Daniel Friend

Personal news: in January, I'll officially begin my new role as the chief of staff for @DanielAldersTX—I'm looking forward to plunging into #txlege to serve #HD6 and Texas with a great representative-elect and stellar team! danieljfriend.com/2024/11/20/lif…

On this day in 1836, Texas secured its independence. In just 18 minutes, General Sam Houston’s outnumbered army defeated Santa Anna. Today, we celebrate the 190th anniversary of that victory and the enduring spirit of liberty that defines our great state.

Over the past few months, I’ve been writing a devotional book on contentment. I’m making good progress, so I’m going to begin sending out a chapter every week in my newsletter. If you’d like to follow along, you can sign up here: danieljfriend.kit.com/enter-his-rest

Five years ago, I traveled to Washington to be interviewed for "The Story of Everything," a documentary that explores the origins of the universe and humanity. I had no idea how it would turn out, but from the trailer it looks incredible. (Btw, that's my voice in the trailer listing off the finely-tuned parameters of the universe.) I've so far resisted seeing any rough cuts of this film, because, like William Shatner, I hate watching myself in anything. But I'm going to make an exception and see it when it comes out in the theater on April 30th. I hope y'all will go and see it, too. youtube.com/watch?v=pwL3ZK…

"Nothing in you that has not died will ever be raised from the dead. Look for yourself, and you will find in the long run only hatred, loneliness, despair, rage, ruin, and decay. But look for Christ and you will find Him, and with Him everything else thrown in." - C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

*goes for a morning run near the Capitol* Stranger: Hey, I wouldn't keep going that way. A guy down the street just chased me with a machete. Austin is such a lovely city. Remind me to stay closer to the Capitol complex next time.

What on earth is this? Whatever it is, it's not the Gospel. If you're a Christian, you know that we as human beings are all fallen, that we are without hope and dead in our sins without the saving work of Christ. It's not about being white. It's not about being masculine. In Adam's fall, we sinned all. All colors, all races, both sexes. We fall short of the perfection that is required of us. But God, being rich in mercy, sent His only begotten Son, who followed the law perfectly. He did not destroy the law; he fulfilled it. We look to Him. Our filthy rags are covered by His spotless righteous robe. That is the Gospel.

There’s lots to say about Sam Houston’s place in Texas history this Independence Day. But after months digging into his life, I’m struck by something oft overlooked: how he went from “Big Drunk” to devoted to God. Here’s the story you might not know: danieljfriend.com/2026/03/02/fro…

Today, our Government Reform and Oversight Coalition officially launched with a clear mission: to combat the forces that are driving runaway local spending, undermining property tax relief, and protecting an unaccountable education cartel that profits at taxpayers’ expense.

My new piece in @TPPF The Cannon "Islamism, Texas, and the Unholy Alliance" "It’s now been well established that Qatar and its government have taken an offensive approach to infuse itself with American academia. Questions concerning its past and present ties with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, including providing both material and monetary support. And while the investment in Texas education is presented as benign cultural exchanges or humanitarian solidarity, it flows from the very coffers that sustaining terrorism extremist ideology." Read more ⤵️

Incredible! I expect to see all of these Democrats speaking in support of my bill next session addressing sexually explicit books in our public libraries. TIA for the support. #txlege

I'm excited to launch @TXBullpen! Along with @JRichieTX and @cassi_schredder, we will break down #txlege politics every day direct to your inbox. Check it out: texasbullpen.com

@bradj_TX SD 32???

Today is my last @TheTexanNews, the place that brought me to Texas and this wonderfully chaotic world of politics. First and foremost, thank you to @KonniBurton and @Phillipburton for bringing me on board and for taking me under their wing; best bosses I've ever had. Second, thank you to all of my coworkers, past and present, who've built something legitimate and formidable over the years — especially @McKenzieDiLullo who is now the final remnant of the 2019 launch team. Third, thank you to all the friends, readers, sources, and all of #txlege for everything over the last 6+ years. I'm immutably grateful for it all. As for what's next, stay tuned.

Without the Oxford comma, your Christmas is bound to be a disappointment.

REDACTED #90: The Last One "I am coming up on three years in the Austin office, but instead of an anniversary, my time here is coming to an end." "The Texan, its founder Konni Burton, and the entire team took a chance on a random guy from California with no journalistic experience and provided me with a life-changing opportunity. It is truly a gift I will never take for granted. What I found here in Texas is something undoubtedly unlike anywhere else in the world. The time I have spent here has provided me with untold numbers of fascinating conversations and unique experiences with unforgettable people." Read the full newsletter ⤵️

🤯 #txlege

I’d heard that Sam Houston was tall, but I didn’t realize he was this tall

@hollyshansen @NC_Renic This is a tragedy.

@NC_Renic @DanielJFriend

Just received my proofs and they removed my Oxford commas

@KonniBurton The only good thing about the Oxford comma being "optional" is that it shows you who people really are