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In Texas political news, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Colin Allred faced off in their first Senate debate, offering sharp contrasts on major issues such as immigration and economic policy. A new University of Houston poll reveals the key concerns for Texas voters ahead of the 2024 elections, including inflation, border security, and healthcare. Additionally, a Super PAC supporting Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign is active in Texas, with business figure Elon Musk contributing to its efforts.
Today’s Insights:
- Cruz and Allred Face Off in Texas Senate Debate
- New Poll Sheds Light on Texas Voter Priorities for 2024
- Elon Musk Contributes to Pro-Trump Super PAC in Texas
Cruz and Allred Face Off in Texas Senate Debate
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz and Democratic Rep. Colin Allred faced off in their first debate in the 2024 Texas Senate race. Cruz highlighted his record on border security, reducing federal regulations, and combating inflation, emphasizing his experience as a two-term senator. He also accused Allred of supporting policies he said would lead to higher taxes and increased government control in areas like healthcare. Allred, a former NFL player and civil rights attorney, criticized Cruz’s role in past government shutdowns and portrayed him as out of touch with Texas voters. Allred also faced scrutiny from Cruz over his votes on key energy and oil issues, given Texas’s critical role in the energy sector. Key issues in the debate included immigration, Social Security, and economic policy. Both candidates used the debate to define their differences as they prepare for what is expected to be a closely watched Senate race in 2024.
New Poll Sheds Light on Texas Voter Priorities for 2024
A new poll conducted by the University of Houston’s Hobby School of Public Affairs reveals that Texas voters are most concerned about the economy, immigration, and public safety as the 2024 elections approach. Inflation remains the top issue across the board, with 28% of respondents naming it as their primary concern. The poll also showed significant partisan divides, with Republicans prioritizing border security and economic issues, while Democrats emphasized healthcare, voting rights, and climate change. These findings are expected to inform campaign strategies as candidates focus on addressing the issues that resonate most with their voter base.
Elon Musk Contributes to Pro-Trump Super PAC in Texas
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and X (formerly Twitter), has contributed $75 million to America PAC, a pro-Trump Super PAC, since July 2024, according to FEC filings. Musk endorsed Donald Trump for president on July 13, 2024, and his financial backing has significantly boosted Trump’s 2024 campaign. America PAC, with Musk’s support, has spent over $102 million on the race, backing Trump and opposing key Democrats. Musk has used his platform X to amplify his views on secure borders, sensible government spending, safe cities, a fair justice system, free speech, and self-protection. His involvement is expected to play a key role in shaping outcomes in Texas and other battleground states.
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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.
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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!
