Robert Downen
@robertdownen.bsky.social
Texas Monthly writer focused on the far right, Christian nationalism and the billionaires funding them. Helped expose the Southern Baptist abuse crisis. Send me music.
Pinned
In Tarrant County, a Hub for the Far Right, a Democrat Seeks a Major Upset
In a runoff election for Texas Senate District 9, which has not elected a Democrat since 1991, Taylor Rehmet is betting his pro-labor message can flip disillusioned voters.
www.texasmonthly.com
ICYMI: This Saturday, progressive Taylor Rehmet squares off against a billionaire-funded Christian nationalist for a +17 Trump state senate seat in Tarrant County, a hub of the far right. Rehmet already over-performed, and is confident he’s on the verge of a stunning upset in a bellwether county.
I am biased because I am employed there, but this is one of the best pieces of journalism I’ve read in a while. It is well worth your time:
What’s the Matter With Texas A&M?
Five presidents in five years. Firings of “woke” professors. Crackdowns on Plato. Inside state leaders’ efforts to remake a great university.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 7, 2026 at 8:04 PM
I am biased because I am employed there, but this is one of the best pieces of journalism I’ve read in a while. It is well worth your time:
Veterans Affairs chaplains are being instructed not to mention slain VA nurse Alex Pretty. “It is inhuman, unconscionable, and unconstitutional. This is propelling the Constitution into a woodchipper.”
VA Chaplains in Massachusetts Told Not to Mention Slain Nurse Alex Pretti
Alex Pretti is being memorialized nationwide, but chaplains at Veterans Affairs facilities in Massachusetts have been barred from mentioning his name.
goodfaithmedia.org
February 6, 2026 at 2:43 PM
Veterans Affairs chaplains are being instructed not to mention slain VA nurse Alex Pretty. “It is inhuman, unconscionable, and unconstitutional. This is propelling the Constitution into a woodchipper.”
Reposted by Robert Downen
As a corollary, read @robertdownen.bsky.social's piece on the attacks Zayan has personally endured as part of Texas' all-of-government war on the state's sizable Muslim population: www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
She Wanted to Speak on Anti-Muslim Bigotry. She Was Labeled a Terrorist Leader.
Shaimaa Zayan, who works for the Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, urged the Texas State Board of Education to reconsider its curriculum changes.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:38 PM
As a corollary, read @robertdownen.bsky.social's piece on the attacks Zayan has personally endured as part of Texas' all-of-government war on the state's sizable Muslim population: www.texasmonthly.com/news-politic...
New poll from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (which, grain of salt, is backing John Cornyn):
• Cornyn vs. Talarico: Cornyn +3
• Paxton vs. Talarico: Talarico +3
• Cornyn vs. Crockett: Cornyn +7
• Paxton vs. Crockett: Paxton +1
• Cornyn vs. Talarico: Cornyn +3
• Paxton vs. Talarico: Talarico +3
• Cornyn vs. Crockett: Cornyn +7
• Paxton vs. Crockett: Paxton +1
February 5, 2026 at 3:09 AM
New poll from the National Republican Senatorial Committee (which, grain of salt, is backing John Cornyn):
• Cornyn vs. Talarico: Cornyn +3
• Paxton vs. Talarico: Talarico +3
• Cornyn vs. Crockett: Cornyn +7
• Paxton vs. Crockett: Paxton +1
• Cornyn vs. Talarico: Cornyn +3
• Paxton vs. Talarico: Talarico +3
• Cornyn vs. Crockett: Cornyn +7
• Paxton vs. Crockett: Paxton +1
INBOX: Texas Education Agency taps Levi Fuller, a former Assistant AG under Ken Paxton and chief of staff to far-right Rep. Andy Hopper, as “inspector general for teacher misconduct,” a new position that will “root out the flawed few that sow distrust among families and school communities.”
February 4, 2026 at 11:54 PM
INBOX: Texas Education Agency taps Levi Fuller, a former Assistant AG under Ken Paxton and chief of staff to far-right Rep. Andy Hopper, as “inspector general for teacher misconduct,” a new position that will “root out the flawed few that sow distrust among families and school communities.”
