Texas Government News

The early auditions for the Republican Party's next presidential contest are in full swing at the nation's largest annual gathering of conservative activists, where some of the GOP's most prominent religious conservatives are facing off.

The last abortion clinic in the vast, impoverished Rio Grande Valley closed Thursday, along with the sole remaining clinic in the 100-mile stretch between Houston and the Louisiana border, posing a tall obstacle to women seeking to end pregnancies across a wide swath of the nation's second-largest state.

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DPS is increasing DWI patrols from March 7 through March 23, which coincides with one of the busiest Spring Break periods in Texas.

Protesters carry signs during an abortion rights march that originated at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, July 8, 2013.

There's an obvious trend here, then-Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison challenged Gov. Rick Perry, but with no serious contest this year for governor , Republican turnout stayed up and, despite the national hoopla for Davis, Democratic turnout declined somewhat rather than surged.

Texas governor candidate Wendy Davis , facing an uphill battle in November, said Thursday she plans to welcome Obama when he visits the Lone Star State in early April.

Senator Ted Cruz speaks during a news conference at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, on Monday, April 1, 2013.

Two abortion clinics in Texas are closing, bringing the state's total down to 20 as abortion providers struggle to stay open under new state laws.

For the first time, the public can watch the dramatic video of the shooting and police chase that concluded with the death of an accused killer.

As Texans were roaring, "Abolish Obamacare," Tuesday, with 93 percent of reported Texas voters, mostly Libertarians and Republicans, opting to repeal Obamacare , Texas Senator Ted Cruz tweeted, "Another day, another illegal Obamacare delay: This is nonsense."

Incumbent David Dewhurst and state Sen. Dan Patrick will compete in a May 27 runoff.

State representative Marisa Marquez is all smiles as she looked at early voting results along with David Herrera Jr., her district director, which showed her ahead by a 2-1 margin over her opponent Lyda Ness-Garcia for the District 77 race.

Texas Republicans picked the state's attorney general, Greg Abbott, in the fight to succeed longtime Governor Rick Perry, while a rising Democratic star, Wendy Davis, coasted to her party's nomination Tuesday night during the nation's first statewide primary.

Officials are preparing for a more extensive investigation into a gas leak and explosion that devastated a suburban town house development, killing one woman and injuring seven workers.

Officials are preparing for a more extensive investigation into a gas leak and explosion that devastated a suburban town house development, killing one woman and injuring seven workers.

George P. Bush, holding his with son Prescott, turned out to vote in the primary election Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at North High Mount Elementary School in Fort Worth, Texas.

Diena Thompson, right, mother of the late Somer Thompson, reacts after the Florida Senate passed SB526, a sexual offender bill, Tuesday.

Despite rain and cold in Tuesday's forecast, thousands of people were expected to line the traditional parade routes overnight to get a prime spot for Mardi Gras - New Orleans' biggest show.

Besides races for Congress, Texas Gov. Rick Perry's decision to retire after a record 14 years sets off scramble for governor, attorney general, comptroller and other statewide offices.