Time for the week that was in Texas politics with Alexa Ura, political reporter for the Texas Tribune.
State Sen. Carlos Uresti was found guilty on Thursday of 11 felony counts, related to his work as an investment broker with FourWinds Logistics. Uresti has served in the legislature for two decades.
“It’s a case that folks have been watching very closely because it could upend his time in the legislature,” Ura says. “I’m not sure anyone predicted that this would be the outcome.”
The Senate Democratic Caucus issued a statement calling on Uresti to resign. Uresti said he has no immediate plans to do so, and that he can stay in office throughout the appeal process.
Early voting turnout has been incredibly high in some areas of the state. In many counties Democratic voters are outvoting many of their Republican counterparts.
“It’s obviously the first days of early voting so it’s a little unclear of folks eager to get their votes in or if it’s an indication of something different this election,” Ura says. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
There are more women running for office this year than ever before. On Monday, The Texas Tribune is hosting a women’s symposium in Dallas, starting at 8 a.m. The event will look at issues that affect women in the workplace and their underrepresentation in politics.
At the last minute, Gov. Greg Abbott commuted the death sentence of Thomas Whitaker. The decision came after a unanimous recommendation for clemency from the state parole board.
“Obviously he is a staunch supporter of the death penalty,” Ura says. “I can’t imagine it was an easy decision for him to make politically.”
Listen to the full interview in the audio player above.
Written by Jeremy Steen.
