In Texas, a political battle is unfolding as Republicans, at the request of former President Trump, propose a redrawn congressional map that would likely add five Republican seats before the midterms. This move is viewed by Democrats as a scheme to rig the election and dilute the power of communities of color. Democrats have discussed tactics to try and prevent the bill from passing. This is occurring due to a Supreme Court ruling that allows partisan gerrymandering and the absence of federal legislation against it.
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Reports reveal Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his estranged wife, State Senator Angela Paxton, declared three homes as their primary residences on mortgage documents. This could have saved the couple significant money due to lower interest rates on primary homes, potentially raising concerns about mortgage fraud. Experts note that proving such a crime requires demonstrating active knowledge of the false statements. These revelations come shortly after Angela Paxton filed for divorce, citing adultery, adding further complexity to Paxton’s ongoing political career, including his run for U.S. Senate.
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Former Texas Representative Beto O’Rourke is considering a run for Senate in 2026, despite having lost several elections since his last win in 2016 and with Colin Allred already running. O’Rourke, who declined to challenge Senator John Cornyn in 2020, lost to Ted Cruz in 2018, and Greg Abbott in 2022. Amidst Cornyn’s difficult primary battle with Ken Paxton, O’Rourke has called on Democrats to be “ruthless” and use redistricting to their advantage. He believes that Democrats have a real opportunity in 2026 and must take action.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing criticism for prioritizing a redrawing of congressional districts, a move perceived by Democrats as an attempt to “fix” the upcoming midterm elections in favor of Republicans. This directive, included in Abbott’s legislative priorities, follows a Trump administration demand for more Republican seats and has been condemned as an attack on democracy. Critics argue that Texas Republicans aim to enact an even more egregious gerrymander, despite ongoing court challenges to the existing map, while also neglecting the pressing issue of improving disaster preparation. Democrats and others see this as a blatant partisan power grab, especially given the current state of emergency.
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The space shuttle Discovery, currently housed at the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center, is slated to be moved to Space Center Houston. This move is a provision within the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” recently signed into law. The bill allocates $85 million for the transfer and the construction of a housing facility, with the move mandated by January 4, 2027. This action aims to recognize Houston’s significant contributions to the space program. The move is planned to potentially inspire future generations, though details on the exact display location and method remain unspecified.
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A recent University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll reveals significant dissatisfaction with Texas’s elected officials. Specifically, a majority of Texans disapprove of the proposed one-year jail sentence for possession of THC products, a policy pushed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Despite widespread disapproval of prominent figures like Ted Cruz and Greg Abbott, the poll suggests a stalemate, with both Democrats and Republicans facing criticism. The poll also indicates a decline in the perception of Texas being well-run, with less than half of voters holding a positive view, suggesting a potential shift in the political landscape.
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A recent poll from the Texas Politics Project indicates that President Donald Trump’s approval rating in Texas has fallen into negative territory, marking a significant shift in the traditionally conservative state. The poll revealed that a majority of Texans disapprove of Trump for the first time in his second term, with 44% strongly disapproving. While he maintains strong support among Texas Republicans, his decline in approval mirrors a broader national trend. This trend is likely to be watched closely as Texas could become competitive.
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Senate Bill 3, banning all intoxicating THC products in Texas, passed the House 95-44. The bill, championed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, imposes up to a year in jail for possession and prohibits the sale of all THC forms except CBD and CBG, impacting the state’s $8 billion hemp industry. Opponents argue the ban ignores the needs of businesses and consumers who use hemp-derived products, including veterans. Supporters, however, contend the measure protects Texans from unregulated THC products.
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Civiqs polling data reveals President Trump’s approval rating is negative in both Florida and Texas, key states he won in 2024. While Republicans in both states largely approve of his performance, the negative trend, particularly since his “Liberation Day” tariffs, could negatively impact the GOP in the 2026 midterms. This decline is mirrored in several swing states, a worrying sign for Republicans according to political analysts. Trump himself has dismissed these polls as “fake news.”
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A Texas Republican lawmaker, Stan Gerdes, recently admitted he lacks evidence to support his claim that students are using litter boxes in schools. This admission follows the introduction of his bill, the “Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education (F.U.R.R.I.E.S) Act,” designed to supposedly curb this behavior. The entire premise of the bill, therefore, rests on a fabrication.
The lack of proof underscores the bill’s dubious foundation. Gerdes initially claimed a “furry-related incident” in a small school district, yet offered no details or supporting documentation. This absence of concrete evidence raises serious questions about the lawmaker’s motives and the bill’s true purpose.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood