Benjamin Wermund
Verified- Senior Political Reporter, San Antonio Express-News
- Senior Political Reporter, Houston Chronicle
- Senior Political Reporter, The Pasadena Citizen
Austin
Political reporter for Hearst Newspapers in Texas (@HoustonChron, @ExpressNews, @statesman) | Send me tips 📩 ben.wermund@houstonchronicle.com
Articles by Benjamin Wermund
GOP lawmaker presses Ken Paxton to investigate mysterious group behind transgender mailers
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GOP lawmaker presses Ken Paxton to investigate mysterious group behind transgender mailers Original
A mailer sent to Texas households purporting to be from a transgender advocacy group photographed at the Dallas Morning News in Dallas, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News A mailer sent to Texas households purporting to be from a transgender advocacy group photographed at the Dallas Morning News in Dallas, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.
GOP lawmaker presses Ken Paxton to investigate mysterious group behind transgender mailers
A prominent Republican lawmaker is pushing Attorney General Ken Paxton to investigate mailers sent to potentially thousands of Texas households from an apparently bogus transgender student group. State Rep. Jeff Leach of Plano demanded a state probe into who was behind text messages and brochures that he said went to thousands, if not millions, of Texans as polls opened this week.
Mysterious group behind transgender mailers formed weeks ago in Wyoming
Mailers from a mysterious group purporting to represent transgender students have riled up voters in Texas as early voting gets underway. But the Texas Transgender Student Union that sent the brochures and similar text messages that went out to voters earlier this month appears to have been created just weeks ago - and is registered as an LLC in Wyoming.
Mysterious group behind transgender mailers formed weeks ago in Wyoming Original
A student at Trinity University sets up their table with flags, pamphlets and stickers to hand out to fellow students on Trans Day of Visibility. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express-News Mailers from a mysterious group purporting to represent transgender students have riled up voters in Texas as early voting gets underway.
Greg Abbott won't say if he supports selling state park to Elon Musk's SpaceX Original
Onlookers watch as SpaceX's Starship rocket is prepared for a test launch in Boca Chica, Texas, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. Eric Gay/AP Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday declined to say whether he supports selling a South Texas state park to Elon Musk’s SpaceX as the Republican governor’s appointees on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission are reportedly considering.
Trump targets down-ballot Texas Democrats on eve of early voting
President Donald Trump urged support for Texas Republicans on the eve of early voting - and trained his fire on some relatively unknown down-ballot Democrats, a sign of how competitive the midterms have become as voters head to the polls. Trump on Sunday night held a phone rally with Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, state Sen. Mayes Middleton and two congressional candidates, Jace Yarbrough and Eric Flores. "A lot of people say this must be tough making a call like this.
Trump targets down-ballot Texas Democrats on eve of early voting
President Donald Trump walks from Marine One to board Air Force One, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein President Donald Trump urged support for Texas Republicans on the eve of early voting — and trained his fire on some relatively unknown down-ballot Democrats, a sign of how competitive the midterms have become as voters head to the polls. Trump on Sunday night held a phone rally with Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov.
Trump targets down-ballot Texas Democrats on eve of early voting
President Donald Trump walks from Marine One to board Air Force One, Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga. Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein President Donald Trump urged support for Texas Republicans on the eve of early voting — and trained his fire on some relatively unknown down-ballot Democrats, a sign of how competitive the midterms have become as voters head to the polls. Trump on Sunday night held a phone rally with Attorney General Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov.
Why Elon Musk has so much at stake in Greg Abbott's reelection bid
In the leadup to the midterms, Elon Musk has been laser-focused on defeating James Talarico and helping Republicans keep control of Congress. But the trillionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO has a lot at stake at the state level, too. Gov.
Why Elon Musk has so much at stake in Greg Abbott's reelection bid
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Why Elon Musk has so much at stake in Greg Abbott’s reelection bid Original
Gov. Greg Abbott has been a major booster for Musk in Texas, calling him the state’s “leading economic developer.” Angela Piazza/Corpus Christi Caller-Times file photo In the leadup to the midterms, Elon Musk has been laser-focused on defeating James Talarico and helping Republicans keep control of Congress. But the trillionaire Tesla and SpaceX CEO has a lot at stake at the state level, too. Gov.
Why Greg Abbott says he will not debate Gina Hinojosa Original
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa speaks at a podium outside the Texas Governor’s Mansion in Austin on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, with a second, empty podium beside her that she said was for Gov. Greg Abbott, who did not accept her challenge to debate. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Gov.
