Elections 2022Local NewsFormer State Sen. Kirk Watson Joins Race for Austin Mayor
Brad JohnsonFebruary 22, 2022
The Austin mayor of 20 years ago joins a crowded field vying to replace current Mayor Steve Adler.
HomeTagKirk Watson | The Texan
The Back MicThe Back Mic: Final Budget Lacks Federal Funding Amendment, Former Senator Steps Down as Dean, Democrats Push Back Over Unemployment Benefits
Brad JohnsonMay 21, 2021
This week — the state budget is finalized, a former state senator opts to leave a University of Houston position, and a House Democrat weighs in on Abbott's unemployment benefit decision.
Elections 2020Sarah Eckhardt Wins State Senate Seat After Rep. Eddie Rodriguez Drops Out of Runoff
Brad JohnsonJuly 27, 2020
With Rodriguez's exit, Sarah Eckhardt has secured the Senate District 14 seat, replacing former Sen. Kirk Watson. Eckhardt will finish the term and must run for re-election in 2022.
Elections 2020Sarah Eckhardt and Eddie Rodriguez Move on to Runoff in Senate District 14 Special Election
Brad JohnsonJuly 15, 2020
In the Austin-dominated senate district, Eddie Rodriguez and Sarah Eckhardt are headed to a runoff to replace former Sen. Kirk Watson.
Elections 2020The Back MicThe Back Mic: Senate District 14 Race Heats Up with New Ads, Endorsements
McKenzie TaylorJune 19, 2020
This week — a look at new developments in the race to replace Sen. Kirk Watson in Senate District 14.
Elections 2020IssuesLocal NewsTravis County Has Seen Huge Increase in Requests for Mail-in Ballots, Per County Clerk
Daniel FriendMay 29, 2020
Between the coronavirus pandemic and a special election for Senate District 14, Travis County has seen a huge increase in the number of applications for mail-in ballots.
Elections 2020IssuesState HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Special Election Field Finalized, Pro-Choice Group Issues Endorsements, Abbott Releases Coronavirus Response Ad
McKenzie TaylorMay 15, 2020
This week — the Senate District 14 field is set, new endorsements are issued, and Governor Abbott releases an ad touting his coronavirus response.
IssuesGovernor Abbott Announces Timeline for Business Reopening, Creation of Task Force
Brad JohnsonApril 17, 2020
Texas remains second in the nation in coronavirus recoveries, Governor Abbott stated at a Friday press conference.
Elections 2020IssuesState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsThe Back MicThe Back Mic: GOP Convention Postponed, Freedom Caucus Letter to Hegar, Senate District 14 Update
McKenzie TaylorMarch 20, 2020
This week — Texas Republicans postpone their state convention, the Freedom Caucus calls on the comptroller, and a state senate race continues to solidify.
Elections 2020IssuesState HouseState SenateThe Back MicThe Back Mic: Potential Kirk Watson Successors, Bernie Sanders Rallies in Texas, New Committee Assignments
McKenzie TaylorFebruary 21, 2020
This week — potential Senate District 14 candidates, committee assignments for the Texas House's newly minted members, and Bernie Sanders rallies in Texas.
Local NewsState SenateStatewide NewsState Sen. Kirk Watson to Resign, Become University of Houston’s First Dean of Public Affairs
Brad JohnsonFebruary 18, 2020
Watson's hire illustrates the University of Houston's emphasis on building the Hobby School of Public Affairs — which was established as a public affairs center in 1981.
86th LegislatureIssuesState HouseState SenateStatewide NewsTaxes & SpendingProposition Protecting Against a State Income Tax Becomes Flashpoint Ahead of Tuesday Vote
Brad JohnsonOctober 30, 2019
The most hotly contested ballot initiative this fall is Proposition 4, which would raise the bar on implementation of a statewide income tax.