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The House has passed a massive $337 billion budget focused on education, border security, and tax cuts. Meanwhile, former U.S. Attorney John Bash is making headlines as the first candidate to enter the race for attorney general, hoping to replace Ken Paxton as he eyes a Senate run. Lastly, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is officially seeking a historic fourth term, backed by Donald Trump and poised to solidify his legacy as one of the most powerful figures in state government.

Today’s Insights:

• Texas House Passes Their Version of SB 1, Focused on Education, Border Security, and Tax Cuts
• Bash Becomes First to Declare Candidacy for Texas Attorney General in 2026
• Lt. Gov. Patrick Calls Announces Bid For Re-election

Texas House Passes Their Version of SB 1, Focused on Education, Border Security, and Tax Cuts

The Texas House passed SB 1, a $337 billion two-year state budget following over 13 hours of debate that saw nearly 400 proposed amendments, most of which were rejected or set aside. The budget includes significant funding increases for public education, border security, and property tax relief. It allocates $154 billion in general revenue, the state's main pool of taxpayer dollars, with most going toward education, health services, and public safety. Notably, it leaves about $40 billion in general revenue unspent, well below the state's available funds unless both chambers agree to override a constitutional spending cap, which remains unlikely. The proposal passed with bipartisan support but also faced dissent from both sides: conservatives wanted more for tax relief, while some Democrats objected to school voucher funding.

Several high-profile amendments generated debate but ultimately failed, including attempts to defund the Texas Lottery, expand Medicaid, and redirect border security funds to other services like childcare or teacher salaries. A few amendments did pass, such as one that moves $70 million from Medicaid to the state's anti-abortion program, and another directing a study of clergy accused of child abuse. The budget maintains $1 billion for a proposed school voucher program and directs $51 billion toward property tax cuts. Lawmakers also approved a $12 billion supplemental budget for infrastructure, wildfire response, and university funding. Final negotiations will now move to a conference committee, where House and Senate members will reconcile the differences between the two chambers' versions of SB 1.

Bash Becomes First to Declare Candidacy for Texas Attorney General in 2026

Former U.S. Attorney John Bash has officially launched his campaign for Texas attorney general, becoming the first to enter the race to replace incumbent Ken Paxton, who is running for U.S. Senate. Bash previously served as the top federal prosecutor for the Western District of Texas and was a special assistant to President Donald Trump. Since leaving government service in 2020, he has taken on high-profile legal work in the private sector, including representing Elon Musk in a defamation case. His wife, Zina Bash, served as a senior counsel to Paxton until 2021.

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In his campaign announcement, Bash positioned himself as a strong conservative candidate, pledging to protect public safety, defend constitutional rights, and promote innovation and growth in Texas. He highlighted his prosecutorial record, including leading the cases against the 2018 Austin bomber and former state Sen. Carlos Uresti, who was convicted in a corruption scheme. Bash’s entry into the race follows Paxton’s recent announcement that he will challenge U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the upcoming election. While Paxton is not required to resign his post to run for Senate, state law prevents him from appearing on the ballot for two positions.

Lt. Gov. Patrick Calls Announces Bid For Re-election

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced he will seek a fourth term in office, emphasizing his continued focus on the current legislative session and noting that a formal campaign launch will follow. Patrick, who first took office in 2015 after unseating incumbent David Dewhurst, has been a prominent figure in advancing a conservative legislative agenda, including policies on border enforcement, school choice, and tax reductions. He received an early endorsement from former President Donald Trump, who praised his longstanding support and leadership in Texas. A former state senator and radio host, Patrick has become one of the most influential figures in Texas politics, overseeing a state Senate that analysts say has become increasingly aligned with his priorities. Polling from the Texas Political Project shows that a majority of conservative voters view Patrick’s performance positively, with an estimated 65% of Republicans polled as somewhat approving or strongly approving. Political experts suggest Patrick is unlikely to face serious opposition, and if re-elected, he will become the second-longest serving lieutenant governor in Texas history.

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