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Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Two Republicans and two Democrats face off on May 26.

News

Two Republicans and two Democrats are facing off May 26 in runoff primary elections to be Texas attorney general, though it&#x27;s likely a Republican would take the win in November.Why it matters: As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the chief legal officer of the state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities-office-attorney-general" target="_blank">the chief legal officer of the state</a>, the attorney general represents Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in litigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/10/30/covid-vaccine-mandate-texas-biden-contractors" target="_self">in litigation</a>, defends state laws, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="initiates investigations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" data-vars-content-id="540fb797-a939-4df0-9776-b44ae754ab7d" data-vars-headline="Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/07/texas-democrats-beto-orourke-paxton-investigation" target="_self">initiates investigations</a> and enforces consumer protection laws.

Three suspects in custody following South Austin shooting spree

The suspects are connected to 12 shootings, mostly in South Austin, officials say.

Three suspects — ages 15 and 17, and a third who was also identified as a juvenile — were taken in custody Sunday after a string of 12 shootings this weekend, authorities said.Driving the news: At least four people were shot. One suffered serious injuries, and the others sustained minor injuries, police said.<ul><li>Residents in a large swath of South Austin were ordered to shelter in place for about an hour on Sunday afternoon as police searched for the suspects.</li></ul>

Violent crime rates decline in Austin

Austin Police say they are focused more on data-driven policing.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> fell sharply across the largest U.S. cities, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/18/austin-shootings-license-plate-readers" target="_self">Austin</a>, in early 2026, extending a nationwide decline that began after the pandemic-era crime spike.Why it matters: Crime and policing have been a major factor at the ballot box in local elections, as Republicans including President Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tried to pin violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" data-vars-content-id="631ae4fa-9a36-41b3-a29f-2033721ecee7" data-vars-headline="Violent crime rates decline in Austin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/14/abbott-statewide-prosecutor-impeachment-process" target="_self">tried to pin violent crime</a> on Democrats.

Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings

Manor police used the technology to identify a suspect's stolen car.

Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kirk Watson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/24/austin-mayor-kirk-watson-trump-interview" target="_self">Kirk Watson</a> tells Axios the city should move forward with obtaining license plate readers, which police say could have helped more quickly track down three suspects tied to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="citywide shooting spree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" data-vars-content-id="a9ec8126-7356-4b19-bcee-cdb0fe14f6be" data-vars-headline="Austin mayor backs license plate readers after shootings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/17/south-austin-shooting-suspects-custody" target="_self">citywide shooting spree</a>.Why it matters: The shootings have reignited debate over whether concerns about privacy still outweigh public safety arguments for bringing back the technology.

Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys

Travis County's district attorney called the proposals "nothing more than a political stunt."

Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday proposed that locally elected district attorneys should be subject to impeachment, part of a broader push to expand state oversight of local prosecutors who he says fail to aggressively pursue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="violent offenders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="a834fa9c-2726-4034-b81e-ee2395473ab7" data-vars-headline="Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">violent offenders</a>.Why it matters: Abbott&#x27;s proposals escalate a yearslong clash between Texas Republicans and progressive district attorneys in the state&#x27;s largest urban counties.

What Democrats' wins in local Texas elections mean for the state

Why local election wins by Democrats in Texas may not matter come November.

Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gina Hinojosa" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/09/26/gina-hinojosa-austin-democrat-campaign-texas-governor" target="_self">Gina Hinojosa</a> is suggesting recent school board and mayoral election results across the state signal hope for Democrats running in statewide races — but politics watchers tell Axios the suggestion is tenuous.Why it matters: No Democrat has won statewide in Texas since 1994, but Democratic candidates are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eager" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" data-vars-content-id="587e56c9-9d39-4ad1-b6ba-406e305013d3" data-vars-headline="What Democrats&#x27; wins in local Texas elections mean for the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/04/talarico-democratic-vice-president" target="_self">eager</a> to show this year is different.

Why Dems would (or wouldn't) pick Talarico for VP in '28

Talarico has carved out a new lane in Texas politics: a Christian Democrat who appeals to Latinos and suburbanites.

Politics & Policy

Texas legislator <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/democrats-texas-talarico-voter-turnout" target="_self">James Talarico</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an underdog" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cookpolitical.com/senate/race/488686" target="_blank">an underdog</a> for U.S. Senate, but his name is already being whispered as a potential 2028 vice presidential candidate. Why it matters: The mere suggestion reflects just how stratospheric <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Talarico&#x27;s rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="355d5c5b-dfab-4ce5-9dbe-6b053a2cdcab" data-vars-headline="Why Dems would (or wouldn&#x27;t) pick Talarico for VP in &#x27;28" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">Talarico&#x27;s rise</a> has been — and how desperate Democrats are to win Texas&#x27; electoral votes.

Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll

The survey was conducted as the two Republican candidates continue to battle for the GOP nomination.

State Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">James Talarico</a> (D-Austin) leads his potential Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race in Texas, per a new poll from the University of Texas. Why it matters: A close race in Texas would expand the battleground for Democrats in their bid to retake the Senate and put a legislative check on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="65bd459c-71ee-4b9a-bdf3-8ed9777233f8" data-vars-headline="Talarico leads Cornyn and Paxton in UT poll" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President Trump</a>.

Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is threatening to withhold money over Austin police policies.

Austin officials have until Thursday to confirm they will not restrict cooperation between city police and ICE — or they risk losing $2.5 million in grants, per a threat from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/04/22/texas-governor-greg-abbott-longest-serving-power" target="_self">Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s</a> office.Why it matters: Mayor Kirk Watson has called Abbott&#x27;s threat &quot;political theater,&quot; but it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="revives questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="78ee8ce8-aafc-487d-b76f-ece22286311a" data-vars-headline="Austin weighs ICE policy ahead of state funding deadline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/05/14/texas-legislature-austin-dallas-houston-san-antonio" target="_self">revives questions</a> about how much power locally elected officials have to steer city policy.

Talarico notches record fundraising haul

The Democratic state lawmaker's campaign took in more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026.

Texas Democratic Senate candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Talarico" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/17/james-talarico-austin-church-security" data-vars-content-id="4280cf01-0ea7-4500-a77f-00565937b52d" data-vars-headline="Talarico notches record fundraising haul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/17/james-talarico-austin-church-security" target="_self">James Talarico</a> hauled in more than $27 million in the first quarter of 2026, his campaign announced Wednesday.Why it matters: The money raised by the state legislator from Austin dwarfs the amount incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn raised during the same period and will play a key role in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persuading voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" data-vars-content-id="4280cf01-0ea7-4500-a77f-00565937b52d" data-vars-headline="Talarico notches record fundraising haul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/10/15/how-texas-talarico-is-leveraging-social-media-in-his-bid-for-the-senate" target="_self">persuading voters</a> in what is shaping up as a very expensive race.

Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd

The Austin 3D printing firm is hiring the former Republican congressman as it seeks government contracts.

Will Hurd, the former Republican congressman from San Antonio, has joined Austin-based 3D construction firm <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Icon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" target="_self">Icon</a> as it makes a push for more government contracts.Why it matters: The firm is looking to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diversify its revenue streams" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/11/3d-printing-company-icon-expands-austin" target="_self">diversify its revenue streams</a> amid a housing market still slowed by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/27/austin-mortgage-rates-rise-as-iran-war-affects-u-s-housing-market" data-vars-content-id="7a180b70-2587-492f-83cd-b32d76fdff07" data-vars-headline="Austin 3D firm Icon hires Will Hurd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/27/austin-mortgage-rates-rise-as-iran-war-affects-u-s-housing-market" target="_self">high interest rates</a>.

James Talarico's Austin church beefs up security

Talarico's North Austin church has received an influx of "negative communication."

State Rep. James Talarico&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">Senate campaign</a> has thrust his North Austin church into the spotlight, prompting increased security, St. Andrew&#x27;s Presbyterian Church pastor Jim Rigby told members on Facebook.Why it matters: Religion is emerging as an early flashpoint in Texas&#x27; high-profile Senate race, pitting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin Democrat against" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/talarico-crockett-democratic-primary-senate-texas" target="_self">Austin Democrat against</a> the winner of a GOP <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="runoff between" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" data-vars-content-id="5cfee955-c646-4421-9359-bf1a9e55fc3c" data-vars-headline="James Talarico&#x27;s Austin church beefs up security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/03/04/cornyn-paxton-runoff-texas-republican-senate-primary" target="_self">runoff between</a> Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.

Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas

The Austin event has an ask starting at $100,000 per couple.

A Republican National Committee fundraiser featuring Vice President Vance in Austin this month has a buy-in of $100,000 per couple, per an invitation to the event obtained by Axios.Why it matters: The March 23 event is hosted by GOP mega-donor and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/30/palantir-founder-joe-lonsdale" data-vars-content-id="80a84cfa-1b99-4700-9c87-84b86b41166a" data-vars-headline="Vance to headline two RNC fundraisers in Texas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2020/09/30/palantir-founder-joe-lonsdale" target="_self">Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale</a> and signals how crucial tech money will be to Vance in a potential 2028 presidential run.

Politics 🇺🇸

Candidates vie to be Texas attorney general in May runoffs

Texas Children's must open country's first "detransition clinic"

Abbott calls for new impeachment process for district attorneys

What Democrats' wins in local Texas elections mean for the state

Why Dems would (or wouldn't) pick Talarico for VP in '28