The Texas Tribune: Matthew Choihttps://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/matthew-choi/The latest news by Matthew Choi.enThu, 30 May 2024 17:44:30 -0500“A sham”: Texas Republicans defend Trump after guilty verdicthttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/30/trump-trial-guilty-texas-republicans/Republicans across the party’s political spectrum denounced Trump’s guilty verdict on 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records.By Matthew ChoiThu, 30 May 2024 17:44:30 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/30/trump-trial-guilty-texas-republicans/U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales prevails in primary runoff over gun influencer Brandon Herrerahttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/24/tony-gonzales-brandon-herrera-texas-primary-runoff/The race became a referendum on the San Antonio Republican’s vote to support a bipartisan gun control package after the Uvalde school shooting.By Matthew ChoiWed, 29 May 2024 00:02:05 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/24/tony-gonzales-brandon-herrera-texas-primary-runoff/District 23 Rep. Tony Gonzales speaks with a reporter at a Starbucks in San Antonio on Aug. 24, 2022.District 23 Rep. Tony Gonzales speaks with a reporter at a Starbucks in San Antonio on Aug. 24, 2022.Kaylee Greenlee Beal for The Texas TribuneCraig Goldman wins GOP runoff in outgoing U.S. Rep. Kay Granger’s districthttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/25/craig-goldman-john-oshea-texas-runoff-kay-granger/The high-stakes race pitted an established Republican lawmaker against a right-wing candidate who had Attorney General Ken Paxton’s backing.By Matthew Choi and Robert DownenTue, 28 May 2024 20:36:38 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/25/craig-goldman-john-oshea-texas-runoff-kay-granger/State Rep. Craig Goldman speaks at a panel during The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 23, 2022 in AustinState Rep. Craig Goldman speaks on the “Wowtown” panel moderated by Abby Livingston at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 23, 2022 in Austin. Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneNavy veteran Jay Furman will face indicted U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar in South Texas congressional racehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/25/texas-runoff-results-cd-28-henry-cuellar-jay-indictment/Furman won the Republican nomination in a runoff against Lazaro Garza. Cuellar’s criminal charges have suddenly made it a high-profile race.By Matthew Choi and Robert DownenTue, 28 May 2024 20:16:54 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/25/texas-runoff-results-cd-28-henry-cuellar-jay-indictment/U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar celebrates his victory with his daughter Catherine and wife Imelda Cuellar at an election night party in Laredo on Nov. 8, 2022. He will face Navy veteran Jay Furman in the 2024 election.Henry Cuellar celebrates his victory with his daughter Catherine and wife Imelda Cuellar at an election night party in Laredo on Nov. 8, 2022.Jessica Rodriguez for The Texas TribuneIt’s primary runoff election day in Texas. Here’s what we’re watching.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-election-primary-runoff/Texans are heading to the polls Tuesday to make their final selections for which Democrats and Republicans will run for various seats in the November election.By Jasper Scherer, Zach Despart and Matthew ChoiTue, 28 May 2024 05:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/28/texas-election-primary-runoff/House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, surveys the chamber during a break in the action on May 11, 2023.House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, surveys the chamber during a break in the action on deadline day May 11, 2023.Bob Daemmrich for The Texas TribuneTexans triumph in fight to get direct flights from San Antonio to Washington, D.C.https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/san-antonio-direct-flights-washington-dc-faa/The push to get more nonstop flights to the nation’s capital pit Texans against Virginians, who were opposed to the expansion.By Matthew ChoiWed, 15 May 2024 15:19:21 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/san-antonio-direct-flights-washington-dc-faa/Biden, Trump sidestep traditional presidential debate schedule that included Texas State Universityhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/texas-state-university-presidential-debate-biden-trump/Texas State was slated to be the first Texas university to host a presidential debate, with an event scheduled Sept. 16.By Matthew ChoiWed, 15 May 2024 12:42:56 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/15/texas-state-university-presidential-debate-biden-trump/After U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar’s indictment, why aren’t Republicans trying to flip his district?https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/14/henry-cuellar-republicans-nrcc-south-texas/Instead, Republicans are trying to tie Cuellar’s allegations of bribery and corruption to Democrats in other competitive races in South Texas.By Matthew ChoiTue, 14 May 2024 11:56:29 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/14/henry-cuellar-republicans-nrcc-south-texas/US Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 24, 2022 in Austin.Sandi Villarreal, deputy editor for digital at Texas Monthly, moderates a panel with US Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, and former speaker of the Texas House Joe Straus at The Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 24, 2022 in Austin, TX.