In which we rank the races — one last time before Election Day — by risk to the incumbents and/or the level of drama for candidates and voters in the state's congressional and legislative races.

Texas is a red state when it comes to electoral politics. But in its second-largest county, some Republican incumbents are playing defense. And at least one other is hoping for an upset in the heart of Dallas County.

Even if Texas Republicans sweep this year's statewide races, there are ways to figure out whether and where Democratic organizing efforts have made any headway. Or there will be, once the results are in. One clue will be the number of Democrats who vote, even for losing candidates, in each county.

Democrats are hoping to take advantage of Irving's shifting demographics to flip Texas House District 105. But Republicans are also making a push among new residents. The race pits Democrat Susan Motley against Republican Rodney Anderson. 

Key meetings and events for the coming week.

With the early voting period for the upcoming midterm elections almost halfway done, the urge to read sustainable trends in the numbers collected so far is almost irresistible.

Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer Thomas J. Henry has poured $694,000 into the campaign of Democrat Nicholas LaHood, who is trying to unseat 16-year Republican incumbent Susan Reed as Bexar County district attorney. Henry plans to give even more, and some folks in San Antonio are wondering what all that cash is for.

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion Saturday morning removing the last traces of uncertainty over whether voter ID can be enforced in the upcoming elections.

In which we rank the races by risk to the incumbents and/or the level of drama for candidates and voters in the state's congressional and legislative races.

Texas' voter ID law is in effect for the Nov. 4 general election. Election workers are working to help ensure there is no confusion as voters head to the polls.

Texas plaintiffs on Wednesday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block use of the state's voter photo ID law in the upcoming general election. They are appealing Tuesday's appellate court order to leave the law in place for the elections that begin next week.

Texas should require photo voter identification in this year’s general election, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday, overturning an earlier ruling by a federal district judge in Texas.

The Texas Democrats are now where the Republicans were when Wayne Thorburn was executive director of the Texas GOP. Thorburn, who held the post from 1977 to 1983, says the minority party is not yet a statewide contender but could become one.

Less than two weeks before the start of early voting, a federal judge ruled the state’s photo voter ID law unconstitutional late Thursday and ordered state officials to drop the new requirements.

Where the candidates in the Legislature's most-watched races stand on the campaign fundraising side with less than a month to go before the general election.

Key meetings and events for the coming week.

The keynote track at the 2014 Texas Tribune Festival featured interviews with several Texas elected officials and candidates, as well as a pair of panel discussions. Listen to audio of each session.

In which we rank the races by risk to the incumbents and/or the level of drama for candidates and voters in the state's congressional and legislative races.