# Mark Teixeira's TX Primary Bid, ABC Probe & Bastrop Plant Lawsuit | USLege

> Ex-MLB star Mark Teixeira enters the race to replace Rep. Chip Roy with Trump and Abbott backing, federal regulators probe ABC over a Talarico interview, and…

Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/news/texas-political-spotlight-mark-teixeiras-tx-primary-bid-abc-probe-bastrop-plant-lawsuit

---

[News](/news)/[The Political Spotlight](/newsletters)

Newsletter

# Mark Teixeira's TX Primary Bid, ABC Probe & Bastrop Plant Lawsuit

Texas Political Highlights from the Week

Texas Political Spotlight February 13, 2026

This is the archive excerpt.

The complete issue, with every story in full, lives on The Political Spotlight.

[Read the full issue](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/p/texas-political-spotlight-cdcf) [Subscribe free](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/)

![](/assets/news/472130108aa3_69827cb5167fe02ff066a689_USLege_News.png)

**Welcome back, friends**

A crowded Republican primary to replace U.S. Rep. Chip Roy is taking shape as former MLB star Mark Teixeira pours millions into his campaign and secures endorsements from President Trump and Gov. Abbott, positioning himself as the early frontrunner in a race that will likely decide the next representative for the solidly red district. At the same time, federal regulators have launched an inquiry into ABC’s _The View_ after it interviewed Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. Meanwhile, Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing a Bastrop rendering plant over emissions described by residents as overwhelming and harmful, escalating a high-profile environmental dispute that has drawn hundreds of complaints and could result in significant penalties for the company.

![](/assets/news/93f2c543898b_699358dbe4bd6ef01c9243f3_1.jpeg)

> I’m excited to stand with President Trump to put America first and stop the radical, woke agenda.  
>   
> President Trump knows I’ll always fight to secure the border, grow the economy, and protect Texas families. [pic.twitter.com/du4LhWJ89o](https://t.co/du4LhWJ89o)
> 
> — Mark Teixeira (@teixeiramark25) [February 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/teixeiramark25/status/2020246164671717876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

![](/assets/news/30d6a22cffbe_699358dbe4bd6ef01c9243f0_2.jpeg)

> My mom is the only reason I’m on The View.  
>   
> She’s a fighter, she showed me how to stand up to the bullies.  
>   
> That's what I've done in the Texas Legislature, and that's exactly what I’ll do in the U.S. Senate. [pic.twitter.com/tfSgvFzMRM](https://t.co/tfSgvFzMRM)
> 
> — James Talarico (@jamestalarico) [February 3, 2026](https://twitter.com/jamestalarico/status/2018506917794984089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

![](/assets/news/b71ce5d90cf5_699358dbe4bd6ef01c9243f7_3.jpeg)

> 👃 Bastrop can’t escape the stink.  
>   
> Texas AG Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Darling Ingredients, accusing the Bastrop rendering plant of unlawfully releasing offensive odors. Neighbors have described the smell as dog food, cooked grease, and even death, all violations of… [pic.twitter.com/DvGq3xxSFw](https://t.co/DvGq3xxSFw)
> 
> — Chron (@chron) [February 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/chron/status/2021690815081251065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

We hope you enjoyed today’s read!

Stay connected with TXLege News on [X](https://x.com/TXLege_?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=ec055fdcee6c2b114a19ce72719c49d56bf23268) and [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/txlege/?utm_source=www.txlege.news&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=texas-political-spotlight&_bhlid=d306b9abb7e16a120af0ebcac6e1a2500631f35f)!

> Quick holiday break… then we’re right back to it. ☀️  
>   
> Bills & Business returns soon with our 2026 season. 🎧  
> AI. Business. Politics. All in one place. 🎙️  
>   
> Want to be a guest, or know someone we should interview? Let us know. 👀  
>   
> Details coming next. 🔜 [pic.twitter.com/g4PPqKDVeL](https://t.co/g4PPqKDVeL)
> 
> — USLege (@USLege\_ai) [January 15, 2026](https://twitter.com/USLege_ai/status/2011861005744177296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Read the complete issue

The Political Spotlight is free and weekly. Get the next one in your inbox.

[Full issue](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/p/texas-political-spotlight-cdcf) [Subscribe free](https://uslege.beehiiv.com/)

## More from _The Political Spotlight._

[Texas Political Spotlight Introducing the New Texas Political Spotlight | USLege News May 5, 2026](/news/texas-political-spotlight-introducing-new-uslege-news/) [Texas Political Spotlight Texas Hemp Lawsuit, Data Centers & Camp Fiber Mandates April 10, 2026](/news/texas-political-spotlight-texas-hemp-lawsuit-data-centers-camp-fiber-mandates/) [Texas Political Spotlight Texas Prison Heat Trial, NM Border Expansion & ESA Lawsuit April 3, 2026](/news/texas-political-spotlight-texas-prison-heat-trial-nm-border-expansion-esa-lawsuit/)

While you're here

## The platform behind the _coverage._

USLege is the AI legislative intelligence platform for all 50 states plus federal: bill tracking, live hearing video, full transcripts, and cited AI answers.

[Book a demo](/demo)