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Burt Levine

Stories by Burt

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FBISD Trustee Shirley Rose-Gilliam Gets Ready for Election

Veteran educator and Board Secretary seeks another term in a six-candidate Position 4 race to help guide one of Texas’ largest, most diverse school districts.

Veteran educator and current FBISD Board Secretary Dr. Shirley Rose-Gilliam seeks another term in a six-candidate Position 4 race as Fort Bend voters prepare to shape the future of one of Texas’ largest school districts.

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Labor Day Kicks-Off Sprint to November 3 General Election

With registration closing October 5 and Early Voting opening October 19, Texas voters enter a consequential fall election stretching from Washington and Austin to Harris and Fort Bend counties.

Texas’ 2026 election countdown is on: with registration due October 5 and early voting starting October 19, here’s what Houston-area voters need to know before November 3.

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Tarrant County Cuts 92 Polling Sites — and Voters Are Asking Why Democracy Needs Fewer Doors

A growing battleground county heads toward November with fewer voting locations and bigger questions about access.

Tarrant County is cutting 92 Election Day polling locations ahead of a pivotal midterm—and critics warn fewer voting sites could mean bigger barriers for voters.

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DA Brian Middleton Drives Down Crime In Fort Bend County

As Fort Bend nears one million residents, DA Brian Middleton points to falling crime, strong partnerships and accountable justice as proof that safety and fairness can advance together.

Fort Bend County’s top prosecutor says crime is falling—but his broader vision for public safety, accountability and a rapidly growing county is drawing attention.

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Abbott Appoints Former Democratic State Rep. Shawn Thierry as Harris County Judge

Once a Democratic lawmaker from Houston, now a Republican judicial appointee, Shawn Thierry’s political journey lands her on a newly created Harris County civil court bench.

Former Democratic state Rep. Shawn Nicole Thierry is taking another major turn in her political journey after Gov. Greg Abbott appointed her to Harris County’s newly created 515th Judicial District Court, moving from partisan politics to the judicial bench.

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Dr. Letitia Plummer v. Orlando Sanchez Presents Choices to Women’s Chamber

Dr. Letitia Plummer and Orlando Sanchez offered Harris County voters sharply different visions for leadership Monday, sparring over emergency preparedness, taxes, public safety and the cost of county government as the November 3 election approaches.

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Abbott Rallies Behind Paxton — But Talarico Has Turned Texas Into a Toss-Up

As Abbott rallies Republicans, Talarico’s money, message and crossover appeal turn Texas into a true Senate battleground.

Texas’ 2026 Senate race is no longer a guaranteed Republican win, as James Talarico’s surging campaign, strong fundraising and competitive polling put Ken Paxton on notice ahead of November.

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U.S. Rep. Menefee Motivates Voters at Meyerland Meeting

Congressman Christian Menefee brought an urgent message to Meyerland Area Democrats: with Texas and congressional control on the November 3 ballot, he urged voters to register, organize and participate in the 2026 midterm election.

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Rep. Talarico Reaches Out to Harris County Hispanic Voters

Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico brought his affordability-focused campaign to Pasadena, making a direct appeal to working families and Hispanic voters as the high-profile Texas Senate race moves toward November.

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Texas Is Less Than Three Months Away from Tectonic Elections

Texas voters are heading into one of the state's most competitive elections in decades, with closely contested races for U.S. Senate, governor, attorney general and every seat in the Texas House.

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Missouri City Council Members Dedicate Freedom Tree Park

A 14-Year-Old Heiress, a Community’s Emancipation and a Living Oak That Still Speaks

Missouri City's new Freedom Tree Park transforms a historic emancipation site into a place where art, history, and community come together to honor the past and inspire future generations.

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Reyes and Wiltz Bring Light—and Resolve—to Monday Meyerland Meeting

Grief, accountability and hope took center stage as East Houston advocate Conchita Reyes and Pearland Mayor Quentin Wiltz delivered powerful messages on justice, service and the future of democracy at the Meyerland Area Democrats meeting.

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Houston Turns Out—and Turns Up the Heat—for James Talarico

Democratic U.S. Senate nominee James Talarico spent a day in Houston making a direct appeal to Black voters, promising to earn—not assume—their support ahead of November's election.

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Attorney Jacob Monty Is Shocked by Salgado’s Shooting

Houston Tragedy Raises Urgent Questions About Immigration Enforcement, Transparency and American Democracy

Houston attorney Jake Monty says the fatal ICE shooting of longtime Houston resident Lorenzo Salgado Araujo should become a turning point in the national conversation about immigration enforcement, transparency and accountability.

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Leticia Gutierrez Gains Ground in New CD 9 Congress Race

Democratic nominee Leticia Gutierrez is taking her grassroots message directly to voters as she campaigns across Texas’ newly redrawn Congressional District 9, emphasizing working families, environmental justice, and community roots ahead of the November election.

