Campaign News
05/12/2020

Eckhardt Now a Full-time Candidate and Endorsement News for May 12

TXElects

SD14 special: Sarah Eckhardt’s resignation as Travis County Judge to be a candidate for the seat vacated by former Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) took effect today (Tuesday). Former County Judge Sam Biscoe was sworn into office and will be the interim county judge until a November special election determines who will serve out the remainder of her unexpired term. Eckhardt resigned when she announced her candidacy for the Senate as required by the Texas Constitution’s resign-to-run provision. She later said she would stay on the job to lead the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the campaign of Rep. Eddie Rodriguez (D-Austin) announced he has raised more than $500K since January 1, which would mean he has raised just over $400K since his 8-day-out report before the Democratic primary.

Austin public policy analyst Adryana Aldeen announced she would not seek the seat vacated by former Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin). The filing deadline is tomorrow (Wednesday). It would have been her second run for a House seat. As Adryana Boyne, she unsuccessfully challenged then-Rep. Stefani Carter (R-Dallas) in the Republican primary for HD102, receiving 5% of the vote.

EMILY’s List: EMILY’s List announced its first general election endorsements, including Reps. Rhetta Bowers (D-Rowlett), Gina Calanni (D-Katy), Vikki Goodwin (D-Austin), Terry Meza (D-Irving) and Erin Zwiener (D-Driftwood). The group endorsed Democratic challengers Lydia Bean (HD93-Krause), Elizabeth Beck (HD97-Goldman), Angela Brewer (HD64-Stucky), Brandy Chambers (HD112-Button), Sharon Hirsch (HD66-Shaheen) Natali Hurtado (HD126-Harless) and Eliz Markowitz (HD28-Gates).

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies. In the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, steelworkers union leader Marcos Vélez is gaining traction with major labor backing and fresh scrutiny over fundraising ties linked to Texas Majority PAC as the primary nears. Lastly, Abbott says the White House is developing a plan to “recalibrate” ICE enforcement after fallout in Minnesota, as Texas simultaneously weighs billions more for Operation Lone Star and its ongoing border strategy.

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Texas is facing a pivotal legal test over its election system as Republicans seek to end open primaries, a move that supporters frame as protecting party autonomy and critics warn could create new barriers to voter participation. At the same time, federal officials are considering a land exchange that would allow SpaceX to expand its South Texas launch site, renewing debate over how to balance economic growth with the preservation of sensitive wildlife habitat along the Gulf Coast. Lastly, a federal judge has blocked a new Texas law regulating children’s access to app stores, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty over how far states can go in policing online safety without infringing on constitutional rights.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

#44 - Hope Osborn: Building Community for Women in Texas Politics with Pink Granite
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Welcome to Episode #44 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Hope Osborn, Co-Founder of The Pink Granite Foundation.

Hope brings more than a decade of experience across the Texas Capitol, having worked in both chambers, both parties, and in the advocacy world. She shares the story behind The Pink Granite Foundation and how it has grown into a nonpartisan force for uplifting, connecting, and supporting women in Texas politics. From its grassroots beginnings to the impact of the 2025 Pink Granite Party, Hope provides an inside look at how the organization strengthens the political ecosystem.

Laura and Hope explore the nonprofit’s mentorship programs, year-round community-building efforts, and the unique pressures women face working under the dome. Hope offers insight into why women’s leadership in politics matters, how to break down persistent barriers, and what the future looks like for the next generation of female leaders in Texas policymaking.

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Welcome back, friends,

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered a statewide freeze on new H-1B visa applications at Texas public universities and state agencies. In the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, steelworkers union leader Marcos Vélez is gaining traction with major labor backing and fresh scrutiny over fundraising ties linked to Texas Majority PAC as the primary nears. Lastly, Abbott says the White House is developing a plan to “recalibrate” ICE enforcement after fallout in Minnesota, as Texas simultaneously weighs billions more for Operation Lone Star and its ongoing border strategy.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
This is some text inside of a div block.

Welcome back, friends

Texas is facing a pivotal legal test over its election system as Republicans seek to end open primaries, a move that supporters frame as protecting party autonomy and critics warn could create new barriers to voter participation. At the same time, federal officials are considering a land exchange that would allow SpaceX to expand its South Texas launch site, renewing debate over how to balance economic growth with the preservation of sensitive wildlife habitat along the Gulf Coast. Lastly, a federal judge has blocked a new Texas law regulating children’s access to app stores, underscoring the ongoing uncertainty over how far states can go in policing online safety without infringing on constitutional rights.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!

Texas Political Spotlight
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Michael and Susan Dell’s unprecedented $6.25 billion pledge to expand federal “Trump Accounts” aims to boost long-term savings for 25 million American children. In Lubbock, Texas Tech’s new classroom restrictions on race, gender identity, and sexuality have ignited an immediate clash over academic freedom and curriculum control. And in Northeast Texas, Rep. Gary VanDeaver’s decision not to seek reelection opens a pivotal Republican primary.

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on X and LinkedIn!