New poll finds Democrats leading in nearly every statewide contest
A new poll from the University of Texas at Austin found Democrats with narrow leads in nearly every statewide race after trailing their Republican challengers in the same poll just two months ago - a sign of an increasingly competitive midterm election just days from early voting. U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico and Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Vikki Goodwin each held 3-percentage-point leads over Republicans Ken Paxton and Dan Patrick, respectively.
New poll finds Democrats leading in nearly every statewide contest
Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa, center, stands on stage with other Democratic candidates after speaking at a rally, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. Justin Rex/AP Photo/Justin Rex A new poll from the University of Texas at Austin found Democrats with narrow leads in nearly every statewide race after trailing their Republican challengers in the same poll just two months ago — a sign of an increasingly competitive midterm election just days from early voting.
New poll finds Democrats leading in nearly every statewide contest
Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa, center, stands on stage with other Democratic candidates after speaking at a rally, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. Justin Rex/AP Photo/Justin Rex A new poll from the University of Texas at Austin found Democrats with narrow leads in nearly every statewide race after trailing their Republican challengers in the same poll just two months ago — a sign of an increasingly competitive midterm election just days from early voting.
Do you care about inflation, data centers or ICE raids? Here are the Texas races to watch.
Gas and diesel prices Congress Since the Iran War began in February, gasoline prices are up about 45% nationally; diesel prices have jumped roughly 65%. Experts say the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sharply restricted oil flows, driving up prices. Ending the conflict could help ease the pressure, although it won’t reverse damage that’s already been done to critical oil and energy infrastructure.
Flip-flop tracker: How Texas’ top candidates are changing their tune on key issues
Jacob Lujan, Houston Chronicle In June, Attorney General Ken Paxton pushed back on the state GOP’s move to add anti-IVF language to its platform, calling himself a “strong supporter of IVF and pro-family policies that help Americans experience the wonders of parenthood.” The stance put the Republican U.S. Senate candidate in line with other GOP leaders who vocally support IVF, even as grassroots activists are pushing for restrictions on the treatment because it sometimes results in discarded...
Gina Hinojosa renews calls for a debate with Greg Abbott Original
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa addresses reporters on Thursday, Oct. 8. She has pushed for a debate with Gov. Greg Abbott ahead of next month's midterms. Benjamin Wermund/Houston Chronicle. Gina Hinojosa on Thursday renewed calls for a debate against Republican Gov. Greg Abbott — who has so far been silent on invitations to face her despite debating each of his past Democratic challengers.
Who are the biggest donors backing Abbott and Hinojosa in the Texas governor race? See the top ones.
S. Javaid Anwar: $4,122,086 A Texas oil executive and longtime supporter of Abbott’s, S. Javaid Anwar has given heavily to the Republican governor’s reelection campaign. That includes more than $100,000 in in-kind gifts listed as transportation, food and beverages. The Midland Energy Inc. founder is a GOP megadonor who often provides Republicans he supports with private air travel. Anwar is a member of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, a position he was appointed to by Abbott.
Who are the biggest donors backing Abbott and Hinojosa in the Texas governor race? See the top ones.
Greg Abbott TOP 5 DONORS S. Javaid Anwar: $4,122,086 A Texas oil executive and longtime supporter of Abbott’s, S. Javaid Anwar has given heavily to the Republican governor’s reelection campaign. That includes more than $100,000 in in-kind gifts listed as transportation, food and beverages. The Midland Energy Inc. founder is a GOP megadonor who often provides Republicans he supports with private air travel.
Gina Hinojosa wants to eliminate homeowners' property taxes. But how?
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Gina Hinojosa wants to eliminate homeowners' property taxes. But how? Original
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa talks to supporters earlier this month in Houston. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle Greg Abbott isn’t the only gubernatorial candidate who says he wants to end school taxes for homeowners. His Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, says she would aim to do the same – but through a much different approach.
Harris County Judge
The Houston Chronicle sent questions on key policy topics to candidates for the three Commissioners Court contests on the ballot this year: Harris County judge, Precinct 2 commissioner, and Precinct 4 commissioner. We limited each candidate’s response to 200 words per question, but did not edit their answers in any way. Read below to see how the candidates approached these issues. Compare responses to each question Check and uncheck the boxes next to each candidate to show/hide their responses.
Texas Voter Guide 2026
Texans will head to the polls this fall for a highly competitive midterm contest that could determine control of Congress heading into President Donald Trump's final two years in office. At the statewide level, Gov.
