Inside Political Science

What could shape the 2026 midterm elections? “Inside Political Science” hosts Todd Kent, Kirby Goidel and Soren Jordan examine how the economy, presidential approval, voter turnout and campaign strategy influence the races for control of Congress. Using Texas and other competitive Senate races as examples, they discuss early voting, campaign fundraising, spending by outside groups and the flood of negative political ads. They also debate how much individual candidates matter compared with national conditions, and how candidate backgrounds, voter enthusiasm and divisions within parties could affect close contests. Throughout the conversation, the hosts draw on political science research and historical patterns to explain the challenges facing the president’s party in midterm elections. They close by considering political cycles, dissatisfaction with both parties and how voters hold those in power accountable.

Learn more about “Inside Political Science” and catch past episodes athttps://tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience.

How are Americans’ views on artificial intelligence changing, and could those opinions influence the midterm elections? Hosts Todd Kent, Kirby Goidel and Soren Jordan talk with Alec Tyson, senior vice president and lead pollster at Ipsos Public Affairs, about public attitudes toward AI and data centers. From calls for AI safeguards and concerns about data centers’ local impacts to benefits people see in their own workplaces, they explore how Americans weigh the promises and trade-offs of this technology. Tyson explains how pollsters measure opinions on complex, unfamiliar topics and discusses an emerging partisan divide over AI. He also explains why he sees AI and data centers as less likely to drive voters’ choices nationally than issues such as the economy and health care costs, despite strong feelings in some communities.

Learn more about “Inside Political Science” and catch past episodes at https://tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience.

What goes into running an election before the polls ever open, and after they close? Hosts Kirby Goidel and Soren Jordan explore election administration, voting security and the work voters rarely see with Mitchell Brown, professor of political science at Auburn University and director of the Institute for Election Administration Research & Practice, and Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock.

From maintaining voter rolls and testing voting equipment to preparing for emergencies and auditing vote counts, they explain how election officials keep the process running. They also address common misconceptions, differences in election rules across states and counties and the challenges of putting policy changes into practice, exploring how understanding that work can help build public trust.

For Brazos County election information, visit https://BrazosVotes.org.

Learn more about “Inside Political Science” at https://tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience.

How can public servants remain focused on the mission in an age of political division and distrust? In this 50th episode, Kirby and Todd welcome Soren Jordan as a new co-host and talk with John Sherman, dean of Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, about his 30-year career in national security and public service. Sherman shares how he worked across Democratic and Republican administrations by remaining focused on the mission. They discuss speaking truth to power, explaining complex issues clearly, having patience for important work behind the scenes and looking beyond partisan battles to serve the public good. Sherman also reflects on the unity he witnessed on Sept. 12, 2001, when people put aside political and bureaucratic divisions to work toward a common purpose. 

For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience. 

Can a broader view of the news lead to more informed and civil conversations? In this episode, Kirby and Todd, along with Julie Mastrine, director of communications and bias services at AllSides, discuss how media bias is measured and why news from the center does not necessarily tell the whole story. They explore how reading across the political spectrum can help us move beyond media bubbles, better understand other viewpoints and approach disagreements with curiosity. 

View the AllSides Media Bias Chart discussed in this episode at AllSides.com/media-bias. 

For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience. 

What is grand strategy, and what kind of grand strategy does the US have under Trump’s presidency? In this episode, Kirby and Todd, along with foreign policy expert Dr. John Schuessler, discuss the America First movement, the difference in restraint and off-board balancing, and where the US falls in line when it comes to its political affairs with other countries. 

For more on this show and to listen to past episodes, visit tx.ag/InsidePoliticalScience.