In this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a packed week of political moves and maneuvering. In Texas, Congressman Wesley Hunt officially jumps into the Senate race, adding another layer to the growing question: Who will win Trump’s endorsement? Plus, we take a closer look at Judge Lina Hidalgo’s complex legacy and what her political future could look like amid ongoing scrutiny.

Then, we shift to the national stage, where the government shutdown drags on with no clear end in sight — and questions swirl around whether the National Guard can legally be deployed in U.S. cities like Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland.

It’s a mix of Texas intrigue, GOP infighting, and national tension — all on this week’s Party Politics.

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the latest developments in Texas and national politics.

TEXAS TOPICS:

The legacy of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo amid her decision to not run for another term.

Congressman Michael McCaul and Morgan Luttrell announce they won’t seek reelection.

Andrew White enters the race for Texas governor.

Are Texas Democrats preparing to leave Austin?

Texas GOP sues to close primaries.

NATIONAL TOPICS:

A potential federal government shutdown.

Senate race roundup featuring James Talarico and Colin Allred.

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). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia

This week on Party Politics from Houston Public Media, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the latest political headlines shaking Texas and the nation:

TEXAS TOPICS:

What came out of the Texas Legislature’s 2nd Special Session?

Trump renames the Department of Defense the “War Department.”

The Supreme Court widens law enforcement authority on immigration stops.

Join us as we cut through the noise and dig into what these stories mean for politics, policy, and you.

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). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia

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.