Ben Philpott
Ben Philpott covers politics and policy for KUT 90.5 FM. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002. He's been recognized for outstanding radio journalism by the Radio and Television News Directors Association, Public Radio News Directors Incorporated, the Texas Associated Press Broadcasters and twice by the Houston Press Club as Radio Journalist of the Year. Before moving to Texas, he worked in public radio in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Ala., and at several television stations in Alabama and Tennessee. Born in New York City and raised in Chattanooga, Tenn., Philpott graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in broadcast journalism.
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Texas land commissioner George P. Bush has received President Trump's endorsement in his reelection bid, two years after Trump labeled his father "low energy Jeb" during the 2016 presidential race. -
The only member of the Bush political dynasty still in office is Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush. Although President Trump vanquished Bush's father, Jeb, and has criticized former presidents George H.W. and W. Bush, Trump has endorsed George P.'s re-election bid.
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In Texas, every statewide elected official is Republican and the GOP controls the legislature. But efforts to restrict bathroom access for transgender people show a party that's far from united. -
The Texas governor and lieutenant governor are leading efforts to pass several Republican red meat bills – like a ban on transgender bathroom access. But one Republican lawmaker is pushing back.
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George P. Bush is expected to win Tuesday's GOP primary for land commissioner. Ben Phillpott of KUT brings the story of the young Bush's low-key campaign and outreach to Hispanic voters.
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It won't be easy, but state Sen. Wendy Davis is trying to become the first Democrat to win a statewide contest in Texas since 1994. She's facing a well-funded Republican opponent in Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. -
The Texas National Guard says it will not offer benefits to same-sex spouses. The announcement was made despite an order from the Pentagon that all marriages should be treated equally.
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The Republican race to succeed retiring GOP Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison wasn't supposed to be a heated primary battle, but it's become one of the hardest fought and most expensive intraparty races of the year. The runoff should be decided Tuesday.
