Good morning,

Yesterday, we asked readers who they were supporting in the GOP primary to be the next attorney general of the Lone Star State. You'll find the survey results below.

This is the Texas Minute for Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Abbott Pledges To ‘Drive a Stake Through’ Property Tax

• In announcing his bid for a fourth term as Texas' governor, Greg Abbott unveiled what he called a bold new property-tax reform plan. Brandon Waltens outlines the details.
      
• Abbott’s proposal takes aim at skyrocketing property appraisals and local tax increases, arguing that it’s local governments—not the state—that are driving Texans’ rising bills. His plan would cap local government spending growth at the lesser of 3.5 percent or the rate of population growth and inflation. He also wants to require two-thirds voter approval before any local tax increase can take effect (a proposal he announced earlier this year but which failed to gain traction in the legislature).
      
• The most dramatic change the governor is proposing is a constitutional amendment eliminating school-district property taxes for homeowners.
       
• If Abbott wins in 2026, he would be on track to become the longest-serving governor in Texas history, surpassing Rick Perry’s 14-year tenure. Texas has no gubernatorial term limits, but no governor has ever been elected to four consecutive four-year terms.
      
• Filing for the 2026 primary elections opened November 8 and runs through December 8. Unlike four years ago, when Abbott faced multiple well-funded primary challengers, he enters this cycle with a massive financial advantage—nearly $100 million in campaign cash on hand. 

Paxton Sues Group Over Alleged Illegal Voter-Registration Scheme

• Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit seeking to dissolve the Democrat-aligned JOLT Initiative, accusing the voter-registration group of orchestrating a “systematic, unlawful voter-registration scheme” designed to “sabotage Texas election integrity and allow illegals to vote.”
     
• According to the filing, undercover investigators from Paxton’s office observed JOLT volunteers stationed outside Department of Motor Vehicles offices instructing people how to fill out voter-registration forms in ways that violated the Texas Election Code.
     
• JOLT describes itself as a nonprofit working to "increase civic participation among young Latinos." The group contends that Paxton is "abusing his authority" in bringing the lawsuit.
     
• "The left constantly tries to cheat and rig elections because they know they can’t win honestly." – Ken Paxton

Texas A&M Regents to Consider Restrictions on ‘Gender Ideology’ and ‘Race Ideology’

• Texas A&M University Regents will consider a proposal later this week that would require all courses teaching gender ideology or race ideology to receive explicit approval from campus presidents before they may be offered to students. Adam Cahn has the preview.
    
• Texas A&M’s proposal follows Texas State University’s recent adoption of a value-neutral instruction guide. While Texas State’s guide seeks to present controversial subjects in an unbiased manner, TAMUS’ proposal requires approval from the campus president where the class will be taught.
      
• This proposal comes on the heels of Chancellor Glenn Hegar promising action from the TAMU System on “indoctrination.”

MORE HIGHER EDUCATION NEWS

• In a letter sent yesterday to members of the Legislative Audit Committee, State Auditor Lisa Collier outlined a series of alarming findings from an ongoing audit of the historically black university in Houston. 
      
• Auditors found 743 invoices worth $282.2 million linked to contracts listed as expired, and 8,144 invoices totaling $158 million dated before the corresponding requisition dates.
      
• “Based on today’s audit update, I am calling for a Texas Ranger investigation of TSU. Everyone involved must be held accountable, from school employees to contractors, going back as many years as there are questionable records and practices.” – Dan Patrick 
   
• Later in the day, Gov. Greg Abbott also called on the comptroller to get involved.

Mount Pleasant Educator Accused of Sex Crimes Against Student

• Erin Anderson reports that a special education teacher’s aide in Mount Pleasant Independent School District has been arrested for sex crimes involving a student.
     
• JaQuaven Len Rogers worked at Wallace Middle School but was fired after the allegations surfaced. According to district officials, the alleged victim is a student at a different school in the district.
      
• Rogers received an educational aide certificate in November 2024.

Senate Legislation Holds Mexico Accountable for Water Delivery Requirements

• Legislation has been filed in the U.S. Senate to strengthen enforcement of the 1944 Water Treaty between Mexico and the United States. The goal is to ensure agricultural producers in South Texas have an adequate water supply. As Addie Hovland reports, there have been multiple instances since 1994 of Mexico not delivering the full amount of water as defined by the treaty.
    
• The measure, authored by Ted Cruz (R) and sponsored by John Cornyn (R), would limit U.S. engagement with the Mexican government until it provides the full amount of water defined by the treaty.

Quote-Unquote

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."

– Elmer Davis​

Y'All Answered

Filing for the 2026 primary nominating contests opened on Saturday and continues through Dec. 8. Among the most high-profile races in 2026 will be the open race to replace Ken Paxton as the state's attorney general.

Yesterday, we asked readers who they would support if that election were held today.

Here is a sampling from the responses we received:

• “They all look like good candidates. I guess I will have to see who works hardest on the campaign trail. Living in rural Northeast Texas, I will see who thinks we are worth their time to visit.” – Jennifer Rawson   
      
• “Frankly, none of them excite me, nor give me confidence like Paxton built.” – Steve Abernathy
      
• “We need someone that will fight for Texas and remove the threat of Islamic Epic cities in Texas. This isn't about Islamophobia, this is about reality and what they stand for.” – Donna Turner
      
• “Chip Roy will be greatly missed as our US Representative for the 21st District. He always "fought the good fight" in Congress. He would be a great Attorney General for Texas.” – Mike Belsick
      
• “I'd love to keep Ken Paxton as AG, but my vote is definitely for Chip Roy.” – Natalie Kuehn
      
• “I just heard interviews from True Texas Project. I’m torn between Mayes and Aaron.” – Maureen Smith
      
• “Ken Paxton told me that Aaron Reitz is his choice as he is the most qualified, far more than the others running.” – Bob Leach
      
• “Mayes Middleton has led conservative principles and values in the Texas Legislature and I expect he will continue to do so effectively as Texas Attorney General.” – Dale Huls

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