Texas consistently ranks near the bottom when it comes to voter turnout — but why?

In this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the numbers behind Texas’ low voter turnout and explore the many factors that shape how, when, and whether people cast a ballot.

TOPICS:Why eligible voters aren’t registering.
The unique challenges young voters face.
How accessibility and ID laws impact participation.
What communities and creatives can do to inspire civic engagement.

From systemic barriers to cultural shifts, we unpack what’s keeping Texans from the polls — and what might finally change that.

How we vote matters. And in Texas, it might matter more than ever.

It’s shaping up to be a busy — and politically loaded — summer.

On this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the big headlines and behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping U.S. politics this season.

TOPICS:

Which bills could land on the Governor Abbott's desk — and which might get vetoed

The status of the federal budget battle in Congress

The latest in U.S. tariff disputes and global trade tensions

Supreme Court cases to watch as rulings roll out

Possible changes in foreign policy amid shifting global alliances

How politicians are gearing up for the 2026 elections during the summer

This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss  the dynamics shaping the 89th Texas Legislature, if the state’s top Republican leaders—Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrow— are working together, or working around each other, the overlap—and tensions—between Texas’ executive and legislative branches, the core values driving the Texas GOP this session, controversial bans being pushed by Republicans—and the political risks they carry, why dysfunction is brewing inside the Texas Democratic Party and what it all means for Texans as laws are made (or stalled) under the dome in Austin.

TEXAS TOPICS

An overview of the 89th Legislature

Overlap between the Texas Speaker of the House, Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Are the branches of Texas government aligned?

What is the core value of the Republican party in Texas.

Texas GOP bans plans several bans, could there be issues later?

Dysfunction in the Democratic Party.

In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss how President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis has reignited questions about his legacy and the 2024 race, the Supreme Court tackling major immigration cases that could reshape national policy. They also discuss Donald Trump re-entering the spotlight—fresh off receiving a $400 million private jet—and his push to Congress to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill". Down in Texas, the House passed both a bail reform package and a school funding bill.

On this week's episode of Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss a decline in economic growth under President Trump, trade in the United States amid Canadian election results, democrat Senator Dick Durbin retiring,  Trump 2028 hats appearing online, Trump backing Texas GOP members who back the school vouchers, bipartisan support for an update to the current Texas abortion ban, the Freedom Caucus' impact on the legislature, Beto O’Rourke hinting at a potential senate run. and other national, state and local politics. 

NATIONAL TOPICS

 Economy Reversal Under Trump U.S.

 United States Trade Amid the Canadian Election

 Senator Dick Durbin Retires

Trump 2028 hat surfaces online.

TEXAS TOPICS

Trump states he will back every GOP member that backs the school voucher vote

Bipartisan support for an update to clarify the abortion ban.  

Freedom Caucus’ impact on the legislature.

Beto O’Rourke hints at a potential senate run.