Party Politics

Could Texas be a surprise battleground in the 2026 midterm elections? On this episode of Party Politics Co-hosts  Jeronimo Cortina and Brandon Rottinghaus break down the national political landscape and the races that could reshape Congress.

In this week’s episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina take a break from the daily political headlines to examine the candidates, races and voting trends that could shape the next chapter of Texas politics. From the high-profile U.S. Senate contest to competitive local races, they break down who is running, what’s at stake and how voters could influence the results.

TOPICS:

Who will win the Texas senate race?

Texas attorney general race.

Texas comptroller race.

How will the decision to redistrict in Texas impact republican candidates?

Can democrats win in Texas district 15?

Harris County judge race.

In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

On this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Texas and the Republican effort to appeal to Latino voters. The hosts also discuss the Trump administration's taxpayer-funded campaign advertising and the role of political messaging heading into the midterms.

The U.S. Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico gets a closer look, including their debate over the federal gas tax, Paxton’s support of super PACs and the broader dynamics of the race.

The discussion also turns to the Texas governor’s race, including Republican Gov. Greg Abbott and Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa. Rottinghaus and Cortina examine Abbott’s recent diesel disaster declaration and what it could mean politically and economically.

Finally, the hosts look at divisions within the Democratic Party and a recently overturned voter fraud case, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over elections and voting in Texas.

On this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine whether Texas could be moving toward a political shift—and what it could mean for Republicans heading into the midterms.

The hosts discuss Sen. Ted Cruz’s concerns that Republicans could lose ground in Texas, the growing affordability issue and the impact of President Donald Trump on the state’s political landscape. They also examine whether Republican border policies have been successful and whether the GOP can maintain its support among Latino voters.

On the Democratic side, Rottinghaus and Cortina consider whether Democrats have enough time to build momentum, including efforts to reach voters in rural communities. They also assess what recent races and changing voter demographics could signal about the future of Texas politics—and whether the state could eventually turn blue.

TOPICS:

On this week's episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examine the continuing resolution and whether Republicans can claim credit for recent political wins. The hosts also look at plans for a televised GOP midterm convention and what the gathering could mean for the Texas Senate race, as well as the growing barrage of campaign ads.

In Texas, they examine Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to block funding for Flock surveillance cameras and discuss former Attorney General Ken Paxton’s appearance in a video game. They also cover Meta’s $1 billion settlement with Texas and what it could mean for the state’s ongoing battles with the tech giant.

NATIONAL TOPICS:

Another continuing resolution by the House of Representatives.

Can republicans claim credit for recent political wins?

Televised GOP midterm convention headed to Dallas.

TEXAS TOPICS:

Potential impact of the midterm GOP convention on the Texas Senate race.

Governor Abbott blocks funding for flock cameras.

Texas Senate Race advertisement overload.

Senate race candidate Ken Paxton appears in a video game.

Meta owes Texas $1Billion dollars as result of a lawsuit.

In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email [email protected].

On the season five premier of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the latest national and Texas political developments. They examine the Trump administration’s new economic sanctions on Iran, plans to expand beef imports and the Supreme Court’s decision allowing restrictions on mail-in voting to move forward.

In Texas, Trump’s upcoming Harris County visit raises questions about its impact on Republican politics—and whether it could create problems for Attorney General Ken Paxton.

The episode also looks at Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s push to penalize school districts over books deemed inappropriate under Senate Bill 13 and Gov. Greg Abbott’s call for a financial review of school district spending.

Plus, Paxton’s appearance at a WNBA game amid recent discussions about transgender athletes, while Abbott’s Texas-themed playlist draws attention for an unexpected reason.

After a season packed with political drama, legal battles, campaign chaos, and some truly surreal headlines, Party Politics wrapped up Season 4 with a look back at the moments viewers talked about most. Hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina revisited some of the year’s biggest conversations — from Texas elections and redistricting fights to immigration debates, economic frustrations, and the increasingly unpredictable political messaging coming out of Washington. The finale highlighted what made this season stand out: connecting political science theory to the everyday realities voters experience.

One major discussion focused on Texas politics and whether the state is truly experiencing a long-term political realignment. The hosts break down how campaign organization, fundraising, turnout, and geography continue to shape elections across Texas — especially as both parties battle for suburban and Latino voters.

Another standout moment centered on birthright citizenship and the constitutional questions surrounding executive power. The conversation explored not only the legal implications but also the deeper national identity questions tied to immigration and what it means to be American.

The episode also revisits one of the season’s most talked-about debates online: redistricting. Brandon and Jeronimo examined how aggressive map-drawing efforts could backfire politically, particularly as economic concerns like inflation and rising gas prices continue to dominate voter priorities heading into the midterms.

And, of course, the finale wouldn’t have been complete without revisiting some of the season’s strangest political moments — including viral political messaging, internet-fueled controversies, and the growing challenge political leaders face in staying focused on affordability issues voters care about most.

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasized a recurring theme from Season 4: voters may tolerate political chaos, but everyday costs — gas, groceries, housing, and economic stability — remain the issues that cut through the noise.

The “Best of Party Politics” special also served as a thank you to viewers and listeners who watched, commented, debated online, and helped make Season 4 one of the show’s biggest yet.

Party Politics returns for Season 5 on August 28.