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GOP's Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups

Races for governor in both states also narrowed, according to Cook Political Report.

Politics & Policy

Two <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="key Senate races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/08/gop-senate-campaign-spending-ohio-iowa" target="_self">key Senate races</a> in typically Republican states, Texas and Iowa, are a toss-up heading into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/20/data-center-uproar-2026-midterms" target="_self">midterms</a>, according to the latest projections from Cook Political Report.Why it matters: The fight for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="control of the U.S. Senate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" data-vars-content-id="39599b51-6016-457e-9c18-5a0609c37b01" data-vars-headline="GOP&#x27;s Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/18/democrats-republicans-midterms-political-shenanigans" target="_self">control of the U.S. Senate</a> is extremely tight, and Democrats need to flip at least four seats to become the majority. Doing that will require wins in states that aren&#x27;t typical battlegrounds.

What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County

Bexar County uses Flock cameras, while nearby Hill Country communities push back.

Politics

Activists and residents across the political spectrum — including in communities around San Antonio — are pushing back against license plate readers made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="9b94209f-516e-4ebb-b1f0-5f6de2a6bb68" data-vars-headline="What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock Safety and similar companies</a>, fueled by privacy concerns.Why it matters: Advocates say the cameras help quickly track down criminals, making cities safer. Opponents say they&#x27;re a form of constant surveillance that infringes on residents&#x27; civil liberties.

How much Trump's deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers

A new calculator estimates how much Texans will pay for Trump's deportation push.

Immigration

Texas could pay an estimated $23 billion toward President Trump&#x27;s mass deportation push — about $2,500 per taxpayer — according to a calculator from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Economic Policy Institute" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/47042253.45/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXBpLm9yZy9kZXBvcnRhdGlvbi1jYWxjdWxhdG9yLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/633dcc04d70fb9875101ab66Bb4c9cd23" target="_self">Economic Policy Institute</a> (EPI).Why it matters: The estimate fuels debate over whether billions of federal dollars devoted to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" data-vars-content-id="841d4f60-888f-4245-881c-a90955026689" data-vars-headline="How much Trump&#x27;s deportation push could cost Texas taxpayers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/15/ice-deportations-us-immigration-trump-biden-2025" target="_self">deportations</a> should instead fund other public priorities, such as health care or housing.

San Antonio's home for emergency child care

The first crisis nursery in the region helps parents facing emergencies.

News

San Antonio families who need an urgent and safe place for their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="children" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/07/01/fewer-texas-kids-medicaid-enrollment-chip" target="_self">children</a> to stay now have a newly renovated house as a free option.Why it matters: The first permanent crisis nursery in the region helps <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="parents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/parenting" target="_self">parents</a> facing emergencies ranging from housing instability to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="domestic violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/01/13/ywca-womens-live-learn-center-domestic-violence" target="_self">domestic violence</a> to medical care. Its aim is to prevent child neglect and abuse before it happens, Rebecca Helterbrand, president and CEO of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Respite Care of San Antonio" data-vars-click-url="https://respitecaresa.org/" data-vars-content-id="c9b7974d-ec2b-4530-a916-b7192b31c0c4" data-vars-headline="San Antonio&#x27;s home for emergency child care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://respitecaresa.org/" target="_blank">Respite Care of San Antonio</a>, tells Axios.

San Antonio council says no to second Spurs arena vote

Opponents of another election say voters already had their say.

Sports

The San Antonio City Council on Monday narrowly rejected an effort led by Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones to put city funding for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Spurs arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="82be448c-b7cf-4579-825f-268d6f142149" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council says no to second Spurs arena vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/10/15/election-vote-fund-new-san-antonio-spurs-arena" target="_self">new Spurs arena</a> on the November ballot.Why it matters: Opponents of another election say voters already had a say on the arena project last November when they <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="approved a venue tax increase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" data-vars-content-id="82be448c-b7cf-4579-825f-268d6f142149" data-vars-headline="San Antonio council says no to second Spurs arena vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/11/05/san-antonio-election-results-downtown-spurs-arena" target="_self">approved a venue tax increase</a>. Supporters of the mayor&#x27;s push say the last vote was different, and the public deserves an election on the city&#x27;s arena funding alone.

Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals

Abbott wants an audit of data centers before any new project can connect to the grid.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halted approvals" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-comprehensive-data-center-audit" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-comprehensive-data-center-audit" target="_blank">halted approvals</a> for new data centers until the state can audit the ones looking to connect to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; electric grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/06/12/texas-power-grid-summer-demand-ercot-forecast" target="_self">Texas&#x27; electric grid</a>.Why it matters: Abbott has signaled a desire to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center regulation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" data-vars-content-id="fd9e25c6-614c-4372-b4b6-07c18e80b5c0" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/10/texas-gov-greg-abbott-data-center-regulation" target="_self">data center regulation</a> a top priority as he seeks reelection and ahead of a new legislative session next year.

Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales' old seat

There could potentially be two elections on one ballot.

