Texas
Texas runoffs put Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, state's GOP House speaker in middle of party feud
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas is out to save his job Tuesday in a GOP primary runoff that has put rifts within the party on display.
Gonzales, who has clashed with some of his hard-right colleagues in Washington and drawn a rebuke from the state party, is in a race against Brandon Herrera, a gun-rights YouTube creator with more than 3 million followers.
Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan also faces a tough challenge that could see him ousted from his powerful seat, upending the Republican-controlled Legislature. Phelan angered conservatives for leading the 2023 impeachment of state Attorney General Ken Paxton, who was later acquitted in a Senate trial and then set out to remove those who voted against him.
A Gonzales loss, his supporters warn, would give Democrats an opening to flip a traditionally moderate district in November, while a change in Texas House leadership could push the state’s policymaking even further right.
Here’s a look at the key primary runoffs in Texas:
A BIG BRAWL IN A BIG DISTRICT
Gonzales represents a sprawling district that spans some 800 miles (nearly 1,300 kilometers) of the Texas-Mexico border.
He was first elected in 2020 and easily won again in 2022, but the state Republican Party sanctioned him over a voting record that highlighted an independent streak. That included support for protecting same-sex marriage and for new gun-safety laws following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting, in his district, that left 21 people dead.
What to know about the 2024 Election
Gonzales has also clashed with some hard-right Republicans, calling them “scumbags.”
Herrera, a gun manufacturer and gun-rights activist, was second with nearly 25% of the vote in a five-way primary in March to force the runoff. Gonzales was first with 45%.
Gonzales has the support of some key Republicans who may be wary of ousting an incumbent from an ostensibly safe seat. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has attended a fundraiser for Gonzales, and Gov. Greg Abbott has endorsed him. Herrera’s support on the far right has included a campaign appearance with Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.
The winner will face Democrat Santos Limon in November.
Only one other House incumbent has been defeated this year: Republican Rep. Jerry Carl of Alabama, who lost an unusual primary to Rep. Barry Moore after the state was forced to redraw congressional districts.
WHO RUNS THE TEXAS HOUSE?
Usually reelection would be a shoo-in for a speaker whose Republican majority passed some of the toughest anti-abortion laws in the country, vastly expanded gun rights, supported Abbott’s highly visible anti-immigration platforms and curtailed LGBTQ+ rights.
Yet Phelan was pushed into a runoff with oil and gas consultant David Covey. Not only that, Phelan came in second in the March primary, meaning he has ground to make up Tuesday. The winner will not have a Democratic challenger in November.
A Phelan loss would start a new round of campaigning for speakership, which is chosen from among the state House members.
TRUMP TIES
Katrina Pierson, a former spokeswoman for former President Donald Trump, is up against incumbent Justin Holland for his state House seat in the Dallas suburbs.
Holland was among House Republicans who voted to impeach Paxton. He also voted to raise the age for purchasing assault rifles from 18 to 21, and voted against Abbott’s plan to spend public education money on private schools.
CHALLENGING CUELLAR
Republicans are also deciding who will run in November against Henry Cuellar, a longtime Democratic congressman who along with his wife was indicted this spring on federal bribery, money laundering and fraud charges. He has said he is innocent; three associates have pleaded guilty in related investigations.
Jay Furman, a retired Navy veteran, and rancher and businessman Lazaro Garza, are vying for the nomination to challenge Cuellar in the South Texas district that he has held since 2005. Both have campaigned on tighter border security and immigration restrictions.
There’s another Cuellar on the ballot, too: Rosie Cuellar, his sister, faces Cecilia Castellano in the Democratic runoff for a South Texas state House seat. The March primary was held before Henry Cuellar was indicted, and it is unclear whether his legal troubles will impact her campaign.
The winner advances to the November general election against Republican Don McLaughlin, who was mayor of Uvalde when the school shooting happened.
Texas
Texas Eats NOW: Fast Food Friday Taco Showdown and Fiesta Medal Fun
You can watch “Texas Eats NOW” Mondays through Saturdays at 10 a.m. – Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. on KSAT 12, KSAT.com, and KSAT Plus, our free streaming app.
Today on Texas Eats NOW:
FAST FOOD FRIDAY: GOOD FRIDAY EDITON
BILL MILLER BBQ: 871 E bitters Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
TOMMY’S RESTAURANT: 938 Wurzbach Pkwy #109, San Antonio, TX 78231
LAS PALAPAS: 11860 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
TACO PALENQUE: 15333 San Pedro Ave, Hill Country Village, TX 78232
MAMA MARGIE’S: 9950 I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230
Today’s show featured another edition of Fast Food Friday. Bean and cheese tacos, from five different establishments, were pitted against each other in honor of Good Friday. Bill Miller BBQ, Tommy’s Restaurant, Las Palapas, Taco Palenque, and Mama Margie’s battled it out, with each stop delivering its own take on the classic staple.
