modest goal they hope is achievable — holding at least one hearing on climate change. “Minority communities are facing the brunt of these injustices,” said state Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, a civil rights attorney.