A fragile ceasefire with Iran. Gas prices climbing past $4. A redistricting gamble backfiring. And a wave of resignations shaking Washington.

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss everything—from foreign policy to Texas politics and how they collide in ways that could shape the midterm elections.

At the center of it all is President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran. After initially signaling a hardline stance, the administration is now extending a ceasefire in hopes of negotiating a deal. But the details remain murky—who’s negotiating, what’s on the table, and whether Iran is even interested in talking.

Meanwhile, the global stakes are rising. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively disrupted, oil supply concerns are pushing gas prices higher across the U.S., putting pressure on voters and the White House alike. Efforts like tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve or suspending gas taxes may offer some relief—but not fast enough to ease economic anxiety ahead of the midterms.

That economic strain is already becoming a political liability.

Republicans are also facing fallout from an aggressive redistricting strategy. What was intended to strengthen their electoral map is now producing unintended consequences, with Democrats gaining ground in places like Virginia. Add in internal fractures within the MAGA coalition—and even public criticism from prominent conservative voices—and the party’s unity is showing cracks at a critical moment.

Back in Washington, instability inside the administration is adding to the turbulence. High-profile departures and controversy surrounding key officials are raising questions about leadership and control. While the White House may hope these issues fade before Election Day, they contribute to a broader narrative of disorder.

And Congress isn’t immune either. A growing list of resignations tied to ethics scandals—including allegations of misused COVID relief funds—highlights both the persistence of political misconduct and a renewed willingness, at least in some cases, for institutions to police themselves.

Closer to home, Texas is once again at the center of major political debates.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick is challenging the long-standing interpretation of separation between church and state, following a court ruling allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools. The issue now appears headed for the Supreme Court, where it could reshape decades of legal precedent—and energize voters on both sides.

At the same time, Governor Greg Abbott is threatening to pull funding from cities like Houston over immigration enforcement disputes, raising the stakes for local leaders and putting millions of dollars on the line.

Taken together, the picture is one of volatility—globally, nationally, and locally. And with the midterms fast approaching, the biggest question remains: will voters punish instability, or simply absorb it as the new normal?

NATIONAL TOPICS:Ceasefire with Iran extended.Redistricting in Virginia.Cabinet member Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns and FBI Director Kash Patel in hot water.Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns.Rep. Cory Mills expulsion looming.TEXAS TOPICS:Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's battle over Church and State in Texas.Governor Greg Abbott threatens to pull funding.Party Chairs in crisis.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).