Austin, TX

Runoffs, border camp, Capitol chaos, Trump verdict: This Week in Texas Politics

Published

2 years ago

June 1, 2024

Runoffs, border camp, Capitol chaos, Trump verdict: This Week in Texas Politics

May runoffs: This Week in Texas Politics

This Week in Texas Politics was dominated by the recent May runoff elections, but there were several other big stories this week. FOX 7 Austin’s chief political reporter Rudy Koski and our panel of political analysts break it down.

AUSTIN, Texas – This Week in Texas Politics was dominated by the recent May runoff elections and the fallout, but there were several other big stories this week.

FOX 7 Austin’s chief political reporter Rudy Koski and our panel of political analysts break down the big headlines.

RUDY KOSKI: Let’s get the headlines from our panel, and we’ll start first with Patrick Svitek with The Washington Post. Patrick, what’s your headline for the week?

PATRICK SVITEK: The Speaker survives, but more incumbents lose.

RUDY KOSKI: Political analyst Mark Wiggins, your headline for the week.

MARK WIGGINS: The return of the speaker.

RUDY KOSKI: And Brian Smith from St Edward’s University. Brian, what’s your headline for the week?

BRIAN SMITH: Ken Paxton’s revenge train derailed: Dade Phelan holds on to his seat.

Dade Phelan claims victory in runoff

House Speaker Dade Phelan was victorious in his home district Tuesday night, after a hard-fought primary runoff race against GOP challenger David Covey.

MORE TEXAS POLITICS NEWS

RUDY KOSKI: The school choice/impeachment revenge tour really scored some victories on Tuesday night, but Speaker Phelan survived. The GOP civil war did not end. And Patrick, there are two House members right now saying they’re going to take on Dade Phelan.

PATRICK SVITEK: You know, he is going to have to explain to members all these incumbent losses that he presided over. The knock on him is that he had to focus on his race and he wasn’t able to spread as much money and resources around to help all these other incumbents who were those caught in pretty heated primaries.

MARK WIGGINS: You know, the folks are putting their name in the ring here. I think they see an opening. But if the speaker is able to retain his core of support, they’re going to be a real trouble.

BRIAN SMITH: He only had three challengers in 2023, so this is nothing new for him. The big difference, of course, is the caucus has moved, Right. So, the coalition that elected him last time isn’t there.

RUDY KOSKI: Governor Greg Abbott did do an actual real victory lap on Friday down in Eagle Pass. He welcomed the first 300 Texas National Guard soldiers to his newly built border base camp, Mark, that, of course, is a clear political win.

MARK WIGGINS: Yeah, I’ve said it before, border security continues to poll as a top issue for Republicans and Democrats in the state of Texas. It’s one where Republicans feel like they can show a favorable contrast with the Biden administration, and the governor is going to want to make sure he keeps the spotlight on that.

Low voter turnout in May runoff elections

Statewide, early voting numbers pointed to an Election Day dud. Not even two congressional runoffs have brought out the votes.

RUDY KOSKI: One of the things that was settled Tuesday night also involves Brant Hagenbuch. He was endorsed by Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick. He won the Senate District 30 seat despite claims that he didn’t meet residency rules. Newly minted Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George on Thursday said he will not consider the complaint that was filed, indicating voters made the call in that race. So, Brian, certainly the first big test for the new GOP chairman.

BRIAN SMITH: Yeah, this was the first big test. And he sidestepped it nicely by saying, let the voters make the call. He’s got bigger problems with the caucus, that’s fractured in many ways. And if he gets into the weeds right now, they’ll never get out of them.

RUDY KOSKI: Now, there were some notable developments regarding two congressional seats. Congressman Tony Gonzalez surviving a runoff with a Republican YouTube personality. And we learned that Democrat Congressman Henry Cuellar will face a House ethics investigation regarding the bribery indictment against him. Patrick, on Capitol Hill what’s the feeling up there? Which one is the hot seat?

PATRICK SVITEK: Honestly, I think the focus has been more in the political world on Tony Gonzales’ prospects. I mean, you know, this was a race that I think really was emblematic of some of the divides we’ve seen among House Republicans on Capitol Hill. Some of Gonzales’ own Republican colleagues endorsed or campaigned for his challenger, Brandon Herrera, and it ended up being a legitimate political scare and close call for Gonzalez, who had a lot going for him. He had a huge financial advantage. And when the dust settled on primary runoff election night, I think he only won by a point or two. You know, I think it has to be a humbling experience for Gonzales, who is someone I should note likes to publicly boast about how much of a political animal he is and how he likes to confront his political opponents.

RUDY KOSKI: Believe it or not, some legislating actually did happen this week. The Senate State Affairs Committee discussed concerns about voter ballot security and if Delta 8 and Delta 9 hemp products need more state regulations, both have potential for pushback. Mark, which one is the bigger political landmine?