Voters in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/15/democrats-latino-voters-2026" target="_self">Texas&#x27; 23rd Congressional District</a>, stretching from San Antonio to El Paso, potentially could have the opportunity to vote in two separate elections on one ballot this fall.Why it matters: The district, home to more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="778,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST48/CD118_TX23.pdf" target="_blank">778,000 people</a>, has been without representation in Congress for more than three months since former Republican U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Gonzales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" data-vars-content-id="66d77ebe-9416-4b69-b027-712011de4995" data-vars-headline="Voters await special election for Tony Gonzales&#x27; old seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/house-ethics-investigation-tony-gonzales-affair" target="_self">Tony Gonzales</a> resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct.

Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts

Participation in Texas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/27/trump-medicaid-snap-cuts-texas-economy" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/03/27/trump-medicaid-snap-cuts-texas-economy" target="_self">Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program</a> (SNAP) has fallen by nearly 14% since Congress approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cuts and changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/05/14/texas-food-banks-snap-cuts-hunger-san-antonio" target="_self">cuts and changes</a> to the program, per state data.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Food prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/10/tomato-price-hike-2026" target="_self">Food prices</a> have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the rise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/30/food-prices-summer-grilling-beef-chicken-turkey" target="_self">on the rise</a>, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food banks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/09/san-antonio-food-bank-restaurant-weeks-guide" data-vars-content-id="ce183a54-cd4d-4017-a897-3001dc00637c" data-vars-headline="Texas SNAP access declines following federal cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/06/09/san-antonio-food-bank-restaurant-weeks-guide" target="_self">food banks</a> are rushing to meet rising demand to fill in the gaps.

How Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones views her 1st year in office

The mayor says she's focused on the work.

As <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/san-antonio-mayor-gina-ortiz-jones-censure-vote" data-vars-content-id="f121f592-859d-4b37-b25a-fd803c0526b3" data-vars-headline="How Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones views her 1st year in office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/02/24/san-antonio-mayor-gina-ortiz-jones-censure-vote" target="_self">Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones</a> marks one year in office this week, she tells Axios she&#x27;s proud of what she&#x27;s done and is working with her City Council colleagues following what some consider a fragmented start to her tenure.Why it matters: The mayor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="publicly fraught relationships" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-mayor-jones-ccr-policy" data-vars-content-id="f121f592-859d-4b37-b25a-fd803c0526b3" data-vars-headline="How Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones views her 1st year in office" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/09/18/san-antonio-city-council-mayor-jones-ccr-policy" target="_self">publicly fraught relationships</a> with councilmembers who share similar political views have drawn scrutiny and, in some instances, left the mayor on the losing end of major policy votes.

Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules

Data center regulation could be a 2027 legislative focus.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday directed state energy officials to take up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2026/05/13/texas-coal-gas-power-plants-data-centers-water" target="_self">data center</a> regulations aimed at protecting Texans from higher electricity bills.Why it matters: Texas is seen as one of the friendliest states in the nation for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/18/data-center-growth-map-states" target="_self">data center development</a>, with one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most generous tax incentives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" data-vars-content-id="5b1cf63d-d887-40f3-b511-1bb1bc48bbcf" data-vars-headline="Gov. Greg Abbott calls for broad data center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/17/ai-data-centers-best-worst" target="_self">most generous tax incentives</a>. Abbott&#x27;s requests are notable in a state known for lax rules governing businesses.

San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond

2027 could be the first time the city's five-year bond program does not grow.

The San Antonio City Council is mulling whether to raise taxes to avoid cutting the next <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bond program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/09/san-antonio-texas-affordable-housing-bond-more-money" target="_self">bond program</a> in half amid a tight budget.Why it matters: Locals are already feeling the squeeze from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high gas prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/05/06/houston-gas-prices-4-dollars-tax-holiday" target="_self">high gas prices</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="inflation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" data-vars-content-id="0f0dedd2-95cf-47a1-a0cf-4e98bb91d6a9" data-vars-headline="San Antonio is considering a tax increase for 2027 bond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/ppi-iran-inflation" target="_self">inflation</a>. Elected officials have to either raise rates to continue delivering big infrastructure improvements — or decide to do fewer city upgrades.

CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars

The utility must keep up with growth and climate goals.

CPS Energy is looking to rely more on natural gas and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="solar power" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/12/02/texas-renewables-trump" target="_self">solar power</a>, but less on wind, as San Antonio&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electricity needs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="671a09d8-2168-4f69-9843-f314e8cbe5f0" data-vars-headline="CPS Energy eyes more natural gas as demand soars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2025/08/13/texas-power-prices-ai-data-centers" target="_self">electricity needs</a> surge past what the utility forecast just three years ago.Why it matters: Without changes, capacity will begin to fall short of demand by the early part of the next decade, which could mean higher costs for consumers — though CPS officials say they are working to prevent that.

Politics 🇺🇸

GOP's Senate map gets shakier as Texas, Iowa become toss-ups

San Antonio council says no to second Spurs arena vote

What to know about Flock cameras in Bexar County

Gov. Greg Abbott halts Texas data center approvals

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