Voter ID: U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ruled that any changes made to the state’s Voter ID law this year will have no effect on the trial to determine whether it was originally passed with discriminatory intent. “The claim is not, and will not be, moot as a result of pending or future legislation,” the Court determined. Ramos also granted the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s request to withdraw from the case.

El Paso Co.: In a Facebook post, John Cook, former mayor and 2014 Democratic nominee for Land Commissioner, announced he would run for El Paso Co. County Judge. The incumbent, El Veronica Escobar, said she is “seriously considering” running for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso), who is running for U.S. Senate, but has not made a final decision. Cook served two terms as mayor from 2005 to 2013.

San Antonio: Texans for Fiscal Responsibility/Empower Texans endorsed challenger Johnny Arredondo (D4) and Patrick Von Dohlen (D9 open) for city council.

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