Beyond the Headlines

On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Jonathan McCall sits down with Rice University political scientist Mark Jones to break down the latest Texas Southern University poll, which shows a tight U.S. Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton, a four-point lead for Gov. Greg Abbott over Gina Hinojosa, and key voter trends shaping top-of-the-ticket contests as well as potential Democratic opportunities in the Texas Railroad Commission race.

As Texas continues to attract massive AI data center investments, growing concerns over water use, power demand and community impacts could influence voters this November. A new University of Texas poll shows 56% of Texans oppose data center construction in their communities, creating a political challenge for Republicans and an opportunity for Democrats and independents.