MARK WIGGINS: You know, I have to say, the one that has the most profound impact on all of us is going to be the election security issue. And I’d be interested to see if the legislature continues looking at some sort of tort reform to curtail some of these frivolous election laws.

Trump found guilty in hush money trial

BREAKING: A New York Jury has found former Pres. Trump guilty on all 34 felony counts in his criminal hush money trial.

RUDY KOSKI: No surprises in the Texas reaction to the conviction of President Trump. Outrage and joy split right down party lines. I think the January chaos in the House went to the back burner Thursday. And the maybe we just saw the first wave of a November tsunami starting, maybe. What do you think about that?

BRIAN SMITH: Well, this definitely changes the entire complexion of the race.

MARK WIGGINS: There’s been extensive polling done on the question of whether a conviction makes voters less likely to support him. And it does.

RUDY KOSKI: He certainly is a bear that’s been poked.

PATRICK SVITEK: Clearly, there is a short-term political gain for him to be had here, at least in terms of energizing his base supporters.

RUDY KOSKI: Let’s end it there and wrap up the week with one word and we’ll start with Brian. Brian, what’s your word for the week?

BRIAN SMITH: Guilty.

PATRICK SVITEK: Verdict.

MARK WIGGINS: I’m going to go with Survivor, back in the runoffs.

RUDY KOSKI: And that is This Week in Texas Politics.

A longer discussion about the week can be found on the FOX 7 Austin YouTube channel.

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Austin, TX

Texas A&M holds off Texas, ends long drought in Austin

Published

3 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Texas A&M holds off Texas, ends long drought in Austin

Rashaun Agee and Rylan Griffen scored 17 points each as Texas A&M outlasted Texas 74-70 on Saturday in a key Southeastern Conference dustup between the two rivals in Austin, Texas.

The contest was tied at 29 at halftime before the Aggies (14-4, 4-1 SEC) surged to the front by 10 points early in the second half. Texas pulled to within 68-62 when Jordan Pope converted a four-point play with 4:37 left.

Ali Dibba’s layup and a 3-pointer by Jacari Lane, the latter with 3:02 remaining, built the A&M lead to 11 points but the Longhorns made a final surge, drawing to 73-70 on Chendall Weaver’s putback layup with 7.9 seconds to play.

Lane then canned a free throw to close out the game and the Longhorns, as Texas A&M ended an 11-game road losing streak to the Longhorns.

Ruben Dominguez added 10 points and Agee grabbed 11 rebounds for the Aggies, who have won seven of their past eight games.

Pope and Dailyn Swain led Texas with 17 points apiece, with Matas Vokietaitis scoring 14 and Tramon Mark adding 13 points. The Longhorns (11-7, 2-3 SEC) had a two-game winning streak snapped.

Texas opened the game by scoring seven of the first nine points before the Aggies roared back with a 10-2 run, going up 12-9 on a putback dunk by Jamie Vinson at the 10:49 mark of the half. A&M pushed its lead to four points on a Pop Issacs’ layup with 8:37 to play but the Longhorns swung back, retaking the lead at 15-14 when Mark drove the lane for a short jumper 50 seconds later.

Texas expanded the margin to six points after Swain’s free throw with 3:36 to play until halftime but the Aggies answered with a 11-2 run punctuated by a pair of free throws by Lane with 17 seconds left in the half. That was just enough time for Mark to find the space to hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer that tied the game at 29 at the break.

Vokietaitis led all scorers with 11 points before halftime while Agee and Dominguez hit for seven each to pace Texas A&M.

A&M roared out of the gate over the first four-and-a-half minutes of the second half, building a 46-36 lead after Dibba’s layup with 15:25 to play.

–Field Level Media

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Austin, TX

Top 5 Events In Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Published

15 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Top 5 Events in Austin Today - Saturday, 17th January, 2026 - Collage

Updated: Saturday, January 17, 2026

This Saturday, January 17th, 2026, Austin is radiating with energy, offering a soulful blend of wellness, history, and world-class performance!

Below is my list of the Top 5 events in Austin today. For a complete round-up, check out my article on the best Events Happening in Austin this Weekend!

Today’s highlights offer something for every vibe, whether you’re seeking a fresh perspective at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin or honoring a powerful legacy at the MLK Kids Event in San Marcos. For those looking to move, the Mind, Body, Vacancy series at Vacancy Brewing kicks off your morning with community-focused wellness.

As evening falls, you can choose between the breathtaking choreography of the Mark Morris Dance Group at Bass Concert Hall or an intimate, string-quartet tribute to Coldplay under the glow of candlelight in Georgetown. Whether you’re exploring the arts, diving into spiritual wellness, or enjoying family-friendly history, these top picks capture the very best of the Greater Austin area this Saturday.

Read on to plan your day and make some unforgettable memories in Central Texas!

Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the latest information. However, all information mentioned in this article is subject to change. As always, please confirm before heading out.

Top 5 Events in Austin Today – Saturday, 17th January, 2026

Metaphysical Fair for Austin

Image Credit: heartoftexasfairs.com

Experience a day of insight and transformation at the Metaphysical Fair for Austin. Visitors can connect with gifted psychics, healers, and intuitive readers while exploring a variety of metaphysical vendors.

The event also offers a unique opportunity to discover crystals and spiritual tools designed to provide guidance and refresh your energy for the year ahead.

Where: Wyndham Garden Austin, 3401 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78741
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026
How Much: Free

MLK Kids Event

Image Credit: dhasmtx.com

Join the Dunbar Heritage Association for a vibrant celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This family-friendly event invites children and teens (ages 3–18) to engage with history through new books, art, videos, and hands-on crafts.

Where: San Marcos Public Library, 625 E Hopkins St, San Marcos, TX 78666
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 10:30 am – 1 pm
How Much: Free

Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay on Strings

Experience the music of Coldplay reimagined for a string quartet at the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University.

The evening’s tentative program features orchestral arrangements of the band’s most iconic hits, including “Yellow,” “The Scientist,” “Fix You,” and “A Sky Full of Stars.” Secure your tickets to enjoy these contemporary anthems in an intimate, atmospheric environment.

Where: Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center at Southwestern University, 1001 E University Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 8:45 pm
How Much: Starts at $31

Mind, Body, Vacancy: Social Wellness Series at Vacancy Brewing

Top 5 Events in Austin Today - Social Wellness Series at Vacancy Brewing

Image Credit: Vacancy Brewing FB Page

Join us at Vacancy Brewing for Mind, Body, Vacancy, a four-week social wellness series at Vacancy Brewing focused on movement, community, and good vibes. Each week brings a new local fitness partner and class style, all levels welcome.

Where: 415 E St Elmo Rd 1 d2, Austin, TX 78745
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 11 am
How Much: Free

Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love

Top 5 Events in Austin Today - The Look of Love

Image Credit: texasperformingarts.org

This production celebrates Bacharach’s sophisticated musical style, which blends jazz, rock, and Brazilian influences with the evocative, bittersweet lyrics of Hal David. The production is anchored by a live ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, led by the powerhouse vocals of Broadway star Marcy Harriell.

Where: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin, TX 78712
When: Saturday, January 17, 2026 | 7:30 pm
How Much: Not stated

Lacey is a freelancer and Austin local who’s always on the hunt for new restaurants to try, fun activities to do, and local events to attend. She loves sharing her discoveries with others through her writing and hopes her work encourages both visitors and locals to be active in the community. When she’s not writing, you can find her exploring one of the city’s many hiking trails with her Blue Heeler, Oreo, getting lost in a good book, or dancing the night away to some house or techno beats at one of her favorite rave spots.

Austin, TX

Central Texas ICE operations called ‘not American’ as concern of future raids grows

Published

1 day ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

Central Texas ICE operations called ‘not American’ as concern of future raids grows

AUSTIN, Texas — The organization Mano Amiga and U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett have voiced strong opposition to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Central Texas. Natasha Martin from Mano Amiga expressed concern over the impact of these operations, stating, “Fear is definitely the emotion that is at the forefront of the community.” Martin added that ICE’s actions are “eroding community trust, and it is putting vulnerable families at risk.”

Rep. Doggett criticized ICE agents after viewing footage of an arrest in Hays County, which reportedly resulted in a detainee being injured. “ICE is going out and deliberately causing violent situations,” Doggett said, emphasizing that such actions are “not American.”

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, defended ICE officers, stating they are trained in “driving training, firearm training, de-escalation training.”

While Doggett supports the removal of undocumented immigrants causing trouble, he insists on demanding more information from ICE.

ALSO| ICE operations confirmed in Hays County, local officials respond

Most notably, transparency when it comes to notifying the appropriate officials, saying, “what we can do is continue to demand more information from them,” and that a lack of notification, “It’s unfair to them. It’s unfair to our neighbors to have these kinds of mask operations dragging people out of cars and homes.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office did not directly respond to inquiries about whether they were notified ahead of the operations, but reiterated support for the Trump administration’s deportation efforts. Press Secretary Andrew Mahaleris stated the following:

Governor Abbott fully supports using every tool and strategy to aid in the Trump Administration’s deportation of illegal immigrants, and city and county officials across the state should fully cooperate in those efforts. Texas is a law-and-order state, and it works hand in glove with ICE every single day to uphold the laws of this country. Texas will continue to assist the Trump Administration in arresting, detaining, and deporting illegal immigrants.

Doggett announced he would not support an upcoming appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security, advocating instead for border security. Meanwhile, Austin city leaders plan to review local police policies regarding compliance with ICE.

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