Texas Legislature

James Talarico ran up the score in the Panhandle, while rural Texans living along the Louisiana border stayed home.

After sweeping election wins on Tuesday, Texas Democrats are eyeing the upcoming legislative session as a chance to pursue major changes to public education, healthcare and affordability. But a Republican-controlled state Senate could limit how much they accomplish.

Democrats in Texas have claimed major offices and tipped the scales on the State House of Representatives, but here in Lubbock County, voters remained consistent in their Republican support.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick conceded the race in a statement late Tuesday.

Incumbent state senator Charles Perry will be returning to a very different state capitol than he has experienced over his nearly 17 years in office, while incoming Republican Congressman Tom Sell will be stepping into a House where his party is the minority. Both candidates say their responsibility in representing rural West Texas remains unchanged.

Families whose children attend private schools that don't participate in Texas' voucher program can still qualify for up to $2,000 in taxpayer- funded educational expenses.

The seat to represent Texas’ Senate District 28 in the state legislature is on the ballot in the November midterm elections. The seat is currently held by incumbent Charles Perry, who is facing against his first opponent since he was elected in 2014. KACU interviewed the first-time candidate Riley Rodriquez about his campaign and priorities.

The seat to represent Texas’ Senate District 28 in the state legislature is on the ballot in the November midterm elections. Charles Perry is the incumbent Republican running for the position. This is the first time since he was elected in 2014 that Perry has had competition for the seat. KTTZ sat down with Perry to discuss the issues he would be focused on in next year’s legislative session if re-elected, primarily those affecting rural communities, including data centers, public education, and affordability.

Texas officials say nearly 1.5 million homeowners now pay zero school property taxes. The state is supposed to hold districts "harmless," but some say there is a "gap."