Blaise Gainey

A supporter of Donald Trump walks in a parking lot at the Travis County Exposition Center in Austin, Texas. during a Trump's rally in 2016.

Perhaps the biggest Texas takeaway from the presidential election is that more counties went Republican this cycle — specifically in the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding areas. Experts say it's the culmination of a years-long GOP strategy.

Votebeat, The Texas Newsroom | By Natalia Contreras, Blaise Gainey

One bill emerges ahead of the new legislative session, while a pair of lawsuits focus attention on the issue.

Last session Texas GOP lawmakers passed a drag bill, a ban on gender-affirming surgery and other legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. With the Republican Party growing more conservative after the election, experts say it's likely the theme will continue.

Last session Texas GOP lawmakers passed a drag bill, a ban on gender-affirming surgery and other legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. With the Republican Party growing more conservative after the election, experts say it's likely the theme will continue.

State Rep. Gene Wu shows a photo of his childhood home during a press conference in 2023. Democrats selected the Houston representative as their leader for the next legislative session.

In a statement, Phelan said stepping aside will “create the best opportunity for our members to rally around a new candidate.”

Republicans in the Texas House are currently wrestling with who will lead the chamber when the state legislature reconvenes next year. Amid growing pressure from the party, embattled Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, released a surprise

As the Texas Legislature prepares to return in January, the battle between two Republicans for the powerful role of House speaker is underscoring divisions within the party.