Blaise Gainey

After he was officially awarded the Democratic spot, he sent out a press release saying, quote, we're about to take back Texas.

For NPR News, I'm Blaise Gainey.

Republicans are trying to hold on to the Senate seat they've had for 30-plus years, but Democrats believe this is their year for an upset.

Texan Bo Delp in Austin says why he voted and wants others to do the same.

All GOP candidates have claimed to be MAGA Republicans.

and some political scientists believe that could drive people to come out and vote against them.

For NPR News, I'm Blaise Gainey.

Abbott has told agency heads across the state to make sure U.S.

workers are being recruited before foreign labor is sought out.

This is a response to a federal proclamation restricting the entry of certain non-immigrant workers.

The belief is that U.S.

workers are being overlooked in the hiring process and even fired at a large rate so employers can hire foreign workers who are often paid less.

The freeze is to remain in place until the end of the next state legislative session in 2027.

Abbott will also be asking that any new and renewal H-1B visas submitted in 2025 be reviewed, as well as documentation showing the efforts made to hire Texas candidates for each position held by a visa holder.

For NPR News, I'm Blaise Gainey in Austin.

Being a border state, one of the constant themes in the question was around immigration laws.

This debate took place just hours after a man was killed by immigration law enforcement officers in Minneapolis.

When asked what they would do about ICE's funding and whether it should be abolished, this is how Tallarico answered.

Crockett voted against a House bill that provides more funding to ICE this week.

She says the agency needs to be cleaned up from top to bottom.