Politics

Something’s Off With Ted Cruz’s Spanish Language Ads

Something’s Off With Ted Cruz’s Spanish Language Ads

In July Ted Cruz’s re-election campaign launched a major ad blitz focused on Hispanic voters in Texas. Axios reported the buy would include both broadcast and digital ads targeting Latino voters in Texas. As the ads have started rolling out, though, it’s clear the authentic portrait of Texas

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Ken Paxton On A Voter Fraud Warpath

Ken Paxton On A Voter Fraud Warpath

The fervent belief in rampant voter fraud has been a motivating factor for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for years. That idea that elections in Texas and across the country have been compromised was on display last year when Paxton spoke at an event for the conservative Heritage Foundation in

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
After Raids On Members, LULAC Calls For DOJ Investigation

After Raids On Members, LULAC Calls For DOJ Investigation

On Monday morning, several leaders with the Latino civil rights organization LULAC called upon the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice to investigate the actions of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Their call comes days after several members and volunteers reported that their homes were raided by an

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Texans Take The Spotlight At DNC Convention

Texans Take The Spotlight At DNC Convention

While Texas isn’t considered one of the major battleground states this year (although a recent poll suggests that indeed it is a state race where both Donald Trump and Ted Cruz are leading by single digits), many Texans left their mark at the DNC Convention.  On Monday night, a

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Kamala Harris On The Campaign Trail

Kamala Harris On The Campaign Trail

The last couple of days for Vice President Kamala Harris have been a whirlwind, but as she takes on her first events as the presumptive Democratic nominee for President it’s clearly emerging that she is delivering a distinct communicative style that leans into some of the salient issues concerning

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
President Biden Ends Re-Election Bid, Endorses Harris

President Biden Ends Re-Election Bid, Endorses Harris

On Sunday, President Joe Biden announced that he was ending his re-election bid in a statement published to social media. He quickly followed up the stunning announcement with his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President.  The Chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Gilberto Hinojosa,

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Incendiary Rhetoric And Misinformation Over Immigration

Incendiary Rhetoric And Misinformation Over Immigration

On the second day of the GOP Convention in Milwaukee, the Republican Party hammered a message centered on immigration. The day of programming, known as “Make America Safe Once Again,” featured a series of speeches promoting anti-immigrant talking points, many of which are factually untrue. Ahead of the day’s

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
The Future Project 2025 Envisions

The Future Project 2025 Envisions

While the drama surrounding President Biden appears to have reached a fever-pitch, with no clear sign of what’s to come, Donald Trump’s campaign churns along. And as the former president looks to reclaim his past position, Project 2025 has emerged as a visceral siren for what another Trump

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
A DACA Anniversary Amid Uncertain Future

A DACA Anniversary Amid Uncertain Future

Over the weekend the Biden Administration celebrated the twelfth anniversary of DACA with a poignant video highlighting several Dreamers who have benefited from the policy. The acknowledgment of the anniversary arrives as the Obama-era program has been hobbled by a hostile court system and faces a potentially grimmer future.  In

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Problems Plague Affordable Housing Agency

Problems Plague Affordable Housing Agency

Republican leaders in the state, especially Governor Abbott, love touting the economic successes of Texas. Despite drastic positions like banning abortion, enacting permitless carry, and implementing a host of other ‘cultural’ issues like banning Diversity and Inclusion programs on state campuses, the people are flocking to Texas. But moving here

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
The Progressive Outreach In Rural Texas

The Progressive Outreach In Rural Texas

For years, it seemed almost a given that numerous races in rural Texas would go uncontested, and whatever candidate had Republican on the ballot would automatically win. Now, a major organization is trying to challenge that dynamic, and pouring in resources to ensure that rural counties can have a fighting

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Texas Sues To Stop Gun Safety Legislation

Texas Sues To Stop Gun Safety Legislation

Last month the Biden Administration announced new gun safety legislation that would require any individual who sells firearms outside of sporting or gun stores to conduct a background check on a potential purchaser. This rule, which amends legislation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Safety, would formally end what

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
Abbott’s Voucher Allies Land New State Education Roles

Abbott’s Voucher Allies Land New State Education Roles

Last week at an event for a rightwing policy organization, Greg Abbott maintained his strong support for vouchers. Under the banner of “school choice,” vouchers allow parents or guardians to send their kids to private schools through taxpayer dollars. Abbott called four special sessions last year to try and pass

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
An Election Recap

An Election Recap

Last night’s Texas primary lacked the drama of years past when there were multiple presidential contenders vying for their party’s nomination. Both Biden and Trump cruised to their respective victories, but up and down the ballot several races highlighted what to expect this November. The Revenge Tour Both

By Jessica Montoya Coggins
When Global Reproductive Rights Groups Step In

When Global Reproductive Rights Groups Step In

For decades, international organizations devoted to reproductive healthcare have operated in some of the harshest autocracies and authoritarian regimes around the world. Now, thanks to new laws that have reshaped where abortion can and cannot be accessed in the United States, places like Texas are receiving attention from those organizations.

By Jessica Montoya Coggins