Reposted by Robert Downen
Amid the hundreds of colleagues we’ve lost today, I wanted to highlight the BRILLIANT data/graphics folks who any newsroom should be fighting to hire right now—threading here:
February 4, 2026 at 8:59 PM
Amid the hundreds of colleagues we’ve lost today, I wanted to highlight the BRILLIANT data/graphics folks who any newsroom should be fighting to hire right now—threading here:
Reposted by Robert Downen
For years, far-right Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn has been Ken Paxton's biggest funder and supporter. So why, as Paxton runs for U.S. Senate, has Tim Dunn abandoned him?
Texas’s Biggest Right-Wing Donor Has Abandoned Ken Paxton
Tim Dunn was the attorney general’s biggest supporter. The U.S. Senate run has changed things.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:17 PM
For years, far-right Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn has been Ken Paxton's biggest funder and supporter. So why, as Paxton runs for U.S. Senate, has Tim Dunn abandoned him?
Reposted by Robert Downen
ICE is demanding the employment records at a Maine jail after a sheriff openly criticized immigration agents for arresting one of his guards
ICE demanded Maine sheriff’s employment records following his criticism of arrest
The subpoena came a day after Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce blasted immigration agents for arresting one of his guards.
www.bangordailynews.com
February 3, 2026 at 11:49 PM
ICE is demanding the employment records at a Maine jail after a sheriff openly criticized immigration agents for arresting one of his guards
For years, far-right Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn has been Ken Paxton's biggest funder and supporter. So why, as Paxton runs for U.S. Senate, has Tim Dunn abandoned him?
Texas’s Biggest Right-Wing Donor Has Abandoned Ken Paxton
Tim Dunn was the attorney general’s biggest supporter. The U.S. Senate run has changed things.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:17 PM
For years, far-right Texas oil billionaire Tim Dunn has been Ken Paxton's biggest funder and supporter. So why, as Paxton runs for U.S. Senate, has Tim Dunn abandoned him?
Meanwhile, one of the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature is coming to Talarico’s defense, saying (as others have) that this would be completely outta character.
February 2, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Meanwhile, one of the most conservative members of the Texas Legislature is coming to Talarico’s defense, saying (as others have) that this would be completely outta character.
Reposted by Robert Downen
ten years ago today no one clapped
February 2, 2026 at 12:57 PM
ten years ago today no one clapped
😐
If you're looking for detailed crosstabs showing Trump's current approval rating among various demographic groups in the US, we've published those here: docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
For example, 32% of men under 30 currently approve of Trump's job performance; 67% disapprove.
For example, 32% of men under 30 currently approve of Trump's job performance; 67% disapprove.
Detailed tables: Trump job approval, January 2026
docs.google.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:50 PM
😐
Reposted by Robert Downen
"Rehmet believed the core message of his campaign—working-class solidarity—could be the glue in a winning coalition of unions, progressives, blue-collar voters, and disaffected Republicans. Early analysis indicates just how much that was true."
A Texas Democrat Just Won a Stunning Upset. What Does It Mean for November?
Taylor Rehmet’s victory over Leigh Wambsganss in a state Senate special election was low turnout, but the numbers send a message.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:49 PM
"Rehmet believed the core message of his campaign—working-class solidarity—could be the glue in a winning coalition of unions, progressives, blue-collar voters, and disaffected Republicans. Early analysis indicates just how much that was true."
Ammon Bundy on ICE: “To call such people criminals for lacking official permission” to be in the country is to “forget the moral law of God, the historical truth of our own founding, and the Constitutional ideals that continue to define justice.”
Ammon Bundy Is All Alone
The anti-government militia leader can’t make sense of his allies’ support for ICE violence.
www.theatlantic.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Ammon Bundy on ICE: “To call such people criminals for lacking official permission” to be in the country is to “forget the moral law of God, the historical truth of our own founding, and the Constitutional ideals that continue to define justice.”
Reposted by Robert Downen
ICE now confirming that there is a measles outbreak at the Texas concentration camp where young Liam was held.
February 2, 2026 at 12:08 AM
ICE now confirming that there is a measles outbreak at the Texas concentration camp where young Liam was held.