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Fort Bend County Attorney Smith-Lawson Says Daniel Wong’s Interim Authority Has Ended, Sparking Legal Showdown

A legal dispute over the authority of Fort Bend County's interim judge has placed the county government at a crossroads, raising questions about judicial appointments, public trust, and who has the legal authority to lead as the 2026 election approaches.

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Plummer and Breaux Turn Primary Upsets Into a Bold Blueprint for Harris County’s Future

Fresh off upset primary victories, Harris County Democratic nominees Letitia Plummer and Darlene Breaux rallied supporters in Meyerland, framing their campaigns as a grassroots movement for the future of Harris County.

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Pollard Stands Alone: One ‘No’ Vote, One Big Message on Houston’s $7.5 Billion Budget

As Houston approves a record $7.58 billion budget, one council member’s lone “no” vote raises questions about accountability, taxpayer value, and the future of city spending.

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Youth, Protest, and the Primary Runoff Rebellion: Texas Voters Send the Establishment a Message

Texas runoff voters delivered a clear message in 2026, backing a wave of younger and less-established candidates while unseating several longtime political figures across Houston and the state.

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From Spelling Bee Spark to State House Stage: Staci Childs Carries Sunnyside’s Voice Forward in Texas House District 131

After winning the Democratic runoff in Texas House District 131, Staci Childs emerges as a new generation of leadership for Sunnyside, bringing her experience as an educator, attorney, and advocate to a seat long held by Rep. Alma Allen.

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Winds of Political Change Push Across Texas in Every Area

Texas voters delivered a political earthquake from Houston to Fort Bend as longtime powerhouses fell, rising leaders made history, and a restless electorate signaled that the future of Texas politics is arriving faster than anyone expected.

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Texans Turn Out: Harris County Voters Head to the Polls as Democracy Takes Center Stage in Texas Run-Off Elections

Houston-area voters are turning out in force as high-stakes runoff races ignite political energy across Harris County ahead of the May 26 Election Day showdown.

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Texas Run-Off Elections 2026: Houston-Area Voters Head Back to the Polls as Early Voting Begins Monday

Texas politics is reaching a boiling point as high-stakes 2026 primary run-offs ignite fierce battles for the U.S. Senate, Congress, Attorney General, and key Houston-area leadership positions.

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Diversity Delivers: Suburban Houston Elections Signal a Bold, Inclusive Future

Quentin Wiltz wins Pearland mayor's race, flipping a Republican stronghold in the heart of Texas.

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Houston City College Surges Forward: Vice Chair Sean Cheben Champions Opportunity, Growth, and a 100,000-Student Milestone

Houston City College is expanding its impact with projected enrollment topping 100,000 students, career-focused programs, and new bachelor’s degrees, positioning itself as a major force in shaping Houston’s workforce and economic future.

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Houston’s Own Troy Finner Takes the Helm in Missouri City: A Legacy of Leadership, A Future of Unity

Troy Finner’s appointment as Missouri City’s Chief of Police highlights a legacy of community-focused leadership, bringing decades of experience, integrity, and a vision for trust and public safety to one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.

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A Legacy Rooted in Service: Lawrence Allen’s Family-Driven Vision for Texas House District 131

Lawrence Allen’s campaign for Texas House District 131 highlights a deep family legacy of education and public service in Houston, spanning generations and decades of leadership in HISD and statewide education policy, as he advances to the May 26 runoff focused on strengthening schools, workforce development, and community opportunity.

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Quentin Wiltz’s Bold Vision for Pearland Signals a New Chapter in Community-Driven Leadership

Pearland mayoral candidate Quentin Wiltz is campaigning on fiscal responsibility, smart growth, and community-centered leadership, aiming to preserve affordability and quality of life as the fast-growing city prepares for its May 3 election.

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Stafford Strong: Council Member Xavier Herrera Champions Community, Family, and Forward Progress By Burt Levine

Xavier Herrera is driving progress in Stafford through community-focused leadership, highlighting his journey from local roots to public service while championing diversity, economic growth, and civic engagement ahead of his re-election campaign.

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Op-Ed: Cicely Taylor’s Community-First Vision Can Strengthen Katy ISD for Every Student

Cicely Taylor is running for Katy ISD school board in the May 2, 2026 election, bringing a community-focused vision centered on academic excellence, transparency, and inclusive leadership shaped by her experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and parent.

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April Jones Advances to Runoff — A Community‑Rooted Leader Eyes Historic Win for Fort Bend County Commissioner

April Jones, Fort Bend County community leader and business professional, advances to the Democratic Primary run-off for County Commissioner, Precinct 4, emphasizing safety, smart growth, and fiscal accountability.

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Texas Voters Surge to the Polls as Runoff Elections Approach: A Defining Moment for the Lone Star State

Texas’ 2026 Super Tuesday primaries saw historic turnout, with Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett energizing voters in the Houston region and critical Senate and local races heading to runoff elections on May 26.

