In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Harris County, TX, County Commissioner Lesley Briones, who explains her role representing the third-largest county in the country with a population larger than 26 U.S. States and 34 cities. Ryan and Briones discuss her journey as a Harvard and Yale Law School graduate who became a public school teacher and then a judge, and how her parents instilled in her the belief that she should always help others. Briones talks about navigating the chaos left by the Trump administration—including Governor Abbott's redistricting plan —how faith continues to ground her work, and how growing up as a daughter of teachers and a proud Latina on the Texas–Mexico border has given her resilience. Tune in to learn why Commissioner Briones believes Texas can become a swing state (spoiler: it's so close).

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:03] Commissioner Briones' background and entry into public service.

• [02:16] The role of a County Commissioner and what that means in Harris.

• [04:07] Federal challenges that Harris County faces under the Trump administration.

• [10:30] Attempts to work collaboratively in the face of troubling bills.

• [13:13] Staying hopeful and engaged for the generation to come.

• [17:06] Sentiment towards the current administration in Harris County.

• [18:51] How Commissioner Briones' background informs her work in local government.

• [22:55] Her path to public service in 2019 and how it differs from working as a judge.

• [30:15] Embracing faith and inclusivity as a Democratic leader.