All About Texas, a magazine published by Concordia University Austin, covers the state of Texas and everything that makes it special. We share stories about the Lone Star State, from politics and culture, to historical landmarks, camping and fishing, hunting, exhibitions, fairs and cuisine.
From the start of our long journey as a publication in 1936, All About Texas has been committed to providing relevant, objective journalism that respects your values and captures the spirit of what it means to be a Texan. We are proud of our legacy and are looking forward to an exciting future.
During the antebellum years, rapid development brought prosperity and conflict to the frontier state. Cattle and cotton were major industries. After the Civil War the rapid growth of the population and diversification in the economy helped to strengthen the state. In the 20th century, the state became a major center of high technology and aerospace industries, including NASA's Johnson Space Center. It is also home to many of the nation's top research colleges and universities, including M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Texas at Dallas.
According to political consultant Bill Miller in the 1970s, Texas began moving rightward. "Ronald Reagan won every statewide vote in the Republican primary in 1976, beating Gerald Ford by two to one," says Miller. "That lit the conservatism fuse."
Just two years ago, Texas Republicans had a tough time in the national arena. Rick Perry got trounced in the Presidential primaries, and Senator Ted Cruz, who was favored to be the GOP nominee, was outhustled by Donald Trump.
In the Texas Legislature however, Democrats have begun to gain seats they had never expected. One, Senfronia Thompson, who represents the Houston district of Harris County, is now the Chair of a committee that oversees many important bills and has significant influence over how legislation is passed.
The reason is that the Texas House, led by Speaker Joe Straus, is an institution that prizes a tradition of giving key positions to members of the minority party. Texas Senate and House follow this practice, unlike most other states. Straus, an Austin-based businessman elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, had a career as a financial advisor and insurance agent, including work with George H. W. Bush in 1988. In his first term, Straus focused on creating a workforce that Texas businesses needed by protecting public education, building roads, establishing top-tier universities and expanding job training. He has a reputation for being a strong negotiator and a force to be reckoned with. He has left his mark on a powerful, influential and fractious nation.