The Latest Breaking News from Dade Phelan

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick unveils committee assignments with one Democratic chair

Conservative activists have pushed for legislative leaders to ban Democrats from leading committees.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 23, 2023

In Texas’ first post-Roe legislative session, there’s a new political power dynamic on abortion

While Democrats and the far-right edge of the Republican Party remain focused on abortion, leaders in both chambers have not yet spent much time discussing the issue this session.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 23, 2023

Texas GOP launches radio attack ads against Republican state House speaker

The radio ad, which criticizes Phelan for appointing Democratic committee chairs, prompted pushback from Republican colleagues in the House over why the state party would use resources to attack its own member.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 20, 2023

As Donald Trump mounts his 2024 presidential bid, his support among Texas officials is waning

About two months into his comeback bid, few prominent Texas Republicans have endorsed Trump — and some are showing more willingness to cross him publicly.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 11, 2023

Texas House selects Rep. Dade Phelan as speaker for another legislative session

Phelan defeated Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, for the House leadership position in a vote, 145-3. In cruising to victory, Phelan secured the support of Democrats as well as the most conservative members of his party.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 10, 2023

Republicans eye tighter enforcement of Texas’ abortion ban as Legislature starts

AUSTIN, Texas — After ushering in a near-total abortion ban last year, the state’s GOP leaders are treading carefully on the eve of the upcoming legislative session and not openly saying how they will handle the hot-button issue.

Tribune News Service · Jan 9, 2023

Texas House Democrats enter session with bipartisan hopes — and a new leader who’s prepared to fight

There are 64 Democrats in the 150-member House, one fewer than before the election. There is also one fewer Democrat in the Senate.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 6, 2023

GOP Harris County judge candidate contesting her loss after Election Day problems at polling sites

Democratic County Judge Lina Hidalgo beat Republican Alexandra del Moral Mealer by more than 18,000 votes. An assessment of Election Day problems at polling sites “has not yet revealed” whether any voters were turned away.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 6, 2023

Will the Uvalde Shooting Prompt Texas To Finally Close a Police Secrecy Loophole?

Texas law allows police to withhold records of suspects who were never convicted. Police abuse it to hide records from families, reporters, and lawyers investigating deaths in custody.

Reason · Dec 19, 2022

Texas GOPer hires anti-LGBTQ extremist

Rep. Tony Tinderholt hired Jake Neidert as his office’s legislative director amid a wave of anti-LGBTQ violence

Salon · Dec 16, 2022