Andrew Schneider
@andrewwrites71.bsky.social
Politics and government reporter for Houston Public Media, @NPR for Houston; author; historian
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"Whenever you write, whatever you write, never make the mistake of assuming the audience is any less intelligent than you are." – Rod Serling
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) ended months of speculation Friday night by declaring himself a candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 2026.
Longtime Houston Rep. Al Green switching to 18th Congressional District in run for reelection
Green, who represents TX-9, entered the TX-18 contest just three days after acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards advanced to the runoff in a special election to fill out the term of the late U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
November 8, 2025 at 5:19 AM
U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) ended months of speculation Friday night by declaring himself a candidate for Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 2026.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
A former U.S. Senate candidate said he now wants to run as a Democrat for the Houston area’s redrawn 9th Congressional District.
Former astronaut Terry Virts switches from Senate race to Democratic primary for congressional seat
Virts withdrew from his longshot bid for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican John Cornyn. Instead, he's running for Texas' 9th Congressional District.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:54 PM
A former U.S. Senate candidate said he now wants to run as a Democrat for the Houston area’s redrawn 9th Congressional District.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 97% of its workforce remains on the job. But in the Houston area, which has the nation’s second-largest veterans population, they are reporting canceled appointments and difficulties getting rides.
Healthcare for Houston veterans suffers shortfalls during government shutdown, advocate says
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 97% of its workforce remains on the job. But in the Houston area, which has the nation’s second-largest veterans population, they are reporting canceled appointments and difficulties getting rides to the emergency room.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
November 3, 2025 at 10:12 PM
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 97% of its workforce remains on the job. But in the Houston area, which has the nation’s second-largest veterans population, they are reporting canceled appointments and difficulties getting rides.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards lead the field in cash on hand as the clock ticks down toward the Nov. 4 special election in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
The top candidates for Texas’ 18th Congressional District are neck and neck in fundraising
The latest campaign finance reports published by the Federal Election Commission show acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee having raised more than $1.5 million, former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards having raised more than $1.2 million and former congressional staffer Isaiah Martin having raised just over $1 million.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards lead the field in cash on hand as the clock ticks down toward the Nov. 4 special election in Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
One of the proposed amendments would grant the governor significant new powers when it comes to disciplining or even dismissing elected judges.
Proposition 12 would enhance governor’s powers over elected judges
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the governor to appoint a majority of the members of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. Gov. Greg Abbott previously removed two members of the commission when they sought to discipline a justice of the peace against Abbott’s wishes.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 27, 2025 at 9:34 PM
One of the proposed amendments would grant the governor significant new powers when it comes to disciplining or even dismissing elected judges.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The government shutdown and Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs are raising the cost of doing business for companies that depend on the Port of Houston, potentially threatening millions of jobs that depend on its smooth operation.
Businesses that depend on the Port of Houston are threatened by Trump’s tariffs and the government shutdown
The Trump administration's on-again, off-again tariffs are raising the cost of doing business for companies that depend on the port, potentially threatening millions of jobs that depend on its smooth operation.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM
The government shutdown and Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs are raising the cost of doing business for companies that depend on the Port of Houston, potentially threatening millions of jobs that depend on its smooth operation.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Tax reform, along with bail practices, dementia research and the state's water supply, are on a ballot that includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting starts today. Election Day is Nov. 4.
The November election could have a big impact on taxes in Texas
Tax reform, along with bail practices, dementia research and the state's water supply, are on a ballot that includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting starts Monday. Election Day is Nov. 4.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 20, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Tax reform, along with bail practices, dementia research and the state's water supply, are on a ballot that includes 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution. Early voting starts today. Election Day is Nov. 4.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The Trump administration has been restricting the use of a visa program designed to help Afghans who aided U.S. troops during nearly 20 years of war in Afghanistan. Now, some Afghans who have been denied entry to the U.S. are suing.
Former Afghan security workers sue State Department for denial of Special Immigrant Visa protection
The three Afghan plaintiffs previously worked for the National Public Protection Force, an agency of the U.S.-backed Afghan government that aided American troops during nearly 20 years of war in their home country.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 17, 2025 at 8:21 PM
The Trump administration has been restricting the use of a visa program designed to help Afghans who aided U.S. troops during nearly 20 years of war in Afghanistan. Now, some Afghans who have been denied entry to the U.S. are suing.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a 5-term Texas House member from Austin, announced Wednesday that she's joining the field of Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott in his 2026 reelection bid.
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa vows to ‘fight back,’ enters 2026 governor’s race
Hinojosa, a 5-term Texas House member from Austin, announced Wednesday that she's joining the field of Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott in his 2026 reelection bid.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 15, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a 5-term Texas House member from Austin, announced Wednesday that she's joining the field of Democratic candidates hoping to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott in his 2026 reelection bid.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Eitan Avraham Mor, a 25-year-old Israeli security guard who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, was among 20 surviving hostages who were freed Monday. A Houston-based relative of Mor's was in Israel for his release.