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Early Voting Surge Across Houston Region as New and Diverse Voters Drive Strong Turnout in Texas Primaries

Hundreds of thousands of voters across Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties are turning out in strong numbers for Early Voting, signaling energized civic engagement and a growing wave of new, diverse participants shaping this election season

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GO VOTE, HOUSTON! Early Voting Ignites High-Stakes Congressional Races Across Harris County

As early voting begins across Houston and Harris County, competitive congressional races and newly drawn districts are energizing voters in what could be one of the region’s most consequential primary elections in years.

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Op-Ed: Experience. Integrity. Service. Why Maria T. Jackson Is the Right Choice for Fort Bend County Clerk

With decades of judicial experience and a lifelong commitment to public service, Judge Maria T. Jackson is positioning herself as a steady, experienced leader ready to modernize and elevate the Fort Bend County Clerk’s office.

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Showdown for Congressional District 18: Houston’s Voice Nears Its Return at the Ballot Box

Voters in Texas Congressional District 18 head to the polls Saturday to decide who will complete the late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s term, as extended early voting and low turnout heighten the stakes of the runoff.

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Fort Bend’s Future on the Ballot: A County Judge Race That Reflects a County on the Rise

Fort Bend County’s 2026 County Judge race features a historic, highly diverse field of candidates as voters prepare for early voting ahead of the Super Tuesday Primary.

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What to Know About Houston’s 2026 Elections

Houston voters head into 2026 facing an unprecedented election cycle—packed with runoffs, primaries, and special elections—that will shape local, state, and national leadership throughout the year

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Jasmine Crockett Rockets Into Texas History as Allred Exits Senate Race

Texas politics experienced a seismic shift as Colin Allred stepped aside, clearing the way for Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett to launch a history-making 2026 U.S. Senate bid amid a rapidly reshaping electoral landscape across Houston and the state.

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Houston Voters Shape the Future in the City Council At-Large 4 Runoff

Early voting is underway in Houston for the City Council At-Large Position 4 runoff—every vote counts ahead of the December 13 election.

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Houston Prepares for High-Stakes 2026 Elections: Key Runoffs and Voter Impact Ahead

Houston faces a high-stakes local and statewide election season, including a special congressional runoff, city council runoff, and Super Tuesday primaries that could reshape the city’s political landscape.

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Houston’s Political Heat Wave: Democracy in Full Bloom Across the Bayou City

Houston’s political heat is rising! From high-energy rallies to key local runoffs, the city proves democracy is alive, bold, and unstoppable.

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Democracy Triumphs: Menefee and Boykins Advance to Milestone Runoffs as Voters Shape Houston’s Future

Houston showed up for democracy — with high voter turnout propelling Christian Menefee and Dwight Boykins into pivotal runoff races that promise to shape the next era of local leadership.

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Early Voting Electrifies Houston: Civic Spirit Meets Halloween Festivities

Houston’s early voting season is in full swing — and it’s electric. With over 100,000 ballots already cast across Harris and Fort Bend Counties, voters are turning polling sites into hubs of civic pride and community spirit.

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Early Voting Energizes Harris County: Democracy in Motion Across Houston’s Neighborhood

Democracy in action! Harris County kicked off early voting with 10,702 in-person ballots and 3,268 mail-in votes on Day 1. From congressional races to school boards and 17 constitutional amendments, voters are making their voices heard. Find your polling spot and vote early!

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Crockett and Pierson: Two Texas Powerhouses Poised to Redefine Leadership in 2026

Texas politics is entering a bold new era as Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett eyes a historic U.S. Senate run and State Representative Katrina Pierson considers a Congressional bid — two fearless women, from opposite sides of the aisle, could reshape the state’s political landscape in 2026

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Kendra Camarena: A Fresh Voice Rising in Cy-Fair ISD’s Future

As Early Voting begins, educator and community leader Kendra Camarena steps forward to bring unity, innovation, and inclusion to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD — Texas’ third-largest school district — with a campaign centered on putting students first and politics aside.

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Addie Heyliger Returns to Fort Bend ISD School Board with Renewed Vision

Fort Bend ISD welcomes back Addie Heyliger, a trusted leader and former trustee, to the Board of Trustees. Appointed to fill the vacancy left by Sonya Jones, Heyliger returns with a renewed commitment to equity, excellence, and accountability—bringing her proven record of leadership, business acumen, and community service back to Texas’ most diverse school district.

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Special Election: 15 Candidates Seek Houston At-Large Position 4

Houston’s At-Large Position 4 seat is up for grabs this November, with 15 candidates from across the city stepping into the spotlight. From seasoned politicians to student activists, this special election promises high stakes and a chance to shape Houston’s future.

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17 Candidates, One Goal: Serving Texas’ 18th Congressional District

The Texas 18th Congressional District special election on November 4, 2025, features 17 candidates competing to succeed the late Sylvester Turner, offering voters a diverse field of leaders ready to carry forward the district’s legacy.

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