Renzo Downey
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Lead writer, @TexasTribune’s The Blast. Formerly @Fla_Pol, @Statesman. @MedillSchool. Bay Area kid, SF Giants, pro cycling, #txlege. Signal: RenzoDowney.40
Articles by Renzo Downey
These are the most competitive November races and where they are up and down Texas’ midterm ballot Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . With Republicans bracing for a difficult midterm election, Texas appears to have its biggest slate of competitive races for the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress in years. The Texas Tribune has compiled a list of the most competitive general election contests, a measure of which are most likely to flip.
These are the most competitive November races and where they are up and down Texas’ midterm ballot
With Republicans bracing for a difficult midterm election, Texas appears to have its biggest slate of competitive races for the Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress in years. The Texas Tribune has compiled a list of the most competitive general election contests, a measure of which are most likely to flip. We evaluated all legislative and congressional districts in Texas up for election this year, spanning 38 U.S. House seats, all 150 seats in Texas House and 16 of the 31 seats in the Texas Senate.
Republicans won’t moderate if Democrats gain ground in the Texas House, hardline leader says
After hardline conservatives in the Legislature scored a laundry list of wins last session, state Rep. Mitch Little says conservatives won’t slow their roll if there’s a blue wave in the Texas House. The rightmost flank of the lower chamber grew its ranks from single digits to two or three dozen members after the 2024 election, depending on how you slice it.
Republicans won’t moderate if Democrats gain ground in the Texas House, hardline leader says Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today. After hardline conservatives in the Legislature scored a laundry list of wins last session, state Rep.
Texas lieutenant governor: Who is running and what to know
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Camp Mystic owners propose selling the property in bankruptcy
The owners of Camp Mystic have proposed selling off the riverfront property in bankruptcy with hopes that a buyer will preserve the camp’s “historic mission” after the death of 27 campers and counselors swept away by a 2025 flood. The century-old private Christian girls’ camp filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan on Sept. 25 that would auction off the 749 acres it owns and other assets.
John Fetterman Pushes Back Against Allegations He’s a Lazy Senator, Bad Democrat
News politics state Top Stories John Fetterman Pushes Back Against Allegations He’s a Lazy Senator, Bad Democrat A Decrease font size. A Reset font size. A Increase font size. by Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman defended his position in the Democratic Party on Saturday, arguing there should be more room for different opinions in the party.
Texas lieutenant governor: Who is running and what to know
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . Editor’s note: To help readers learn more about the candidates running for statewide seats, The Texas Tribune is sharing information about the Republican, Democratic and third-party candidates. For more information on midterms and the voting process, check out our election resources here.
Texas lieutenant governor: Who is running and what to know
Published: September 28, 2026 at 5:00 AM Sign up for our Newsletters Published: September 28, 2026 at 5:00 AM (Alfredo Palacios, Alfredo Palacios) Editor’s note: To help readers learn more about the candidates running for statewide seats, The Texas Tribune is sharing information about the Republican, Democratic and third-party candidates. For more information on midterms and the voting process, check out our election resources here.
John Fetterman Pushes Back Against Claims He’s A Lazy Senator, Bad Democrat
Major Garrett speaks with U.S. Sen. John Fetterman during a one-on-one conversation at The Texas Tribune Festival 2026 on Saturday. Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman defended his position in the Democratic Party on Saturday, arguing there should be more room for different opinions in the party.
John Fetterman Pushes Back Against Claims He’s A Lazy Senator, Bad Democrat
Major Garrett speaks with U.S. Sen. John Fetterman during a one-on-one conversation at The Texas Tribune Festival 2026 on Saturday.Eli Hartman for The Texas Tribune This story was published by the Texas Tribune. Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman defended his position in the Democratic Party on Saturday, arguing there should be more room for different opinions in the party. Politics: Dem Sen. John Fetterman Makes Virtual Appearance At RNC In Support Of GOP Sen.
John Fetterman pushes back against allegations he’s a lazy senator, bad Democrat
By Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune September 26, 2026 Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman defended his position in the Democratic Party on Saturday, arguing there should be more room for different opinions in the party. At the closing keynote of the Texas Tribune Festival, Fetterman said he doesn’t have a reason to join the Republicans, pointing to the fact that he joins the Democrats on most partisan votes. “I don’t have a reason to,” Fetterman said.
John Fetterman pushes back against allegations he’s a lazy senator, bad Democrat
Pennsylvania U.S. Sen. John Fetterman defended his position in the Democratic Party on Saturday, arguing there should be more room for different opinions in the party. At the closing keynote of the Texas Tribune Festival, Fetterman said he doesn't have a reason to join the Republicans, pointing to the fact that he joins the Democrats on most partisan votes. "I don't have a reason to," Fetterman said.
GOP nominee for San Antonio House seat apologizes for 'crude' social media posts Original
Jorge Borrego said he has matured since the years when he used homophobic slurs and racist tropes, and referenced cocaine use, in a series of social media posts that bubbled up this week. Kenneth Cheung/Getty Images Editor’s note: This story contains explicit language.