Flip-flop tracker: How Texas’ top candidates are changing their tune on key issues
In the lead-up to this year’s competitive midterm election, some of the biggest candidates on the trail are moderating their past stances to woo independent voters and adapt to changing public perception. Democrats are trying to ditch “culture war” issues they once embraced as they try to nab their first statewide win in decades. Republicans, meanwhile, are buckling under a backlash to the state’s longstanding support for big business, fueled especially by the data center boom in rural Texas.
Greg Abbott lifts restrictions on dyed diesel in effort to curb high fuel prices
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday waived restrictions on diesel typically allowed only in off-road vehicles, part of an effort to curb skyrocketing gas prices amid a growing diesel shortage. The Republican governor issued a disaster proclamation expanding the use of dyed diesel, an off-road fuel typically banned from public roadways because it is exempt from fuel taxes.
Greg Abbott lifts restrictions on dyed diesel in effort to curb high fuel prices Original
Trucks are seen at a diesel fueling station Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Fairview, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP Photo/George Walker IV Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday waived restrictions on diesel typically allowed only in off-road vehicles, part of an effort to curb skyrocketing gas prices amid a growing diesel shortage. The Republican governor issued a disaster proclamation expanding the use of dyed diesel, an off-road fuel typically banned from public roadways because it is exempt from fuel taxes.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa says expanding abortion access would ‘not be my priority’ Original
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa talks to supporters at the Eldorado Ballroom in Houston on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle Gina Hinojosa, the Austin Democrat running against Gov. Greg Abbott, says she would not prioritize expanding abortion access and rolling back restrictions on gender affirming care if she is elected governor. In an interview with Politico, she said that she sees both issues as unrealistic in a long-red state.
Greg Abbott ad says Gina Hinojosa voted 40 times to raise property taxes. Is that true? Original
Gina Hinojosa, Greg Abbott Smiley N. Pool, Melissa Phillip/Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle Gov. Greg Abbott launched his first TV ad attacking his Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, this week, accusing the Austin state representative of voting to increase property taxes during her time in the legislature. The 30-second spot, which the governor’s campaign spent $12 million to air across the state, opens with images of a house, an apartment complex and rural home.
Gina Hinojosa says her campaign has raised $20 million to challenge Greg Abbott Original
Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa talks to supporters at the Eldorado Ballroom in Houston on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Elizabeth Conley/Houston Chronicle Gina Hinojosa said Thursday that her campaign to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott has raised $20 million, a massive jump for the Austin Democrat who had struggled to raise money against the well-funded Republican incumbent. It is the latest sign of a tightening race for the highest office in the state.
Gina Hinojosa is betting that voters are tired of culture wars -- and Greg Abbott
Gina Hinojosa had a plea for the crowd that came to hear her stump in McAllen last week during a swing through the Rio Grande Valley: set aside the culture wars. People are struggling to make ends meet, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate said. Some teachers have told her they started donating blood to earn extra money to pay their bills. One left the profession to drive for Uber because they said the pay and insurance were better.
Gina Hinojosa is betting that voters are tired of culture wars — and Greg Abbott Original
Democratic candidate for Texas governor Gina Hinojosa, center, stands on stage with other Democratic candidates after speaking at a rally, Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex) Justin Rex/AP Photo/Justin Rex Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at the Republican convention Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, in Dallas.
Texas to receive $7.5B from DHS for Greg Abbott’s border crackdown under Biden Original
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and incoming Border Czar Tom Homan make remarks at a Thanksgiving lunch event at Forward Operating Base Eagle, a newly built military base serving Operation Lone Star near the Rio Grande River on Tues, Nov. 26, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. Christopher Lee/Staff Photographer The federal government will send Texas at least $7.5 billion to repay the state for Gov. Greg Abbott’s more than $11 billion border security crackdown, the governor’s office said Friday.
ICE officer at center of Texas extradition fight now faces federal charges
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who Gov. Greg Abbott has refused to extradite to Minnesota now faces federal charges for lying about the January shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis. Federal prosecutors have charged Christian Castro, the ICE officer who shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg in January, with making false statements to federal investigators, according to a source familiar with the federal investigation.
ICE officer at center of Texas extradition fight now faces federal charges Original
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro gets into a car surrounded by news reporters moments after being released from the Carrizalez-Rucker Cameron County Detention Center in Brownsville, Texas on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. Michael Gonzalez/AP Photo/Michael Gonzalez An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who Gov. Greg Abbott has refused to extradite to Minnesota now faces federal charges for lying about the January shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis.
ICE officer at center of Texas extradition fight now faces federal charges
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer Christian Castro gets into a car surrounded by news reporters moments after being released from the Carrizalez-Rucker Cameron County Detention Center in Brownsville, Texas on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. Michael Gonzalez/AP Photo/Michael Gonzalez An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who Gov. Greg Abbott has refused to extradite to Minnesota now faces federal charges for lying about the January shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis.
