July 6, 2025
NEWS DIGEST
by Brandon Waltens
Good morning,
The Texas Senate is on track to see a significant shakeup next session, with four senators already announcing they won’t be returning—setting the stage for a wave of races and shifting political dynamics in the upper chamber.
The first domino fell in April, when State Sen. Mayes Middleton [[link removed]] (R–Galveston) declared his candidacy for attorney general, leaving his seat open after just one term. While Middleton will have to give up his Senate position to pursue statewide office, another Republican senator vying for the same job— Joan Huffman [[link removed]] (R–Houston)—will not. Huffman, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, isn’t up for re-election until 2028, allowing her a free ride as she enters the attorney general race.
State Rep. Dennis Paul [[link removed]] (R–Houston) was quick to announce his campaign for Middleton’s seat.
State Sen. Robert Nichols [[link removed]] (R–Jacksonville), one of the longest-serving members of the Senate, has also announced he won’t be seeking re-election. Nichols has represented East Texas in the chamber since 2007. His retirement has prompted early interest in the seat, with both State Rep. Trent Ashby [[link removed]] (R–Lufkin) and State Republican Executive Committee member Rhonda Ward launching campaigns to succeed him.
Another vacancy came even sooner. With State Sen. Kelly Hancock [[link removed]] (R–North Richland Hills) having stepped down early to serve as acting comptroller, a special election has been set for November to fill the remainder of his term. Republican activist Leigh Wambsganss and Democrat Taylor Rehmet have both launched campaigns for the seat.
And just last week, State Sen. Brian Birdwell [[link removed]] (R–Granbury) became the latest to bow out, announcing he would not seek re-election after more than 15 years in office. State Rep. David Cook [[link removed]] (R–Mansfield), who was recently the Republican Caucus’ nominee for House speaker, has entered the race for Birdwell’s seat.
Notably, some candidates have already received the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, including Dennis Paul in the race to succeed Middleton and Leigh Wambsganss in the special election to replace Hancock.
Featured Texas Republicans Urge Abbott To Add Redistricting to Special Session [[link removed]]
By Erin Anderson
Republicans are urging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to add congressional redistricting to a special legislative session this summer.
Redrawing the state’s congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections could help the GOP maintain a majority in the U.S. House and continue President Donald Trump’s America First agenda.
Republicans currently hold 25 of Texas’ 38 U.S. House seats. Democrats hold 12 seats and are expected to keep a thirteenth when voters fill a vacancy in a November 4 special election.
In total, the Republican-Democrat split in the U.S. House is 220-212, with three vacant seats previously held by Democrats.
Redrawn maps could shift a handful of Texas congressional districts to favor Republicans.
Read More [[link removed]]
Real Texans Bryan Burrough [[link removed]]
In this edition of REAL TEXANS, Michael speaks with Bryan Burrough and discusses his new book, “Gunfighters: How Texans Made The West Wild.” The discussion covers Burrough’s career in financial journalism, his transition into historical nonfiction, and the importance of looking at history with clarity.
New interviews with REAL TEXANS [[link removed]] every Sunday!
State Texas Joins 6 Other States in Banning Lab-Grown Meat [[link removed]]
Liberal billionaire Bill Gates has been a strong proponent of both lab-grown and plant-based “meat,” calling it the future for wealthy countries. Legislators Warn Universities to Comply With Federal Ruling on Discounted Tuition for Illegals [[link removed]]
Lawmakers say the burden is on university leaders to ensure compliance. Texas Schools To Implement New Regulations for Student Cell Phone Use [[link removed]]
In May, the Texas Legislature passed a measure requiring that schools regulate cell phone use to reduce classroom distractions.
Read more in State news... [[link removed]]
Local FBI Houston Arrests Chinese National for Spying on US Navy [[link removed]]
Another Chinese national was arrested in Oregon, and the pair are accused of surveilling U.S. military personnel and facilities. School Superintendent Investigated for Failure To Report Student’s Alleged Sex Crime [[link removed]]
Union Grove ISD Superintendent Kelly Moore is suspected of failing to report a student’s alleged invasive visual recording of another student while on campus. Ex-Houston ICE Officer Arrested for Bribery, Shielding Criminal Aliens From Deportation [[link removed]]
Prosecutors allege the scheme allowed individuals in the Harris County Jail to be released on bond, sidestepping federal removal proceedings.
Read more in Local news... [[link removed]]
Federal HHS Halts Gender Ideology Funding in Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program [[link removed]]
The notice follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming parents’ right to protect their children from content undermining their religious beliefs. 22 Houston Cases Named in Justice Department’s $15 Billion Healthcare Fraud Crackdown [[link removed]]
Federal prosecutors have charged more than 320 individuals in the largest healthcare fraud operation in U.S. history.
Read more in Federal news... [[link removed]]
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