Israeli security guard with family in Houston released from Hamas captivity
Eitan Avraham Mor, who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, was among 20 surviving hostages who were freed Monday. A Houston-based relative of Mor's was in Israel for his release.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 13, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Eitan Avraham Mor, a 25-year-old Israeli security guard who was kidnapped by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, was among 20 surviving hostages who were freed Monday. A Houston-based relative of Mor's was in Israel for his release.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
After spending much of the spring and summer trailing state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the polls, Senator John Cornyn has pulled even with his chief rival for the 2026 Republican primary for the U.S. Senate from Texas.
John Cornyn, Ken Paxton in statistical dead heat in GOP primary for U.S. Senate, poll finds
The latest survey from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Houston-area Congressman Wesley Hunt in third place behind Cornyn and Paxton. It also shows Dallas-area Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who has declared she’s a candidate, leading the Democratic primary field.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 9, 2025 at 4:06 PM
After spending much of the spring and summer trailing state Attorney General Ken Paxton in the polls, Senator John Cornyn has pulled even with his chief rival for the 2026 Republican primary for the U.S. Senate from Texas.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Hunt’s entry increases the likelihood that the GOP contest will go to a May runoff.
U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt enters GOP Senate primary against incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, Texas AG Ken Paxton
Hunt represents Houston's Energy Corridor and northwest Harris County in the U.S. House of Representatives. His entry into the Republican primary increases the likelihood of the bitter, expensive contest dragging on into a May 2026 runoff.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
October 6, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Hunt’s entry increases the likelihood that the GOP contest will go to a May runoff.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
While Texas Democrats have launched a major organizing effort to turn out the vote for next year’s midterm elections, Republicans in the state are likely to spend big to boost voter turnout, particularly among Hispanics who voted for Donald Trump.
Texas GOP set to push back on Democratic organization efforts by targeting Hispanic voters
Texas Republican consultants expect major candidates, along with the state- and county-level parties, to spend tens of millions of dollars collectively to turn out the vote in the 2026 elections, with a focus on boosting Hispanic Republican turnout in the Rio Grande Valley and large cities.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 25, 2025 at 7:37 PM
While Texas Democrats have launched a major organizing effort to turn out the vote for next year’s midterm elections, Republicans in the state are likely to spend big to boost voter turnout, particularly among Hispanics who voted for Donald Trump.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Sixteen candidates are in November's special election for the 18th Congressional District in Houston. The winner could then have to face longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green in the Democratic primary in March.
Potential primary challenge next year by U.S. Rep. Al Green looms over November’s special election in TX-18
Texas Republican state lawmakers redrew Green’s solidly Democratic 9th Congressional District as a GOP opportunity district, moving Green’s home into the 18th Congressional District. While he is staying out of the November special election in the 18th, he hasn’t ruled out entering next March’s Democratic primary.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 23, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Sixteen candidates are in November's special election for the 18th Congressional District in Houston. The winner could then have to face longtime U.S. Rep. Al Green in the Democratic primary in March.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The Texas Democratic Party is expanding its operations across the state, opening four new offices, with talks underway for at least one more. The party hopes the expansion will help it to build support and better compete with Republicans.
Texas Democratic Party launches expansion plan aimed at ending decades-long statewide losing streak
The party’s executive committee approved a strategic effort that involves shifting its headquarters to Dallas, while maintaining an office in Austin, opening new offices in Houston, Amarillo, Eagle Pass, and potentially the Rio Grande Valley. Analysts say it will take years for the plan to pay dividends.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:43 PM
The Texas Democratic Party is expanding its operations across the state, opening four new offices, with talks underway for at least one more. The party hopes the expansion will help it to build support and better compete with Republicans.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) has entered the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican John Cornyn. Talarico plans to hold a campaign kick-off rally Tuesday evening in his hometown of Round Rock.
State Rep. James Talarico enters Democratic primary for U.S. Senate
The Austin state lawmaker is challenging former congressman and unsuccessful 2024 Senate candidate Colin Allred and former NASA astronaut Terry Virts for the Democratic nod. The Republican primary is a close race between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 9, 2025 at 1:23 PM
State Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin) has entered the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican John Cornyn. Talarico plans to hold a campaign kick-off rally Tuesday evening in his hometown of Round Rock.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Voter and civil rights organizations are seeking to block efforts by Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to expel 13 Democratic state representatives from office for their role in this summer’s quorum break.
