Party Politics

Texas voter redistricting was tossed out. What's it mean for Texans and for 2018?

Budget debates, zombie bills, bathroom ordinances, and musings about the relevance of Texas democrats. You know - just the Texas Legislature at mid-session.

What exactly is the "nuclear option"? What's a filibuster? And how does Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch figure into all of this?

On this inaugural episode of 'Party Politics' co-hosts Jay Aiyer and Brandon Rottinghaus bring you three hot topics in Texas political news this week:

(1) Democrat Beto O' Rourke throwing his hat in the political ring against incumbent Ted Cruz (2) The House and Senate not able to agree on budgetary issues and (3) Governor Greg Abbott and his "United States of Municipalities." Then they drill down on the likelihood of Democrat Beto O' Rourke taking current Texas Senator Ted Cruz's seat in the 2018 election.

Jay Aiyer and Brandon Rottinghaus bring you three hot topics in political news this week:

(1) Repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) not working out, what are the repercussions? (2) Supreme Court nomination Neil Gorsuch, will he/won't he, make it and (3) President Trump is not throwing out the first pitch for the opening of baseball season. Then they drill down on the fight between President Trump and Congress, after the fallout on not being able to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Most importantly they tell you why you should care about that fallout.

Feeling buried under this week’s political headlines? We’ve got you! Starting this Friday, Houston Public Media launches Party Politics — the podcast that keeps the fun and drops the drama from your weekly dose of political news.

Hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two sharp and witty political science professors from the University of Houston, Party Politics offers a smart, entertaining, and down-to-earth take on what’s happening in politics — from the latest moves in Austin to the biggest debates in Washington.

Each week, Brandon and Jeronimo cut through the noise to help you make sense of the headlines, uncover what’s really driving the stories, and highlight how national politics connects back to life here in Texas. Expect sharp insights, candid humor, and plenty of moments that make you think and laugh along the way.

New episodes drop every Friday — wherever you get your podcasts. Join the conversation on X @HPMPolitics, use #PartyPoliticsPod, or email [email protected].