The Latest Breaking News from the Texas House

Garnet Coleman, longtime Democratic Texas House member, dies at 65

Coleman served for more than 30 years. He championed several healthcare and mental health bills.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 24

In reversal, James Talarico says he opposes trans athletes in girls’ sports “if it risks safety or fairness”

Talarico’s comments on Fox News came in contrast to positions he took in the Texas House opposing GOP restrictions on trans student-athletes.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 9

'Achingly Close' to Jesus? Rainn Wilson's Podcast Defense of James Talarico Reopens a Fight Over His Faith: REPORT

Rainn Wilson calls Talarico's faith "achingly close" to Jesus on his podcast, reigniting months of debate over the Texas Senate hopeful's Christianity.

Latin Times · Aug 24

How teaching middle school in one of Texas’ poorest neighborhoods spurred James Talarico’s U.S. Senate bid

Talarico’s two years as a public school teacher is central to his Democratic Senate campaign after shaping his policy goals and driving his political rise through the Texas House.

The Texas Tribune · Jan 16

Texas Rep. Gary VanDeaver, a private school voucher holdout, won’t seek reelection

VanDeaver, who represents northeast Texas, was one of two House Republicans to oppose a school voucher program this year after he narrowly beat a pro-voucher primary challenger in 2024.

The Texas Tribune · Dec 1, 2025

Longtime GOP state Rep. John Smithee of Amarillo will not seek reelection

Smithee has represented the Panhandle in the Texas House for 40 years. He ran for speaker last year and most recently served as chair of the criminal jurisprudence committee.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 7, 2025

Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa joins Democratic race to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott

The five-term state lawmaker from Austin has homed in on education issues in the Texas House, becoming a primary foil to Abbott on school vouchers. The post Texas Rep. Gina Hinojosa joins Democratic race to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott appeared first on The Texas Tribune.

The Texas Tribune · Oct 15, 2025

James Talarico’s progressive take on Christianity made him an online sensation. Will it translate to his Texas Senate bid?

The Austin lawmaker says his faith fuels his vision of a Democratic Party that “fights back” against billionaires. Republican critics say his stances are at odds with Scripture.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 16, 2025

Texas lawmakers scrap new measure allowing late voter registration changes

Lawmakers passed a bill earlier this year allowing voters to update their address at the polls and immediately vote on elections tied to that new residence, as long as the move was within the county. This bill walks it back.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 2, 2025

“Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people approved by Texas House after decade of failed attempts

Senate Bill 8 will restrict restrooms in government buildings, public schools and universities based on sex assigned at birth and apply $25,000 fines for violations.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 29, 2025