Texas' first study of maternal deaths since banning abortion won't be ready by the midterms
Health officials say they need more time to complete a report on maternal deaths - likely punting the fullest accounting of pregnancy-related deaths since the state's abortion ban took effect until after the midterms. The biennial report has historically been released on Sept. 1, but lawmakers were informed last week that it would not be completed by then. The Department of State Health Services said the report will be finished by Dec. 1 under a new deadline the state Legislature approved last year.
Texas' first study of maternal deaths since banning abortion won't be ready by the midterms Original
FILE - A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus, Dec. 17, 2021, in Jackson, Miss. Rogelio V. Solis/AP Health officials say they need more time to complete a report on maternal deaths — likely punting the fullest accounting of pregnancy-related deaths since the state’s abortion ban took effect until after the midterms. The biennial report has historically been released on Sept.
Greg Abbott is campaigning to make Texas more affordable. Here's what his plan tackles -- and misses.
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Greg Abbott is campaigning to make Texas more affordable. Here's what his plan tackles - and misses
Gov. Greg Abbott has made affordability a central theme of his campaign, rolling out a smorgasbord of policy proposals he says will bring down the cost of living in Texas. "We're going to make Texas one of the most affordable states in the United States of America," the Republican governor vowed at a recent campaign stop. It is something of a new approach for the governor, who has been the state's top executive for more than a decade and has never before focused a campaign around cost of living.
ICE agent at center of extradition fight released from Texas jail
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis was released from a South Texas jail Thursday morning after a judge ruled he could no longer be detained while Minnesota seeks his extradition. Christian Castro, the ICE agent, was released from Cameron County jail at 6:59 a.m., sheriff Manuel Trevino said. READ MORE: ICE agent accused of Minneapolis shooting can be released from Texas jail, judge says Gov.
ICE agent at center of extradition fight released from Texas jail
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis was released from a South Texas jail Thursday morning after a judge ruled he could no longer be detained while Minnesota seeks his extradition. Christian Castro, the ICE agent, was released from Cameron County jail at 6:59 a.m., sheriff Manuel Trevino said. Gov.
ICE agent at center of extradition fight released from Texas jail
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at the Texas GOP convention in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston Friday, June 12, 2026. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis was released from a South Texas jail Thursday morning after a judge ruled he could no longer be detained while Minnesota seeks his extradition.
ICE agent at center of extradition fight released from Texas jail
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at the Texas GOP convention in the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston Friday, June 12, 2026. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images) Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspap/Houston Chronicle via Getty Imag An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis was released from a South Texas jail Thursday morning after a judge ruled he could no longer be detained while Minnesota seeks his extradition.
ICE agent accused of Minneapolis shooting can be released from Texas jail, judge says
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis can be released from a Texas jail as Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to approve his extradition to Minnesota, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. The judge denied Minnesota's request for a temporary restraining order to prevent the officer, Christian Castro, from being released under Texas law, which sets a 90-day limit on the detention of fugitives awaiting extradition.
ICE agent accused of Minneapolis shooting can be released from Texas jail, judge says Original
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference addressing foreign influence in public education at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin, Aug. 18, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis can be released from a Texas jail as Gov. Greg Abbott refuses to approve his extradition to Minnesota, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
Greg Abbott has 'serious doubts' ICE agent arrested in Texas is a fugitive
Gov. Greg Abbott has "serious doubts" that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis is a fugitive whom he is legally bound to return to Minnesota, as officials there have requested, according to court filings in the case. The officer, Christian Castro, was arrested in Texas and is being held in Cameron County. He could be released from jail as soon as Wednesday under Texas law, which sets a 90-day limit on the detention of fugitives awaiting extradition.
Greg Abbott has ‘serious doubts’ ICE agent arrested in Texas is a fugitive Original
Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference addressing foreign influence in public education at the Texas Public Policy Foundation in Austin, Aug. 18, 2026. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman Gov. Greg Abbott has “serious doubts” that an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent accused of shooting a man in Minneapolis is a fugitive whom he is legally bound to return to Minnesota, as officials there have requested, according to court filings in the case.
Can counties stop data centers? Ken Paxton won’t say. Original
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks to the press following his rally at The Angry Elephant as part of his Protecting the Texas Promise Tour, Saturday, August 8, 2026, in San Antonio. Paxton is running against James Talarico for a U.S. Senate seat. Alma E.
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