GOP nominee for San Antonio House seat apologizes for “crude and immature” social media posts
Editor’s note: This story contains explicit language. A Republican running for the Texas House in a marquee battleground district is reckoning with the recent unearthing of his decade-old social media posts, including ones that use homophobic slurs and racist tropes, which he says he now views as crude and immature.
Ted Cruz warns Talarico has 'real chance' to flip Texas’ U.S. Senate seat
Calling in to Sean Hannity’s radio show Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz offered a blunt warning cry to his party: Democratic state Rep. James Talarico has a legitimate shot at flipping Texas this year. “Unfortunately, I do think he has a real chance,” Cruz told Gov. Greg Abbott, who guest hosted the three-hour talk radio program. “I think this is a real race. I think it’s going to be close.
Ted Cruz warns Talarico has 'real chance' to flip Texas’ U.S. Senate seat
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Ted Cruz warns Talarico has “real chance” to flip Texas’ U.S. Senate seat
6 hours ago Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said her Democratic Senate primary race was "a racist race" in an interview published Wednesday and argued she didn't need to campaign with her former opponent and the party's nominee, James Talarico. Crockett said at the Essence Festival alongside the hosts of the …
Senate Leader John Thune and other national Republicans rallying for Paxton at fundraiser this month
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This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune will be a special guest at an upcoming fundraiser for Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Blast has confirmed Axios’ reporting that Thune, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott, future Texas senior Sen.
Senate Leader John Thune and other national Republicans rallying for Paxton at fundraiser this month
This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune will be a special guest at an upcoming fundraiser for Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Blast has confirmed Axios’ reporting that Thune, National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott, future Texas senior Sen.
A Muslim Texan sought to find his place in the party at the state GOP convention. He left in tears
HOUSTON — To some extent, Mohamed Hussein knew he was preparing to enter the lion's den. But he made the decision to attend the Republican Party of Texas Convention to confirm for himself that he had a place in the GOP, even as members of the party have railed for months about the urgency of ending Sharia Law and the so-called "Islamification" of Texas. What he found was a party that didn't want him.
A Muslim Texan sought to find his place in the party at the state GOP convention. He left in tears.
By Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune June 15, 2026 HOUSTON — To some extent, Mohamed Hussein knew he was preparing to enter the lion’s den. But he made the decision to attend the Republican Party of Texas Convention to confirm for himself that he had a place in the GOP, even as members of the party have railed for months about the urgency of ending Sharia Law and the so-called “Islamification” of Texas. What he found was a party that didn’t want him.
A Muslim Texan sought to find his place in the party at the state GOP convention. He left in tears. Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . HOUSTON — To some extent, Mohamed Hussein knew he was preparing to enter the lion’s den. But he made the decision to attend the Republican Party of Texas Convention to confirm for himself that he had a place in the GOP, even as members of the party have railed for months about the urgency of ending Sharia Law and the so-called “Islamification” of Texas.
At GOP convention, Abbott vows to “demolish” Democrats, calls for crackdown on H-1B visas and Sharia
HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday vowed to eviscerate Democrats in November’s midterm elections during a speech at the Texas GOP convention that previewed his next legislative priorities and his message for the fall campaign: tying the opposition to “Bernie Sanders socialism.” kAm$A62<:?8 E@ E9@FD2?5D @7 56=682E6D 2E E96 v6@C86 #] qC@H? r@?G6?E:@? r6?E6C :? 5@H?E@H?
At GOP convention, Abbott vows to “demolish” Democrats, calls for crackdown on H-1B visas and Sharia law Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . HOUSTON — Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday vowed to eviscerate Democrats in November’s midterm elections during a speech at the Texas GOP convention that previewed his next legislative priorities and his message for the fall campaign: tying the opposition to “Bernie Sanders socialism.” Speaking to thousands of delegates at the George R.
Texas GOP Chair Abraham George ousted by second-in-command D’rinda Randall
D’rinda Randall defeated incumbent Chair Abraham George to become the new leader of the Republican Party of Texas, citing her accomplishments as the party’s Vice Chair and support for grassroots members. George conceded the race before the convention began, urging unity behind Republican nominees for the fall midterm elections and emphasizing the need to continue standing for conservative principles outlined in the party’s platform.
Texas Republicans open state convention projecting unity after years of infighting Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . HOUSTON — Two years ago, the Texas GOP held its state convention in the throes of a ruthless primary fight aimed at ousting the Republican House speaker and more moderate lawmakers. This year, as the party braces for a tough midterm, delegates will gather in Houston under a historically unified spirit.
Screwworms are closer than ever to Texas, but not 1 mile away as lawmaker claims Original
This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback .
Incumbent Rep. Hubert Vo defeated in Democratic runoff Original
Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy , and give us feedback . Alief ISD Board President Darlene Breaux defeated state Rep. Hubert Vo in the Democratic runoff for Texas House District 149, bringing an end to the Houston representative’s career after more than two decades in the Legislature.
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