"Sir, this is a *digital* newspaper." | Covering mental health and related policy for the @TexasTribune | A University of Central Arkansas alumnus.
Austin, TX
Joined April 2009
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Mental health treatment in Texas wasn’t supposed to be this threadbare and challenging.
But for many Texans, the mental health system is anything but accessible.
In collaboration with the Carter Center read the stories of how Texans are finding treatment
texastribune.org/2023/12/22/…
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Texas’ governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and every other statewide candidate fell, upending the state’s political power structure in one night. bit.ly/4iyf1pU
Stephen Simpson retweeted
AP calls #TX23 for Katy Padilla Stout
This makes it very likely that Texas Republicans, after redrawing the congressional map to yield five new seats, will end up with fewer US House seats in 2027 than they did in 2025.
One thing to watch for is whether Hinojosa changes leadership at some state agencies if the THC rules are revisited. Lawsuits are still playing out in court when it comes to the ban on smokeable hemp. Based on social media comments, many Texans viewed it as a bridge too far.
A little talked about story this election cycle is how many Texans where angered by the THC ban pushed by Dan Patrick it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
texastribune.org/2026/08/10/…
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Talarico taking the stage now to “Baila Esta Cumbia” by Selena #TXSEN
“We just took back Texas. We just proved that all the money in the world is no match for the people of Texas.”
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Hinojosa becomes the first Latina governor of Texas. She will be the third woman to hold the office in the state's history. The last was Democrat Ann Richards.
Stephen Simpson retweeted
BREAKING: Democrat James Talarico wins the election for U.S. Senate, according to @AP results. bit.ly/4ySuR4V
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Talarico’s victory is a political earthquake unseen in Texas this century. The U.S. Senate drought for Texas Democrats extended back to 1988 — when Rick Perry was still a Democrat, the Cowboys were coached by Tom Landry and Talarico was not yet born.
texastribune.org/2026/11/03/…
Stephen Simpson retweeted
BREAKING: Incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott confirms that he called Democrat Gina Hinojosa to concede in the Texas governor's race, @TexasTribune reports.
texastribune.org/2026/11/03/…
More news out of Harris County
Harris County, WE DID IT!
Tonight belongs to every person who believed in this campaign, knocked on doors, made calls and showed up at the polls. I'm beyond grateful. This victory isn't just mine. It's OURS.
Now, the real work begins. Harris County, let's get to work!
ALT Smiling woman in a collage with text: 'Thank You Harris County'.
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Greg Abbott concedes: "Mathematically we're not going to be able to win this election"
He says he spoke with Gina Hinojosa, offering his help in the transition #TXGOV
A little talked about story this election cycle is how many Texans where angered by the THC ban pushed by Dan Patrick it will be interesting to see what happens in the future.
texastribune.org/2026/08/10/…
Particularly for Texans in the rural areas, THC was seen as a lifeline for farmers, veterans, and the old.
texastribune.org/2025/08/01/…
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Eric Flores has conceded in #TX34
That’s two redrawn seats now, which Republicans redrew to explicitly flip, where they’ve conceded
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Folks are getting a little quieter at the Abbott watch party as many seem stunned by Hinojosa's nightlong lead over the incumbent governor. Nearly everyone watching their phone as a band plays 1980s hits.
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Tarrant County (Fort Worth), the most populous Republican county in the U.S., has fallen to Democrats.
Tim O’Hare has congratulated Alisa Simmons as Tarrant County judge star-telegram.com/news/polit…
Stephen Simpson retweeted
Tarrant County Judge Tim O'Hare (R) concedes to Alisa Simmons (D).
With Dems leading in the two county commissioner races, looks like Dems are on track to control the governing bodies of TX's five largest counties
Tim O’Hare has congratulated Alisa Simmons as Tarrant County judge star-telegram.com/news/polit…