Highlighting the range of flavors and value found across San Antonio’s fast food scene, Bill Miller BBQ earned Best Bang for Your Buck, while Taco Palenque stood out with both Best Bite and Best Salsa. From longtime local institutions to quick-service favorites, the segment showcased how even the simplest taco can spark strong competition when it comes to taste, texture, and overall experience.
ALAMO CANDY COMPANY
1149 W Hildebrand Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Alamo Candy Company is a longtime San Antonio staple known for its sweet, sour, and spicy treats inspired by Mexican candy traditions. Founded in 1991 by Felix and Juanita Samame, the family-owned business has grown into a beloved destination offering everything from chamoy pickles and cherry bombs to house-made syrups and candy-coated favorites.
During the episode, Texas Eats NOW joined the excitement of Fiesta season as Alamo Candy Company hosted a 2026 medal giveaway. Fans lined up early to grab a limited KSAT Texas Eats Fiesta medal while enjoying the vibrant, warehouse-style shop that continues to serve generations of San Antonians with bold flavors and nostalgic treats.
Follow Texas Eats and David Elder on Facebook and Instagram for more food info, pictures, videos and giveaways.
Copyright 2025 by KSAT – All rights reserved.
Texas
How to watch UCLA vs. Texas in Women’s Final Four: Time, TV, stream
Women’s Final Four teams describe their team in one emoji
South Carolina, Texas, UConn, and UCLA give one emoji to describe their team ahead of the Final Four matchups.
Sports Seriously
PHOENIX — The UCLA and Texas women’s basketball teams are back in the Final Four for the second consecutive season. One team will advance a little further after both were beaten in the 2025 semifinals.
Texas (35-3) appeared in its last championship in 1986, when the Longhorns went 34-0. UCLA (35-1) has never been to a title game.”For us being back here again in the Final Four, it’s a hard task to do,” Texas forward Madison Booker said. “Right now, we’re trying to take it day by day. I think being present where you are. I think also sitting back and looking back at what you accomplished this season, kind of saying good job to yourself.”
USA TODAY Sports All-American Lauren Betts leads the Bruins with 17.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and a 57.9% field goal percentage. Booker, also a USA TODAY All-American pick, paces the Longhorns with 19.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.
Here’s what to know and how to watch the Final Four matchup between UCLA and Texas:
UCLA vs. Texas: Final Four date, start time
The UCLA Bruins and Texas Longhorns will face off Friday, April 3 at the Mortgage Matchup Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT)
- Date: Friday, April 3
- Location: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix)
How to watch UCLA vs. Texas: TV channel, streaming
UCLA vs. Texas will air live on ESPN at 9:30 p.m. ET, with streaming options on Fubo and ESPN Unlimited.
Watch Women’s NCAA Tournament games on ESPN Unlimited
Texas
Texas basketball coach laments transfer portal after Iowa State mass exodus
UCLA players share what makes Audi Crooks a special player
Players from UCLA are asked about Audi Crooks after she enters the transfer portal and what makes her a special player.
Sports Seriously
PHOENIX ― Texas women’s basketball coach Vic Schaefer could barely speak when he was recently asked about Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly and the mass exodus he’s experiencing with his program.
On Thursday, Cyclones center Audi Crooks announced her intention to enter the transfer portal. Crooks’ departure marked the 10th Iowa State player to reveal they will be leaving the team to pursue other options. A large number of players switching teams isn’t uncommon in the transfer portal era, but Fennelly’s program has been hit particularly hard in recent days.
When Schaefer was asked about what Fennelly is experiencing from a coach’s perspective, he paused, shaking his head and rubbing his hands together, deep in thought and visibly emotional. Eventually, he gave a heartfelt response to on-site media in the room ahead of Texas’ Final Four matchup on Friday against UCLA (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
“I mean, you’re talking about somebody that’s literally given his life to this game. It is hard. I’m obviously friends with Bill. His whole family has given so much to this game, to so many young women,” said Schaefer.
“It’s just not the same. It’s just not the same job it was five years ago, certainly not what it was 10, 15, 20 years ago. It’s just way different. … There was a thing called the dinosaur a while ago. What happened to them? They couldn’t figure it out. What happened? They became extinct. We better figure it out, or we’re going to become extinct. That’s just the way it is.”
Ultimately, Schaefer later admitted that he was saddened by what was happening to Fennelly.
“I’m so disheartened and disappointed, especially for him, because I know what he’s given to this game his whole life,” Schaefer said.
Fennelly released a statement on Thursday, sharing how much college basketball has changed and reassuring fans that Iowa State would move forward.
“It goes without saying that college sports have undergone tremendous change the past few years, and our program has obviously been impacted by the current landscape this spring. While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on,” Fennelly said.
“I look forward with enthusiasm to next season and promise you, we will have a team that represents all of you the Iowa State way.”
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