Party Politics

By Houston Public MediaNews Government News Commentary Politics

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Party Politics episodes

November 07, 2025 From Thanksgiving Lights to Election Fights
This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a whirlwind of political developments shaping both the national and Texas landscapes — from Washington’s latest power transitions to Houston’s holiday stage.On the national front, a major political era nears its end as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection, closing a decades-long chapter of Democratic leadership. Meanwhile, the political world is remembering former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at 84. His legacy — from the Bush administration’s post-9/11 policies to his enduring influence on conservative politics — continues to spark debate.At the White House, concerns are mounting over donors linked to the planned East Wing ballroom construction, raising questions about transparency and access. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, as gridlock in Washington underscores the growing divide between Congress and the administration.The hosts also unpack the latest Election Day takeaways nationwide — from key governor’s races to voter turnout trends — and what they signal for both parties heading into 2026.In Texas, politics meets pageantry as Houston Mayor John Whitmire taps Grammy-winning artist Brian McKnight to emcee the city’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and tree lighting ceremony. But while the holidays bring celebration, the campaign season is far from over.Runoffs are set across the state, including Texas Congressional District 18, the Houston City Council, and Senate District 9, as candidates prepare for another round of voter battles. Plus, the hosts explore the propositions passed in this election, and how they could reshape everything from local infrastructure to public funding.NATIONAL TOPICS:Nancy Pelosi will not seek reelection.Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84.Concerns arise around donors to White House east wing ballroom construction.Longest government shutdown to date.Takeaways from Election Day nationwide.TEXAS TOPICSHouston Mayor John Whitmire taps singer Brian McKnight to emcee Thanksgiving Day parade and light tree.Congressional District 18 heads into a runoffHouston City Council elections goes to runoff.Senate District 9 to be decided in runoff.Passed propositions this election.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).
27 min
October 31, 2025 Crockett, Cornyn, Paxton & Hunt: The Battle for Texas Begins
On this week’s Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down how Crockett’s potential entry could reshape the Democratic strategy in Texas, where statewide races have long favored Republicans but recent cycles show signs of shifting voter dynamics.
The conversation also dives into how Trump’s foreign policy moves are echoing in current debates — including his latest break from the “America First” agenda with Argentinean beef — and what the ongoing government shutdown stalemate means for Texans. Plus, the hosts explore a wave of legal and political developments across the state: Gov. Greg Abbott’s appointment of Kyle Hawkins to the Texas Supreme Court, Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol manufacturers over alleged autism links, and the state’s takeover of Fort Worth ISD.
Meanwhile, as campaign season builds momentum, fundraising is heating up in Texas’ 18th Congressional District — setting the stage for another competitive race.
From Washington headlines to Texas power plays, this week’s episode connects the dots between national narratives and local political stakes.
NATIONAL TOPICSTrump's Foreign Policy Legacy.Trump defies 'America First' with Argentinean beef.Government shutdown stalemate.TEXAS TOPICSGovernor Greg Abbott taps Kyle Hawkins for Supreme Court.Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Tylenol over Autism.Fort Worth ISD Takeover.Jasmine Crockett joining Texas Senate race?Cornyn's Ad Barrage.Texas Congressional District 18 Fundraising.
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).
27 min
October 24, 2025 Scandals & Soundtracks: Texas & National Politics This Week
In this week’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the latest headlines: new fundraising numbers in the Texas Senate race, talk of Harris County possibly flipping red in 2026, and a campaign photo controversy in Southlake that’s stirring debate over ethics and digital manipulation.Meanwhile, more than 50,000 fans have signed a petition to swap Bad Bunny for George Strait as the next Super Bowl halftime performer.Nationally, Donald Trump commuted George Santos’ sentence, is seeking $230 million in damages from the DOJ, and a Senate hopeful’s Nazi tattoo made headlines — all as the government shutdown drags on.TEXAS POLITICSQ3 Fundraising & Senate RaceCould Harris Co. flip in 2026?Crossed Lines: Photo ScandalNATIONAL POLITICSBad Bunny out George Strait in?Trump Commutes Santos Sentence.Trump Seeks $230M from DOJ.Senate Hopeful with Nazi Tattoo.Government Shutdown Continues.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).