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneTexas delegation urges Congress to withhold aid to Mexico over water treaty disputehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/13/texas-mexico-water-treaty-congress-cruz-cornyn/A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers are demanding appropriators withhold funds for the country until Mexico lives up to its end of a 1944 water treaty that requires it to send 1.75 million acre-feet to the U.S. every five years.By Matthew ChoiMon, 13 May 2024 09:00:00 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/13/texas-mexico-water-treaty-congress-cruz-cornyn/The Rio Grande at Los Ebanos in Hidalgo Co. on Jan. 14, 2022. The United States is on the right, Mexico on the left.The Rio Grande at Los Ebanos in Hidalgo Co. on Jan. 14, 2022. The United States is on the right, Mexico on the left.Eddie Gaspar/The Texas TribuneU.S. Rep. Troy Nehls investigated over allegations he used campaign money to pay rent to his own companyhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/10/troy-nehls-texas-ethics-investigation-campaign-funds/The Richmond Republican faces allegations of improperly using campaign funds for his own gain, according to an Office of Congressional Ethics report made public Friday.By Matthew ChoiFri, 10 May 2024 16:28:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/10/troy-nehls-texas-ethics-investigation-campaign-funds/Texans in Congress stay silent on Cuellar indictment, unlike with Santos and Menendez before himhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/08/texas-henry-cuellar-indictment-resignation-calls/Some Texans called on Sen. Bob Menendez and former Rep. George Santos to resign amid their own scandals, but have been silent about the Laredo Democrat.By Matthew ChoiWed, 08 May 2024 14:04:35 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/08/texas-henry-cuellar-indictment-resignation-calls/U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, at a Get Out the Vote rally in San Antonio on May 4, 2022.Henry Cuellar GOTV Rally San Antonio, TX May 4th 2022Chris Stokes for The Texas TribuneTexas Congressman Henry Cuellar indicted on charges of bribery, money launderinghttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/henry-cuellar-texas-indicted-doj/Cuellar said he and his wife, Imelda, are innocent, and that he is still seeking reelection this November.By Matthew ChoiFri, 03 May 2024 10:40:10 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/henry-cuellar-texas-indicted-doj/U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks about the U.S.-Mexico border at the World Trade Bridge at a news conference in Laredo on Feb. 17, 2023.U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, speaks about the U.S.-Mexico border at the World Trade Bridge at a news conference in Laredo on Feb. 17, 2023.Michael Gonzalez for The Texas TribuneTony Gonzales openly blasts fellow Republicans as “scumbags” and klansmenhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/22/tony-gonzales-republicans-matt-gaetz-scumbags/Gonzales’ interview on CNN infuriated members of the House Freedom Caucus, causing one to endorse his primary opponent.By Matthew ChoiMon, 22 Apr 2024 15:21:59 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/22/tony-gonzales-republicans-matt-gaetz-scumbags/U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, gives an interview in his office at Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2023. Gonzales is a member of the House Appropriations Committees.U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, gives an interview in his office at Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 2023. Gonzales is a member of the House Appropriations Committees.Eric Lee for The Texas TribuneUkraine and Israel aid bills split Texans in Congress — but not along party lineshttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/20/texas-congress-ukraine-israel-tik-tok/Hardline conservatives opposed the bills without more legislation to harden the southern border. And some progressives wanted more protections for Palestinians.By Matthew ChoiSat, 20 Apr 2024 13:11:43 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/20/texas-congress-ukraine-israel-tik-tok/Mayra Flores raises twice as much as U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in bid to unseat him this Novemberhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/18/mayra-flores-outraises-vicente-gonzalez/National Republicans are investing heavily in Flores’ bid to unseat U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez in South Texas.By Matthew ChoiThu, 18 Apr 2024 16:38:55 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/18/mayra-flores-outraises-vicente-gonzalez/U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, at a GOP event in McAllen on Nov. 6, 2022.U.S. Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Los Indios, at a GOP event in McAllen on Nov. 6, 2022.Michael Gonzalez for The Texas TribuneTexas Republicans rue Democrats for dismissing Mayorkas impeachment without trialhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/17/mayorkas-impeachment-texas-republicans-cruz-cornyn/Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the trial the “least legitimate, least substantive, and most politicized impeachment trial in the history of the United States.”By Matthew ChoiWed, 17 Apr 2024 16:42:34 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/17/mayorkas-impeachment-texas-republicans-cruz-cornyn/U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, center, gives remarks during a visit to Brownsville while President Joe Biden, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen listen on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, center, gives remarks during a visit to Brownsville while President Joe Biden, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen listen on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.Eli Hartman/The Texas TribuneTexas Republicans urge Senate Democrats to give Mayorkas a full impeachment trialhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/michael-mccaul-august-pfluger-mayorkas-impeachment/Two Texans are among 11 House impeachment managers initiating a trial of the Homeland Security secretary in the Senate.By Matthew Choi and Sejal GovindaraoTue, 16 Apr 2024 15:32:24 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/michael-mccaul-august-pfluger-mayorkas-impeachment/U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, right, listens as President Joe Biden receives a briefing from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, USCIS and ICE during a visit to Brownsville on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, right, listens as President Joe Biden receives a briefing from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, USCIS and ICE during a visit to Brownsville on Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024.Eli Hartman/The Texas TribuneU.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales vastly outraises challenger Brandon Herrera ahead of heated congressional runoffhttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/tony-gonzales-brandon-herrera-campaign-donors-texas/A majority of donors have been from out of state for both candidates.By Matthew ChoiTue, 16 Apr 2024 12:33:26 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/16/tony-gonzales-brandon-herrera-campaign-donors-texas/U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, and his challenger in the GOP runoff, Brandon Herrera. The runoff is May 28.From left: U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, and his challenger in the GOP runoff, Brandon Herrera. Election Day is May 28.The Texas TribuneColin Allred’s fundraising for U.S. Senate race surpasses O’Rourke’s early 2018 pacehttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/15/colin-allred-beto-orourke-ted-cruz-fundraising/U.S. Rep. Colin Allred raised over $9.5 million for his U.S. Senate campaign this quarter, surpassing Beto O’Rourke’s 2018 first quarter sum of $6.7 million.By Matthew ChoiMon, 15 Apr 2024 16:19:02 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/15/colin-allred-beto-orourke-ted-cruz-fundraising/U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, smiles as the crowd claps and cheers for him during a stop for his U.S. Senate campaign in McAllen on Feb. 17, 2024.U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, smiles as the crowd claps and cheers for him during a stop for his U.S. Senate campaign in McAllen on Feb. 17, 2024.Rep. Allred is running against Texas Senator Roland Gutierrez for the March 5 primary election in hopes to be the Democratic candidate that goes head to head with incumbent Ted Cruz for the general election in November.Michael Gonzalez for The Texas TribuneWith an eye on Amarillo courthouse, U.S. senators push to stop federal judge shoppinghttps://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/11/judge-shopping-texas-amarillo-kasmaryk-senate/Judge shopping has made a federal courthouse in Amarillo with a Trump-appointed judge a destination for conservative litigants challenging Biden administration policies.By Matthew ChoiThu, 11 Apr 2024 17:14:40 -0500https://www.texastribune.org/2024/04/11/judge-shopping-texas-amarillo-kasmaryk-senate/