Texas’ governor issued an executive order Wednesday mandating age restrictions on consumable hemp products containing THC. This comes after Abbott’s veto earlier this year of legislation that would have banned the products outright.

“There is a deep hunger in this state and in this country for a different kind of politics,” said Texas House Rep. James Talarico at a rally in Round Rock Tuesday evening, just hours after the Austin Democrat announced his candidacy for Texas’ 2026 U.S. Senate race.

The executive order comes after the Texas Legislature ended a special session without the House, Senate and governor agreeing on THC restrictions.

The Democrat's district covers North Austin, but he’s gained nationwide support through Instagram and TikTok. Clips of Talarico condemning Republican policies have gone viral on both platforms, where he’s amassed 1.2 million followers.

The Austin Democrat has made a name for himself with his viral social media presence. His entry to the race pits him against former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred in the increasingly crowded primary.

The legislation was crafted in response to July's historic flooding in Texas that killed more than 130 people, including nearly 40 children.

A lawyer for the students says the law restricting "expressive activities" at certain times could ban anything from playing music to wearing a political T-shirt.

When the governor called the Texas Legislature into special session after July’s historic floods, he topped his priority list with passing bills to better prepare the state for future natural disasters. Here’s a look at six new measures lawmakers just passed.

Texas lawmakers ended their second special session without regulating or banning hemp.

Senate Bill 11, which went into effect on Monday, lets school boards set aside time for voluntary prayer or the reading of religious texts in the classroom.