| I’m pleased to share the latest edition of the Texas Pulse Report. This Good Government Group resource is designed to keep you updated on political and policy issues.
– Ashley Cruz, Government Relations Manager
Texas 2026 Primary Elections: Texas is gearing up for 2026 primary elections on Tuesday, March 3.
Key Facts:
- Last day to register is Monday, February 2: Register to vote or update your registration ahead of the March primary election.
- Early voting window: Early voting opens Tuesday, February 17 and closes Friday, February 27.
- Voting-by-mail: To vote by mail, you must apply for a ballot by Friday, February 20. Completed ballots must be received by the clerk by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.
- Voting locations and hours: You can find your voting location on votetexas.gov.
- What’s on my ballot? Ballot content is determined by voting precinct. Visit your county’s election website to find a ballot specific to your address.
New HHSC Executive Commissioner: Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced in December of last year the January appointment of Stephanie Muth as Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Muth brings over 25 years of state government experience, including senior HHSC roles in Medicaid, social services, and health services operations.
Key Facts:
- Role during operational and policy demands: Muth will direct a multibillion-dollar portfolio serving millions via Medicaid, CHIP, behavioral health, long-term care, and SNAP eligibility systems amid ongoing operational demands.
- Former executive’s retirement: Cecile Young, HHSC Commissioner since 2021, announced her retirement after overseeing Medicaid waivers, COVID response, and system modernization.
Rural Health Transformation Program: The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a program created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), will award $50 billion in state grants between 2026 and 2030. CMS announced first year grant awards for all 50 states in late December. Texas will receive more than $281 million for the remainder of federal fiscal year 2026.
Highlights of the Texas proposal, “Rural Texas Strong: Supporting Health and Wellness,” include:
- Roughly one-quarter of the annual allocation earmarked for Rural Hospital Districts.
- In addition to hospitals, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), pediatric long-term care providers, physicians, pharmacies, emergency services providers and behavioral health providers are all eligible for grants.
- There are 202 Counties in Texas with approximately 3 million Texans projected to be in the RHTP’s catchment.
- There are incentives for rural hospitals to form Clinically Integrated Networks or Accountable Care Organizations to manage risks.
Here’s what else we’re reading:
The Texas Tribune: Here’s your Texas 2026 March primary ballot
NBC DFW: What’s changing in Texas? New laws go into effect Jan. 1
News from HCA Healthcare
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