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As Texans continue to head to the polls for early voting in the primary runoffs, the votes have been counted in other parts of the country. Former President Trump wasn't himself on any of those ballots but that hasn't stopped analysts from drawing conclusions about his current influence. That's because Donald Trump has had a heavy hand in endorsements in races in places like Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The results were a little mixed, with a Washington Post headline putting it strikingly: "Republican Voters Aren't Trump Zombies."

Indeed we know there's a lot more than just endorsements on the minds of voters. There's the latest racist attack in Buffalo drawing attention to an old white supremacist theory. There's gas prices and inflation. And there's the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.

Texas Standard is breaking down races on primary runoff ballots all this week: from the high-profile Republican competition for attorney general to the Democratic runoff for land commissioner. Today, we're hearing from Texas Tribune primary political correspondent Patrick Svitek about Democratic competitions in South Texas that could lead to very tight races with Republicans in the fall.

You can cast your ballot early through Friday, May 20. Election Day is May 24, and you can learn more in the story below. You can let us know which issues are inspiring you to get to the polls. And, in the meantime, keep it tuned to Texas Standard for more election news and everything else affecting Texans.

What do you think? Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or email and let us know.

- Laura Rice
@LauraRiceKUT

Your guide to voting in Texas’ May primary runoff election

Voters will determine which Democrats and Republicans make it to the ballot in November. Early voting is underway and runs through Friday. Mail-in ballots must be returned by Election Day, May 24.

‘If you live in Midland, you’re feeling it’: West Texas city experiencing worst inflation rate in the U.S.

A perfect storm of high gas prices and supply chain issues are felt more acutely in the Tall City. “It’s just worse in Midland because it is so remote. When prices go up, they go up even more for folks and businesses in Midland."

Almost 22 years after his death, DJ Screw’s contribution to Texas music stands the test of time

A new book tells the story of the influential Houston producer with interviews of the people who knew and worked with him.

Black holes 101, from the Texas Tech researcher who helped capture a first image

In a historic first we can see what a black hole at the heart of the Milky Way looks like. It's thanks in part to Alex Tetarenko, an astrophysics researcher with Texas Tech University who contributed to the discovery.

After calls for energy conservation, Texas grid officials vow the lights will 'stay on' (KUT Austin)
Lina Hidalgo accuses DA Kim Ogg of election year politics in COVID outreach contract investigation (Houston Public Media)
Some judges accused of not working enough, as Dallas County spends millions on ‘backlog’ courts (KERA North Texas)
USAA abandons downtown San Antonio deal (Texas Public Radio)

A faded postcard of an open road with a Texas Standard sticker, It reads: Tour the 254! A trek through Texas' 254 counties.

The Talk of Texas is running down the state’s entire 254 counties – Anderson to Zavala – with points of interest pulled from the Texas Standard archives.

Is there a can't-miss attraction in your area? Drop us a line and let us know.

A map of Texas counties highlighting Austin in south central Texas

Austin County

Established: 1821
County seat: Bellville
Population: 30,380
Not that Austin: No, the city of Austin resides in Travis County, some 100 miles to the northwest. But both city and county are named for Stephen F. Austin, with Austin County being one of the original settlers colonies. And as the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site manager told us back in 2018, locals joke that it’s the Austin that Stephen F. actually lived in.
Tracking the orphan train: Our dive into Austin County had us revisit this remarkable story, also from 2018, about the “orphan train” phenomenon. Around the last turn of the century, New York began “placing out” children experiencing homelessness by sending them out on a train around the country (with predictably mixed results). The last known survivor, Beatrice Flanagan Foztik, lived in Eagle Lake, Texas – just 20 miles from her adoption site in the Austin County city of Sealy. Foztik died in Eagle Lake last year.
One more thing: Sure, the Austin/Austin County thing is a little confusing. But Austin County is also home to a city named Brazos Country – which is not to be confused with Brazos County. (What is up with this place?)

“We face an urgent moment for moral and political renewal in our own time. America is facing a growing crisis of faith in our institutions, ideals and democracy.”

- Peniel Joseph

The Texas Standard commentator and professor at the LBJ School of Public Affairs reflected on the racist mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., that left 10 dead – and the work the country has to do.

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