Reposted by Robert Downen
Reminder to Texans that tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to register to vote in the March elections
February 1, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Reminder to Texans that tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to register to vote in the March elections
Reposted by Robert Downen
Wambsganss has been a central player in the fight to impose conservative Christian values in public schools in Southlake, Texas, and beyond.
I covered her rise extensively in “They Came for the Schools.”
This election outcome is a pretty dramatic reversal.
I covered her rise extensively in “They Came for the Schools.”
This election outcome is a pretty dramatic reversal.
New followers: As we wait to see who Trump picks to lead (and/or dismantle) the federal Education Department, let me tell you about the book I wrote.
It investigates the origins of the “anti-woke,” “anti-CRT,” anti-trans movement that Trump tried to tap into.
Here's what I found 🧵
It investigates the origins of the “anti-woke,” “anti-CRT,” anti-trans movement that Trump tried to tap into.
Here's what I found 🧵
February 1, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Wambsganss has been a central player in the fight to impose conservative Christian values in public schools in Southlake, Texas, and beyond.
I covered her rise extensively in “They Came for the Schools.”
This election outcome is a pretty dramatic reversal.
I covered her rise extensively in “They Came for the Schools.”
This election outcome is a pretty dramatic reversal.
Reposted by Robert Downen
Leigh Wambsganns devoted her professional life to Trump and his movement.
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
Q: In Texas, a Democrat won a special election in an area you won by 17 points. Your reaction?
TRUMP: I don't know. I didn't hear about it. Somebody ran -- where?
Q: In Texas
TRUMP: I'm not involved. You mean I won by 17, and this person lost? Things like that happen. I'm not on the ballot
TRUMP: I don't know. I didn't hear about it. Somebody ran -- where?
Q: In Texas
TRUMP: I'm not involved. You mean I won by 17, and this person lost? Things like that happen. I'm not on the ballot
February 1, 2026 at 6:40 PM
Leigh Wambsganns devoted her professional life to Trump and his movement.
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
On Friday, he seemed to reward her loyalty by endorsing her campaign for Texas senate.
But after she lost a safe GOP seat by double digits, Trump says he’s never heard of her: “What can I say? I have nothing to do with it.”
Reposted by Robert Downen
The powerful front page of the reformist newspaper Sazandegi features the names of 3,000 individuals who, according to government reports, were killed during the protests in Iran. #Iran #IranProtests2026
February 1, 2026 at 11:28 PM
The powerful front page of the reformist newspaper Sazandegi features the names of 3,000 individuals who, according to government reports, were killed during the protests in Iran. #Iran #IranProtests2026
Reposted by Robert Downen
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting
The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raym...
www.propublica.org
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
BREAKING: The two federal immigration agents who fired on Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti are identified in government records as Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez.
Reposted by Robert Downen
A note from our editors:
February 1, 2026 at 9:10 PM
A note from our editors:
"Rehmet believed the core message of his campaign—working-class solidarity—could be the glue in a winning coalition of unions, progressives, blue-collar voters, and disaffected Republicans. Early analysis indicates just how much that was true."
A Texas Democrat Just Won a Stunning Upset. What Does It Mean for November?
Taylor Rehmet’s victory over Leigh Wambsganss in a state Senate special election was low turnout, but the numbers send a message.
www.texasmonthly.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:49 PM
"Rehmet believed the core message of his campaign—working-class solidarity—could be the glue in a winning coalition of unions, progressives, blue-collar voters, and disaffected Republicans. Early analysis indicates just how much that was true."
Reposted by Robert Downen
I’m proud to be a @texasmonthly.bsky.social subscriber! I guarantee this is the best $25 you’ll ever spend!
Anyways, did you know that for $25 a year - yes, a year - Texas Monthly will send 12 print issues anywhere in the country, and give you full access to our daily digital content + 50 years of archives?
Truly, we are the best deal in journalism. subscription.texasmonthly.com/pubs/TZ/TXP/...
Truly, we are the best deal in journalism. subscription.texasmonthly.com/pubs/TZ/TXP/...
February 1, 2026 at 1:22 PM
I’m proud to be a @texasmonthly.bsky.social subscriber! I guarantee this is the best $25 you’ll ever spend!
Reminder to Texans that tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to register to vote in the March elections
February 1, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Reminder to Texans that tomorrow (Monday) is the last day to register to vote in the March elections