Welcome back, friends
In today’s briefing, we dive into the heated Texas Senate race, where U.S. Rep. Colin Allred has outraised Sen. Ted Cruz, setting new fundraising records as both candidates approach the 2024 election. Additionally, we look at the shifting dynamics in the Texas House Speaker race, as Rep. Matt Shaheen endorses David Cook over Speaker Dade Phelan, citing opposition to Phelan’s stance on gambling expansion.
Today’s Insights:
- Shaheen’s Move in the Texas House Speaker’s Race
- Allred Again Surpasses Cruz in Latest Fundraising Totals
Shaheen’s Move in the Texas House Speaker’s Race
Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) has shifted his support in the Texas House Speaker’s race, backing Rep. David Cook (R-Mansfield) over current Speaker Dade Phelan. Shaheen’s decision stems from his opposition to Phelan’s handling of gambling legislation, specifically the push to expand casino-style resorts and online sports betting. This shift could impact the race, as Shaheen is known for his cautious approach to political moves. Public polling shows growing support for expanded gambling, but the issue remains divisive among lawmakers, particularly within the conservative base.
Allred Again Surpasses Cruz in Latest Fundraising Totals
U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised $30.3 million in the third quarter of 2024, outpacing Sen. Ted Cruz, who brought in $21 million across his accounts. Allred’s total now stands at nearly $69 million, while Cruz’s combined total, including PAC contributions, is $40 million. Together, both candidates have raised over $132 million, breaking the previous fundraising record for a Texas Senate race. Despite being outraised similarly in 2018 by Democrat Beto O'Rourke, Cruz still won that election, showing fundraising alone may not determine the final outcome.
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#43 - Wes Benedict: Bridging Policy and Community with Texans for Reasonable Solutions
Welcome to Episode #43 of Bills & Business. In this episode, Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege, sits down with Wes Benedict, Grassroots Manager at Texans for Reasonable Solutions.
Wes brings years of advocacy experience and a steady, practical approach to community engagement. The conversation explores how Texas communities can navigate political tension, build cross-partisan coalitions, and create space for meaningful dialogue in an increasingly polarized environment.
They dive into the organization’s focus on key statewide issues including housing, infrastructure, water, and the evolving relationship between local and state governments. Wes breaks down why these policies matter for both everyday Texans and the business community, and how reasonable, bipartisan solutions can move conversations forward.
The episode closes with insights on how individuals can get involved, what success looks like in grassroots policy work, and what Texans should be watching as the special session unfolds.
Don’t forget to subscribe to Bills & Business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for more deep dives into Texas policy and business news.
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Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
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!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
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!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back, friends
Texas voters approved one of the largest property tax relief packages in state history on Tuesday, raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and granting new tax breaks for seniors, people with disabilities, and small businesses. In Austin, residents rejected Proposition Q, a plan to fund public safety, homelessness programs, and city facility initiatives through a property tax hike, forcing city leaders to rework the budget and brace for service cuts. Meanwhile, Bexar County voters narrowly passed Propositions A and B, greenlighting up to $311 million in tourism-funded support for a new downtown Spurs arena and upgrades to the Freeman Coliseum grounds.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
Texas Political Spotlight
Welcome back friends,
Former Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics, has died at 84, remembered by former President George W. Bush as a “patriot” whose intellect and conviction shaped decades of U.S. policy. In Texas, the Education Agency announced a sweeping takeover of Fort Worth ISD, the state’s second-largest intervention, citing years of academic underperformance and plans to install new local managers. And in Washington, a United Airlines flight was evacuated after a bomb threat, prompting an FBI investigation that later found no explosives, allowing operations to resume safely.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
