The Latest Breaking News from Judith Zaffirini

Data Center Boom Exposes GOP Faultlines over Local Control

In rural areas like Caldwell County, local Republican officials and citizens are scrambling to find ways to empower counties and slow AI-fueled development.

Texas Observer · Jun 9

A guide to Texas’ special legislative session

Texas lawmakers start a 30-day special session July 21. They will tackle consumable THC, flood dangers, new congressional districts, abortion pills and other conservative priorities.

The Texas Tribune · Jul 18, 2025

Analysis: The 2025 Texas Senate, from right to left

Here’s a look at senators, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on votes cast during the 2025 regular session.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 18, 2025

Texas lawmakers signal push to require proof of citizenship from voters

Gov. Greg Abbott gave an inflated number of noncitizens removed from the state’s voter rolls, officials acknowledged, confirming findings by ProPublica, The Texas Tribune, and Votebeat.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 17, 2024

Election legislation roundup: Texas State Legislature

As of June 18, members of the Texas State Legislature, which includes the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas State Senate, have passed 34 bills related to election administration since the beginning of the year. Of those 34 bills, legislators passed zero during the week of June 12-18.

Ballotpedia · Jun 22, 2023

Analysis: The 2023 Texas Senate, from right to left

Here’s a look at Senate members, ranked from most conservative to most liberal, based on votes cast during the 2023 regular session.

The Texas Tribune · Jun 21, 2023

After Taylor Swift Eras Tour glitch, Texas bans bots that buy concert tickets

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn hopes to take the issue on in Congress.

The Texas Tribune · May 23, 2023

The top fundraisers in the Texas State Senate

Campaign finance requirements govern how much money candidates may receive from individuals and organizations, how often they must report those contributions, and how much individuals, organizations, and political entities may contribute to campaigns.

Ballotpedia · Mar 7, 2023

When showing up at the Texas Capitol made a difference

Readers sometimes ask us if the outcomes in governing are predetermined and whether civic engagement makes a difference. There are plenty of examples of Texans influencing lawmakers’ decisions.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 19, 2023

Texas senators draw lots to determine how long their terms will be

After redistricting, the state constitution requires senators to draw lots to determine which half of the chamber will have four-year terms and which will have two-year terms. This keeps Senate district elections staggered every two years for the rest of the decade.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 11, 2023