From Texastribune · · 2m
Texas Cities Gain Local Control After Democratic Sweep
Democrats sweep Texas state offices, ending GOP's years-long assault on cities' authority.
In brief
Democrats sweep Texas state offices, ending GOP's years-long assault on cities' authority. Texas Democrats now control state government and major urban areas, ending Republican efforts to limit local tax power and policy decisions. Originally reported by Texastribune.
Texas cities face GOP attacks
For years, Republican state lawmakers engaged in an unrelenting assault on Texas cities to curb urban power and stop progressive policies.
Fracking ban blocked by state
When Denton residents voted to ban fracking in city limits, the GOP-dominated Texas Legislature made it illegal for cities to do so.
Mask mandates overruled
When local officials enacted mask mandates during the pandemic, Gov. Greg Abbott overruled them.
Austin light rail blocked
Austin voters raised property taxes to build light rail, but Republican officials tried to stop it before tracks were laid.
Democrats sweep state offices
After Tuesday, Democrats won statewide offices and a majority in the Texas House of Representatives, ending years of GOP control.
Austin mayor on partnership
Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said, 'I don’t think we need to be on the defense the way we have in the past'.
“I don’t think we need to be on the defense the way we have in the past”
Fort Worth mayor on partnership
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, a Republican, said, 'The number one ask right now is partnership'.
“The number one ask right now is partnership”
Local leaders draft wishlists
Local leaders across Texas are drawing up wishlists for what they want from state lawmakers in January.
Travis County judge on partnership
Travis County Judge Andy Brown said, 'So many of the things we are trying to do will be easier with a partner concerned about middle class Texans'.
“So many of the things that we are trying to do are going to be so much easier to have a partner that is concerned about helping middle class texans”
Democrats flip county governments
Democrats flipped GOP-controlled Tarrant County Commissioners Court and won the county judge seat, controlling all five largest urban counties.
Death Star bill remains
Republicans passed the 'Death Star' bill to stop cities from adopting progressive policies, but it remains on the books.
Housing affordability push
Democrats signed bipartisan housing bills to make it easier to build homes in major cities, bypassing local approval processes.
Frisco resists housing laws
Cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, including Frisco and Grand Prairie, want to see housing laws curtailed to retain local control.
State may ease housing crisis
Texas could expand Medicaid or help cities with school security to address housing and financial pressures.
The essence
Texas Democrats now control state government and major urban areas, ending Republican efforts to limit local tax power and policy decisions.
