Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, a former Texas state lawmaker, to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner, who previously served in the Texas House and as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, will advise the president on housing issues if confirmed. Turner's background includes a career in the NFL and founding the Community Engagement & Opportunity Council. Other Texans nominated for Trump's administration include John Ratcliffe, Elon Musk, and Tulsi Gabbard.

Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, a former Texas state lawmaker, to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner, who previously served in the Texas House and as executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, will advise the president on housing issues if confirmed. The article also mentions other Texans nominated for roles in Trump's administration, including John Ratcliffe, Elon Musk, and Tulsi Gabbard.

Three fairgoers have joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a lawsuit against the State Fair of Texas and the city of Dallas over a firearms ban at the fair. The Texas Supreme Court previously denied Paxton's request to overturn the ban, but he continues to argue that the policy violates state law and constitutional rights. The city of Dallas claims it is not involved in the decision, as the State Fair is operated by a private nonprofit. The case is ongoing, with another hearing expected next year.

Early voting turnout in Texas is slightly down compared to the 2020 presidential election, with 15.1% of registered voters participating so far. The state has more registered voters than ever, but turnout is lower due to fewer early voting days and less emphasis on mail-in ballots. Denton and Fort Bend counties have seen record turnout, while Dallas, El Paso, and Harris counties have experienced declines. This trend is concerning for Texas Democrats, as more Republicans are voting early based on past voting history. The article suggests that both parties need to work hard to mobilize their voters before Election Day.

The Texas Senate race in District 27 is highly competitive, with Democrat Morgan LaMantia seeking reelection against Republican Adam Hinojosa. The district, redrawn to be more competitive, has seen significant political dynamics, including increased voter turnout expected in a presidential election year. LaMantia, backed by substantial family funding, faces a rematch with Hinojosa, who has gained endorsements from conservative figures like Eddie Lucio Jr. The race also features Green Party candidate Robin Lee Vargas, potentially influencing the outcome. The election is symbolic for Republicans aiming to strengthen their influence in South Texas, despite not altering the overall Senate balance.

Todd Smith, a former political consultant for Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, pleaded guilty to commercial bribery, avoiding a jury trial. Smith was accused of soliciting money to secure an exclusive hemp license from the Texas Department of Agriculture. The plea deal includes a two-year deferred adjudication, after which the case will be dismissed. Smith's past controversies include allegations of soliciting money for appointments and his wife's appointment to a high-paying department role. Miller previously suggested the indictment was politically motivated.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has been subpoenaed to testify in the criminal trial of his former political consultant, Todd Smith, who faces charges of theft and commercial bribery related to state hemp licenses. Smith, previously arrested for allegedly taking $55,000 in a scheme to secure exclusive hemp licenses, has a history of controversial conduct linked to the Department of Agriculture. Miller, a strong Trump ally, suggested the indictment was politically motivated. The trial is set in Travis County District Court, with Miller ordered to testify on October 21.

Barry Wernick, a Republican candidate for the Texas House of Representatives, is requesting a recount in his narrow loss to incumbent Rep. Morgan Meyer for House District 108, citing alleged irregularities with the voting software used by the Dallas County Elections Department. Wernick, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, claims the software was not lawfully certified. The department refutes these claims, asserting the equipment was certified and results were updated hourly. The recount request is seen as a move to protect future elections and benefit Republicans in upcoming elections. If the result stands, Meyer will face Democrat Elizabeth Ginsberg in November.

Early voting in North Texas has been notably slow compared to previous primaries, with only about 6% of voters casting ballots as of Thursday afternoon. This is a significant drop from the 11% turnout in the 2020 primary and over 9% in 2016. Approximately 231,000 voters in Dallas, Denton, Collin, and Tarrant Counties have voted early in person. Dallas has the lowest turnout, with less than 5% of voters casting early ballots. Texans will vote next week to decide on presidential candidates, as well as candidates for the U.S. Senate, House, and state representatives.

Ground Game Texas is actively gathering signatures to place the Dallas Freedom Act on the November ballot, aiming to decriminalize low-level marijuana offenses in Dallas. Despite a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against cities with similar ordinances, the group remains undeterred, viewing the legal actions as an attack on local democracy. The initiative has seen significant support from Dallas residents, with a notable decrease in marijuana-related arrests reported by the city's Office of Community Police Oversight. The effort highlights ongoing tensions between state law and local governance in Texas.