Cost for future water needs could reach $174B

Texas will need to invest $174 billion over the next 50 years to keep up with water demand, according to a draft 2027 state water plan approved last week, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That is more than twice the projected cost in the previous state water plan published in 2022.

Patrick warns GOP could lose state House majority

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick warned last week that the GOP risks losing its majority in the state House this November and urged party unity behind the winner of the May runoff between U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Without that unity, Patrick said that state Rep. James Talarico, the Democratic nominee, could win, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Border wall through Big Bend apparently on hold

After public outcry, a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park appears to be on hold, The Texas Tribune reported.

Paxton calls for Hancock’s removal

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called for Gov. Greg Abbott to remove acting state comptroller Kelly Hancock, calling him an “incompetent loser,” The Dallas Morning News reported. Paxton said the governor should replace him with Don Huffines, who defeated Hancock in the GOP primary race for the post earlier this month.

Islamic schools admitted to voucher program after suit

Four Islamic schools have been admitted to the Texas voucher program after a federal judge ordered the state to invite the schools to apply, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The judge also ordered the application deadline for families be extended to March 31, citing concerns that no Islamic schools had been approved for the program.

Cornyn reverses filibuster stance

Primary turnout smashes recent midterm records

Texans urged to heed travel warnings about Mexico

This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early holiday deadlines. It will be updated on Sunday if needed.

Paxton, Crockett leading in primary polls

Note to editors: Due to the President's Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 16, the Capital Highlights Column for the week of  Feb. 16 - 20 will be released early Friday afternoon, Feb. 13.

Early voting begins Feb. 17

Early voting in the March 3 primary begins Monday, Feb. 17 and concludes on Friday, Feb. 27. A full slate of contested races will be on the ballots in both Republican and Democratic primaries. The deadline to request a mail ballot is Feb. 20, according to votetexas.gov.