27 min
October 17, 2025 Fitness Fails, Fortune Rises: Power Plays Across Texas
In this week’s episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a packed week in Texas and national news. The state’s National Guard faces scrutiny after troops were sent home from deployment in Chicago over fitness issues, while Attorney General Ken Paxton’s growing wealth raises fresh ethical questions. On the campaign trail, Democrats James Talarico and Colin Allred make moves in South Texas, and Governor Greg Abbott’s comments on rainbow crosswalks spark controversy. Plus — the federal government shutdown enters Week 3. What’s next for Texas amid the political turbulence? Tune in for analysis, insight, and a little political humor.TEXAS TOPICSTexas National Guard sent home due to fitness.Paxton's wealth soars while in office.Talarico and Allred hit South Texas.Governor Greg Abbott targets pride crosswalk.NATIONAL TOPICGovernment shutdown week three.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).
27 min
October 10, 2025 The Hunt Is On: Texas Senate Race Gets Crowded
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.
TEXAS TOPICS:Wesley Hunt Jumps in Senate Race.Trump's pick in the Texas Senate race.Judge Hidalgo's complex legacy.Political Future for Hidalgo.Texas GOP to censure 10 Republican Lawmakers.NATIONAL TOPICS:How to end the government shutdown.Is National Guard Deployment legal?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).
27 min
October 03, 2025 Government Shutdown, Abbott 2028? Hegseth’s Military Rules & Texas Governor's Race Heats Up
In this episode of Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack a turbulent week in politics at both the national and state level. With a government shutdown now in full effect, the hosts dig into how it could ripple across the economy, voter turnout, and the midterm elections. They also examine new military rules rolled out by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, raising questions about the future of U.S. defense and civil-military relations. Closer to home, the race for Texas governor is heating up, with new challengers, big fundraising numbers, and even a pop star making unexpected headlines.NATIONAL TOPICSGovernment shutdown in effect.Government shutdown impact on elections.New military rules from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.TEXAS TOPICSGina Hinojosa enters the governor’s race.Greg Abbott for president.Commissioner Miller primary in danger.Talarico raises $6M for campaign.Bad Bunny in Paxton’s CrosshairsIn 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
27 min
September 19, 2025 Hidalgo, McCaul, Luttrell — The Changing Guard
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
27 min
September 12, 2025 Abbott, Talarico & Trump Shake Things Up
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:
Representative James Talarico jumps into the U.S. Senate race.
What came out of the Texas Legislature’s 2nd Special Session?
Governor Abbott orders a crackdown on THC products.NATIONAL TOPICS
Trump renames the Department of Defense the “War Department.”
The Supreme Court widens law enforcement authority on immigration stops.
Former President Trump appears in Jeffrey Epstein’s birthday book.
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
27 min
June 20, 2025 The Voting Puzzle: Registration, Access, and Apathy in Texas
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.
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
27 min
June 13, 2025 The Changing Face of Texas: Growth, Grit, and Growing Pains
This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina explore the growing pains and political pressures shaping Texas as it marches toward its bicentennial in 2036. From population explosions and housing crises to water shortages and shifting demographics, the Lone Star State is facing some big questions about its future.TOPICS:Population growth challenges.Why affordable housing is slipping out of reachWater depletion.Demographic shifts in TexasPolitics of immigrationSilver TsunamiHow energy systems are being put to their limitsAs Texas approaches its 200th birthday, can state leaders rise to the challenge—or will politics get in the way?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
27 min

About Party Politics

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Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that’s why we’re ‘keeping the fun but losing all the drama’ of politics! Party Politics podcast is hosted by Brandon…