Civil rights groups challenge Texas GOP leaders’ efforts to expel Democratic House members who broke quorum
Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have separately petitioned the Supreme Court of Texas to have 13 lawmakers declared to have abandoned their offices after they left the state for two weeks to temporarily prevent the passage of a Republican-led congressional redistricting plan.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 5, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Voter and civil rights organizations are seeking to block efforts by Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to expel 13 Democratic state representatives from office for their role in this summer’s quorum break.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
HB 18 would ban lawmakers from raising funds while participating in a quorum break. The measure is in response to the Democratic quorum break that unsuccessfully sought to prevent Republican-sponsored congressional redistricting legislation.
Texas House passes bill to punish quorum breaks
House Bill 18 would ban lawmakers from raising funds while participating in a quorum break. It would punish such actions by fining lawmakers and their contributors up to $5,000 per donation.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
September 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
HB 18 would ban lawmakers from raising funds while participating in a quorum break. The measure is in response to the Democratic quorum break that unsuccessfully sought to prevent Republican-sponsored congressional redistricting legislation.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
California and Texas, the country's two most populous states, are getting closer to redrawing their congressional districts in a political fight sparked by President Trump.
Texas and California near new partisan voting maps in a battle prompted by Trump
Lawmakers who lead the states are both seeking to add five U.S. House seats for their respective parties, after Trump, who's eager to maintain the narrow GOP majority in the House, pushed the Texas Legislature to redistrict and help Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
California and Texas, the country's two most populous states, are getting closer to redrawing their congressional districts in a political fight sparked by President Trump.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a crowded Republican primary field vying to replace Ken Paxton.
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, Paxton aide turned foe, to run for Texas attorney general
It will be the first test of whether Roy’s at times frosty relationship with President Trump — and his turn against Paxton — can withstand scrutiny in a statewide primary.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 21, 2025 at 4:58 PM
U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Austin, announced a run for Texas attorney general Thursday, joining a crowded Republican primary field vying to replace Ken Paxton.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
After the Texas House passed a new GOP congressional map, Gov. Greg Abbott added three new items to his agenda for the ongoing special session, including punishments for lawmakers who leave the state to block passage of future legislation.
Gov. Greg Abbott asks for new penalties for Texas lawmakers who flee to halt legislative sessions
The governor announced he was expanding his special session agenda shortly after the Texas House passed a congressional map that Democrats had delayed by leaving the state.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 21, 2025 at 1:15 PM
After the Texas House passed a new GOP congressional map, Gov. Greg Abbott added three new items to his agenda for the ongoing special session, including punishments for lawmakers who leave the state to block passage of future legislation.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The Texas House passed its proposed congressional redistricting map Wednesday on a vote of 88-52. The final, procedural vote is underway. Next, the map will head to the state Senate for consideration.
Texas House passes congressional redistricting map amid protests, following Dem quorum break
The map next proceeds to the Texas Senate, which is weighing a slightly different map.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 20, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The Texas House passed its proposed congressional redistricting map Wednesday on a vote of 88-52. The final, procedural vote is underway. Next, the map will head to the state Senate for consideration.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
The congressional redistricting map now advancing through the Texas House would add Liberty County to TX-9, unlike the map under consideration in the Senate. The district has long been represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Green.
Houston’s 9th Congressional District would be solidly Republican under Texas House’s redistricting map
The redistricting map now advancing through the House would add Liberty County to TX-9, unlike the map under consideration in the Senate. The district has long been represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Green.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM
The congressional redistricting map now advancing through the Texas House would add Liberty County to TX-9, unlike the map under consideration in the Senate. The district has long been represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Al Green.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is closing the gap with his main rival in the March 2026 Republican primary, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to a new poll from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center.
John Cornyn narrowing Ken Paxton’s lead in GOP Senate primary, Texas Southern University poll shows
The survey also showed former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, not yet a declared candidate, leading former Congressman Colin Allred by double digits in a hypothetical Democratic primary matchup.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 19, 2025 at 1:16 PM
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is closing the gap with his main rival in the March 2026 Republican primary, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, according to a new poll from Texas Southern University’s Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center.
Reposted by Andrew Schneider
Today marks 13 years since Houston freelance journalist and former U.S. Marine Austin Tice was abducted in Syria. His mother told the National Press Club, "My son is not dead. ... He is alive, and we will find him."
On 13th anniversary of Austin Tice’s abduction in Syria, his mother says he’s alive and ‘we will find him’
Tice, a Houston journalist and former U.S. Marine, was abducted from a checkpoint near Damascus on Aug. 14, 2012, while covering the Syrian Civil War.
www.houstonpublicmedia.org
August 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Today marks 13 years since Houston freelance journalist and former U.S. Marine Austin Tice was abducted in Syria. His mother told the National Press Club, "My son is not dead. ... He is alive, and we will find him."