AUSTIN, Texas – This week brought major changes to the 2024 presidential race as President Joe Biden withdrew from the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Houston continues to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.
FOX 7 Austin’s Chief Political Reporter Rudy Koski and our panel of experts delve into the week’s events in Texas politics.
RUDY KOSKI: Let’s dive into Texas politics, which this week featured presidential updates and some local issues. Brad Johnson from Texan News, what’s your headline?
BRAD JOHNSON / TEXAN NEWS: “How Many More Game-Changing Events Are on the Horizon?”
RUDY KOSKI: Annie Spielman from Main Street Relations, what’s your headline?
ANNIE SPIELMAN / MAINSTREET RELATIONS: “Austin’s DECA Announces Historic $1 Million Small Business Loan Fund.”
RUDY KOSKI: Patrick Svitek from the Washington Post, what’s your headline?
PATRICK SVITEK / WASHINGTON POST: “Democrats Have a Likely New Presidential Nominee.”
Power Crisis Update
Top officials from CenterPoint Energy appeared before the Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week to issue an apology over recent power issues.
More hearings are expected, and concerns remain about how this will play out when the legislative session begins.
ANNIE SPIELMAN / MAINSTREET RELATIONS: “I believe that not only will power companies be under scrutiny, but property and casualty insurance companies will also face tough questions.
The emergency loan program for small businesses, created in 2021, was never funded, which is a significant issue.”
Land Purchases and Cybersecurity
A statehouse hearing this week focused on preventing hostile nations from buying Texas land, evolving into a broader discussion on cybersecurity threats.
BRAD JOHNSON / TEXAN NEWS: “The land purchase debate highlights the tension between national security and private property rights. Balancing these interests will be a tough challenge for lawmakers.”
VP Kamala Harris in Houston
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Houston to speak at the American Federation of Teachers convention.
Her visit comes amid controversy over her handling of legal immigration, with some Democrats joining a House resolution condemning her efforts.
PATRICK SVITEK / WASHINGTON POST: “It’s not surprising that some Democrats supported the resolution against Harris. This issue could be a significant liability as she takes over the Democratic presidential ticket.”
Biden’s Exit and the 2024 Race
President Biden’s sudden exit from the 2024 race has quickly positioned Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Her growing popularity might influence the Texas political landscape, with Democrats hoping to gain ground in upcoming statehouse races.
BRAD JOHNSON / TEXAN NEWS: “Texas Democrats are hopeful that Harris’s energy could help them flip statehouse seats and challenge the school choice agenda.
Republicans are concerned about potential losses and the impact on the Speaker’s race.”
School Choice Controversy
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick accused House Speaker Dade Phelan of not prioritizing school choice in the budget. Discussions are ongoing, with hearings already underway.
ANNIE SPIELMAN / MAINSTREET RELATIONS: “The legislative session will be intense, and moving legislation forward will be challenging.”
Read more news:
- Biden Campaign Mobilizes Across Georgia Ahead of Debate Clash
- Kristi Noem Denies Formal Vetting for Trump’s VP, Focuses on Winning Strategy
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Passes
U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, known for her service in Houston, passed away at 74. Her congressional seat is now up for grabs, with former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner mentioned as a potential successor.
PATRICK SVITEK / WASHINGTON POST: “The selection process for a new nominee will be unique, with Harris County Democratic Party Precinct Chairs meeting to choose a replacement. The governor could also call a special election.”