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Talarico expands TV ad campaign in Texas US Senate race

Talarico expands TV ad campaign in Texas US Senate race

As part of his seven-figure ad buy, Democrat James Talarico launched a faith-focused television ad broadening his reach among Texas U.S. Senate race voters.

Surrogate McKenna West Faces Legal Hurdles in Bid to Retain Custody of Newborn

Surrogate McKenna West Faces Legal Hurdles in Bid to Retain Custody of Newborn

Surrogate McKenna West, an Alaskan nurse, delivered a baby boy in Dallas, Texas, against the wishes of the biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, who had requested a termination due to the baby's diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Despite West's actions, the newborn was placed in the custody of Gilkar and Ahmed less than 24 hours after birth. Legal experts, including reproductive law attorney Marla Neufeld, assert that West has virtually no legal claim to the child. A California court has already ruled that Gilkar and Ahmed are the baby's legal parents. West's attorney, Lincoln Wilson, argues that because she gave birth in Texas, she should have parental rights under Texas law. The biological parents had a clause in their surrogacy agreement allowing for termination if an 'anomaly' was found, which they claim West initially agreed to before changing her mind.

Texas mail-in voters face new ID rules after appeals court ruling

Texas mail-in voters face new ID rules after appeals court ruling

A federal court reinstated nine Texas mail-in voting rules this week. Here's what to know about the mail-in voting rules, requirements and deadlines.

What to know about a surrogacy dispute between a California couple, their surrogate and Texas courts

What to know about a surrogacy dispute between a California couple, their surrogate and Texas courts

A surrogate who gave birth in Texas to a California couple's child is embroiled in a legal battle

Texas Republicans Oppose Big Bend Border Wall as Paxton Remains Silent

Texas Republicans Oppose Big Bend Border Wall as Paxton Remains Silent

Bipartisan opposition has emerged against the construction of a border wall in Big Bend National Park, Texas, as part of the Trump administration's border security plans. Senator John Cornyn has called for consultation with local officials before proceeding, while Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico has criticized the wall as unnecessary and corrupt. Despite the pushback, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a close ally of President Trump, has not publicly stated his position on the matter. The proposed wall has sparked concerns about environmental impacts and the use of federal funds for construction in a protected area.

Trial Lawyers Regain Influence in Texas GOP's MAGA Wing

Trial Lawyers Regain Influence in Texas GOP's MAGA Wing

Trial lawyers in Texas are regaining political influence by aligning with the Republican Party's MAGA wing. Historically associated with the Democratic Party, trial lawyers have been marginalized since the early 2000s when Republicans gained control in Texas. However, recent shifts within the Texas GOP have opened opportunities for trial lawyers to support conservative candidates and run for office themselves. The Texas Trial Lawyers Association sponsored the state GOP convention, and wealthy personal injury lawyers are backing candidates like Attorney General Ken Paxton. This realignment reflects broader changes in the Texas GOP's power dynamics.

Fifth Circuit Court Upholds Texas Mail Ballot ID Requirements, Reversing Lower Court Decision

Fifth Circuit Court Upholds Texas Mail Ballot ID Requirements, Reversing Lower Court Decision

The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has reinstated several provisions of a 2021 Texas election law that were previously blocked by a lower court. This law, known as Senate Bill 1, introduced changes to mail-in and assisted voting procedures, including the requirement for voters to provide identification numbers on mail-in ballot applications. The appellate court's decision overturns a district judge's ruling that had found these provisions violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. The court's opinion, authored by Judge Andrew Oldham, emphasized the long-standing concerns about mail-in ballot fraud and supported the state's efforts to enhance election integrity. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the ruling as a significant victory, noting the reduction in mail-in ballot rejections since the law's implementation.

Texas Trial Lawyers Gain Influence in GOP's MAGA Wing

Texas Trial Lawyers Gain Influence in GOP's MAGA Wing

In Texas, trial lawyers, traditionally aligned with Democrats, are gaining influence within the Republican Party's MAGA wing. This shift is marked by the support of personal injury lawyers for conservative candidates, including Attorney General Ken Paxton. The Texas Trial Lawyers Association, once a major Democratic supporter, is now backing Republican candidates, reflecting a realignment within the party. This change is driven by a new class of GOP lawmakers who prioritize populist issues over traditional business interests, challenging the longstanding influence of Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR), a group known for promoting business-friendly legal policies.

Jonah Goldberg Critiques GOP's Alignment with Conservative Values

Jonah Goldberg Critiques GOP's Alignment with Conservative Values

Jonah Goldberg, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, has expressed concerns about the alignment of the Republican Party with conservative values. In his commentary, Goldberg argues that the GOP's electoral strategies often conflict with the long-term interests of conservatism. He highlights that while the GOP has shifted leftward on issues like trade and industrial policy under President Trump, this does not necessarily benefit conservatism. Goldberg suggests that voters should prioritize character and behavior over strict ideological or partisan loyalty, using the example of the Texas Senate race to illustrate his point. He advises conservatives to consider voting strategically to send a message to the GOP about the importance of maintaining conservative principles.

Public Policy Polling's Accurate Predictions Highlight Internal Polling's Impact

Public Policy Polling's Accurate Predictions Highlight Internal Polling's Impact

Public Policy Polling (PPP) has demonstrated remarkable accuracy in predicting primary election outcomes, as seen in recent races across the U.S. In the Texas Senate primary, PPP's internal poll accurately predicted a six-point victory for James Talarico. Similarly, in the Iowa Senate primary, PPP forecasted a 21-point lead for Josh Turek, who won by 25 points. These results underscore the growing influence of internal polling, especially as independent polling by mainstream media declines. PPP's success highlights the potential of internal polls to shape media narratives and public perceptions.

NRSC Targets Sherrod Brown and Other Democrats Over Alleged Hypocrisy

NRSC Targets Sherrod Brown and Other Democrats Over Alleged Hypocrisy

The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is focusing its efforts on five Democratic Senate candidates, including former Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, accusing them of hypocrisy regarding corruption and ties to corporate interests. The NRSC's strategy involves highlighting these candidates' alleged connections to billionaire donors and corporate special interests, despite their public stances against such influences. The committee's memo criticizes Brown for his financial ties to Wall Street and corporate political action committees, while also attacking his opponent, Jon Husted, for similar reasons. The Ohio Senate race, along with others in Maine, New Hampshire, Georgia, and Texas, is considered crucial for the GOP to maintain control of the Senate.

Republicans see Minnesota fraud scandal as a chance to go on offense in a blue state

Republicans see Minnesota fraud scandal as a chance to go on offense in a blue state

Republicans in Minnesota see a chance to regain influence after a fraud scandal rocked state government