Don Huffines

Interim Texas Comptroller Don Huffines has broadened an audit of Austin Independent School District and three other districts to examine diversity, equity and inclusion practices, foreign worker hiring, and compliance with library book restrictions. The move follows Senate Bill 13, passed last session to let parents challenge school library books and sit on review committees. Critics, including an Austin letter writer, argue officials are targeting districts whose parents have not flagged books as objectionable, calling the effort selective enforcement under the banner of "parent empowerment." Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has backed the broader review, intensifying debate over state oversight of local school district policy and curriculum content.

Texas Democrats are testing whether anti-Trump sentiment can break the GOP's decades-long statewide winning streak, with no Democrat having won statewide office since 1994. The marquee race pits Democratic state Rep. James Talarico against Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton for a U.S. Senate seat that could affect the chamber's balance. Gov. Greg Abbott faces an unexpectedly close challenge from state Rep. Gina Hinojosa despite a large fundraising edge. A University of Texas/Texas Politics Project poll found several other statewide races within the margin of error, including lieutenant governor, attorney general, comptroller, and a Railroad Commission seat. The elections will also test a Republican plan to redraw five Democratic U.S. House districts.