Politics

What's known as "dark money" in U.S. elections reached a record-shattering $1.9 billion in recent federal election cycles, nearly doubling the previous record. This surge traces back to the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision. Now dark money has grown into a mysterious massive force, as billionaires and organizations exploit loopholes in campaign finance disclosure laws.

The Democratic Socialists of America are winning elections across the nation, including in San Antonio. There are three San Antonio City Council members who belong to the progressive party. The Republican Party is calling the DSA "communists." DSA supports universal health care, benefits for workers, opposition to billionaires and stopping data centers.

Recent polling shows the race for Texas Governor tightening. Democrat State Representative Gina Hinojosa trails Republican Governor Greg Abbott by single digits. The last time a Democrat was elected governor was in 1990, when Ann Richards won the office.

No candidate in either crowded field cleared the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a runoff.

There’s growing evidence of a great political shift in America. A record-high 45% of U.S. adults identified as political independents in 2025. Meanwhile an equal share of U.S. adults — 27% each — identified as either Democrats or Republicans. But this means a large share of voters are unrepresented in our two-party political system. As independents rise, how will they have a voice?

2025 was an action-packed year when it came to local politics — with a new mayor, city council members and the debate on Project Marvel. And 2026 is already shaping up to be even bigger with political primaries for Bexar County judge, district attorney, congressional races and more.

Today on Texas Matters—How Texas could see a reshuffle of congressional maps to keep Republican Control of Congress. When is a Hood not a Hood? When President Trump puts names of Confederate figures back on military bases. And why you could see tomato prices jump at the grocery store.

Barbara Jordan was a trailblazing American politician, civil rights leader, and the first Southern Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Mary Ellen Curtin chronicles Jordan's life in her book, She Changed the Nation.

NPR spoke with 30 small groups of people around the country about what they'd want other people to understand about their community — and what they want to understand about others

There is a fundamental gap between many Americans about political beliefs which threatens the United States. The angry repetitive and unproductive arguments are clearly not helping. But there is a way to move beyond the partisan divisions and uniting behind creating a better future. We’re joined by psychologist Kenneth Barish to discuss his book "Bridging our Political Divide."