Brigadier General Gerald “Jake” Betty was named commander of the Texas State Guard effective Sept. 1, 2014, for a term to expire at the pleasure of the governor.

Fritz Reinig has joined the Governmental Affairs team at the Texas Lottery Commission. He previously served as chief of staff for two House members — most recently for state Rep. Doug Miller, R-New Braunfels.

Laura Stromberg Hoke recently joined the staff of state Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, as chief of staff. Previously, she was communications director for NFIB/Texas and served as press secretary to independent gubernatorial candidate Kinky Friedman.

Aron Peña III, son of former state Rep. Aaron Peña, was named Rio Grande Vally field representative for the Dan Patrick for Lieutenant Governor campaign. Peña is currently a partner at Peña, Garza Consulting Group and is president of the Hidalgo Young Republicans.

GOP CD-23 candidate Will Hurd was endorsed by former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. Hurd is challenging incumbent Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, in the November general election.

GOP attorney general candidate Ken Paxton picked up endorsements from the political arms of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the Texas Association of Builders.

GOP SD-28 candidate Jodey Arrington received backing from the political arms of the Texas Medical Association and the Texas Public Employees Association. He is competing in the Sept. 9 special election to fill the vacancy left by Robert Duncan's resignation. Early voting begins Aug. 25.

Disclosure: The Texas Medical Association and the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association are corporate sponsors of The Texas Tribune. A complete list of Texas Tribune donors and sponsors can be viewed here.