The Latest Breaking News from The Texas Tribune Festival

'Entirely Possible' Democrats Could Retake Senate in Midterms; Fetterman Says He Could Deliver 51st Vote

Speaking at the Texas Tribune Festival, Sen. John Fetterman addressed his future, rejected speculation about joining the GOP, and suggested Democrats could regain control of the Senate in the midterms.

Latin Times · Sep 28

Fetterman slips up on stage at the Texas Tribune Festival and calls himself ‘a lifelong Republican’: ‘That will get clipped’

He also talked about his future as a Democrat

We Got This Covered · Sep 28

John Fetterman pushes back against allegations he’s a lazy senator, bad Democrat

The Pennsylvania senator has regularly criticized his party, sparking speculation he could caucus with Republicans after the 2026 midterms. At the Texas Tribune Festival, he called on Democrats to embrace a diversity of views.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 26

Meet the candidates vying to be Texas attorney general in the post-Paxton era

At the Texas Tribune Festival, Republican and Democratic candidates made their case for why they should be the state’s top lawyer.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 14, 2025

U.S. Senate hopeful Colin Allred criticizes rival James Talarico for accepting billionaire Adelson’s donations

Allred’s comments at The Texas Tribune Festival marked the first time either leading Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate publicly criticized the other.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 14, 2025

Joaquin Castro on why a Democratic Senate logjam stopped him from running for AG

The San Antonio Democrat said at The Texas Tribune Festival that he hoped to form a statewide slate with Colin Allred, Beto O’Rourke and James Talarico, but the group couldn’t find consensus.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 14, 2025

Texas still needs a plan for its growing water supply issues, experts say

Panelists at The Texas Tribune Festival shared their opinions on what the state should do after voters approved a historic investment in water infrastructure.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 13, 2025

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton: GOP will become “Reaganite party” again post-Trump

The indicted former national security adviser, who served under the president, spoke during The Texas Tribune Festival.

The Texas Tribune · Nov 13, 2025

Champions of truth and democracy, the Tribune’s fall fellows are eager to represent and serve Texas

Student fellows support vital initiatives like the Texas Tribune Festival and provide in-depth coverage of key issues.

The Texas Tribune · Aug 25, 2025

Revisit the highlights and top interviews from the 2024 Texas Tribune Festival

Politicians broke news and took tough questions during the three-day festival.

The Texas Tribune · Sep 8, 2024