CD6 special: Young Conservatives of Texas endorsed Susan Wright.
CD13: Former President Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Amarillo) for re-election.
CD35: U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) announced he would seek re-election.
El Paso County: In a first for a Texas county, the commissioners court approved the creation of an independent commission to draw the county’s commissioner and justice of the peace precincts. The 11-member body will include two appointees from each commission district, two appointees by the county judge and the chair of the county’s ethics commission.
The city of Austin has utilized an independent redistricting commission since 2013.
Legislation: The House Elections Committee will hear House Bill 6 by Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park), the chamber’s omnibus election integrity bill, tomorrow (Thursday). The Senate State Affairs Committee will hear Senate Bill 7 by Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), that chamber’s omnibus election integrity bill, on Friday. Senate Bill 7 and other election-related bills were originally scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, but five Democrats tagged the bills, preventing their consideration for at least 48 hours.
Senate Access Lawsuit: Agriculture Comm. Sid Miller (R) and Houston conservative activist Steven Hotze filed a lawsuit against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R). At issue is Section 17 of Senate Resolution 1, the housekeeping resolution, which requires “a wristband demonstrating a negative COVID-19 test” for entry to the Senate gallery, enter the Senate floor or attend a committee hearing. Miller and Hotze’s claim that requirement is “an unconstitutional effort to shut down Plaintiffs’ and all Texans’ access” to the Senate. A spokesperson for Patrick said he “agrees with the unanimous decision” to test for COVID-19 to protect the public, staff and members.
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