Gov. Greg Abbott vows terrorism purge on Fox News December 27 Abbott scores signatures from almost 48% of Republicans on current roster including 20 freshmen and handful of committee chairs on speaker team with list that's irrelevant if Patrick and Senate allies refuse to cave amid stiff opposition. more   Five reps who represent folks outside big cities may be collateral damage from redistricting in Lone Star State where governor and lawmakers failed to anticipate consequences beyond own turf like Prop 5 with new Congress map. more Texas map casualties: GOP Reps Ken Calvert, Doug LaMalfa & Kevin Kiley   Texas Speaker Dustin Burrows with wife Elisabeth at White House Christmas party December 13 as president speaks in background Lawsuit reform group has ample cause for fast-growing angst as analysis shows 36 House and Senate Republicans with funds from plaintiffs bar pair, PAC and firm or combo including dozen freshmen with running count near $1.3 million and rising with primaries under way. more   Dick Weekley identifies plaintiffs bar pair as biggest culprits behind growing largess for House Republicans in primary with Olcott, Hunter and Little as potential speaker contender among top beneficiaries who group's chair declines to name. more Texas Rep Mitch Little backs @PastorKason for SBOE December 18   Ex-US Rep Mayra Flores with supporters in post on December 19 President gives MAGA faithful more cause for howling with plugs for incumbent who's moderate and ex-Democratic lawmaker's son who's doing battle with rival with same last name who Trump backed for targeted Congress seat in past. more   Democrats field candidates for every state House seat for first time as Republicans offer no fight in several heavily-Hispanic districts Trump won and others where he came close in sign that 2024 gains may have been aberration. more Texas Rep James Talarico cites scripture in Senate bid December 16   @DocPete4Texas challenging Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in primary election Senate leader on local taxation pitches double-nickel counter-proposal amid warning that elimination of school levies would force sales tax as high as 25% in move that would blow up middle and working class. more   Democrats file to run for 93 percent of seats GOP controls in west wing in quest to take chamber back with net gain of 14 on critical battlefield where 30 incumbent Republicans and 12 minority party colleagues face first-round foes. more Gov. Greg Abbott wishes Texas Guard happy birthday December 13