State of Texas

By KXAN NewsNews Politics

State of Texas episodes

November 01 State of Texas - November 1, 2026
With Election Day just days away, Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico are crisscrossing Texas in a final effort to energize voters. President Donald Trump returned to Texas to campaign alongside Paxton, while Talarico held rallies of his own as both campaigns focus on turnout in what remains one of the tightest Senate races in the country. Xavier Walton examines how certain counties could be key to determining the outcome and the strategies both sides are relying on in the final stretch.
Libertarian Ted Brown won't win the Senate race, but in a contest expected to be decided by a razor-thin margin, his share of the vote could prove consequential. Adam Schwager sits down with Brown to discuss his campaign, why he rejects the label of "spoiler," and how Libertarian voters could influence the final result.
The Abbott campaign says its new "Abbott Impact" app has helped supporters send more than 20 million get-out-the-vote messages this election cycle. Dylan McKim takes a closer look at how the app works, why political campaigns are increasingly relying on peer-to-peer outreach, and what it could mean for the future of voter mobilization in Texas.
While most attention is focused on the races for Senate and governor, Texans also face important choices in congressional, legislative, local, and ballot proposition contests. We check in with reporters across the state on key races to watch and examine the impact of "voter roll-off" – the tendency for voters to skip races farther down the ballot – and how it could influence some of the state's closest contests.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
October 25 State of Texas - October 25, 2026
Around four million Texans have already cast ballots, and early voting data is revealing surprising trends. We break down what turnout numbers may indicate about voter enthusiasm, whether Democrats are outperforming expectations, and what analysts will be watching as voting continues. The program also examines new polling in the closely watched U.S. Senate and governor's races.
A scheduled debate between candidates for Texas Railroad Commission never materialized after only Democrat Jon Rosenthal appeared. Dylan McKim examines the race between Rosenthal and Republican Bo French, their competing visions for regulating the oil and gas industry, and why polling suggests the contest could be surprisingly close.
One of the nation's most competitive House races is unfolding in South Texas, where Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz faces Tejano music star Bobby Pulido. Brian Svendsen explores how immigration, water policy and outside campaign spending have transformed the race into a national battleground that could help determine control of Congress.
The future of consumable hemp products has become an issue in the race for lieutenant governor. Dylan McKim compares where Republican incumbent Dan Patrick and Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin stand on THC regulation, how the issue could affect consumers and veterans, and what the next Legislature may do if voters choose a new direction.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
October 18 State of Texas - October 18, 2026
The race for U.S. Senate remains tight as Ken Paxton and James Talarico make their case to supporters before early voting. We hear from both candidates on the campaign trail and dig deeper into new Texas Politics Project polling that shows where each is drawing support. The program also looks at another close statewide contest, as Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa make their case to voters in the governor's race.
Texas' new billion-dollar Education Freedom Accounts program is now a central issue in the race for comptroller, the office responsible for administering it. Dylan McKim examines how Republican Don Huffines and Democrat Sarah Eckhardt differ over the program's future, including efforts to expand it and calls for additional auditing and oversight.
Republicans redrew Congressional District 34 with the goal of flipping the seat from blue to red, but the result is now one of the closest House races in the country. Brian Svendsen profiles Democratic incumbent Vicente Gonzalez and Republican challenger Eric Flores, examining how redistricting reshaped the district and why the contest could help determine control of Congress.
The race for Texas Railroad Commission puts competing approaches to regulation of the state's oil and gas industry before voters. Dylan McKim looks at Republican Bo French and Democrat Jon Rosenthal's priorities for the powerful commission, from industry regulation and abandoned wells to natural gas reliability, while polling shows a tight statewide contest.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
October 11 State of Texas - October 11, 2026
President Donald Trump returns to Texas to rally Republicans and boost Ken Paxton's Senate campaign, while also making a push for GOP candidates in competitive congressional races. Dylan McKim examines whether Trump's support will help Republicans in tight contests or create challenges with independent voters. Renzo Downey and Brad Johnson join us to break down the congressional and Texas House battlegrounds and what they'll be watching on election night.
A growing number of Texas school districts have shifted to four-day school weeks, but lawmakers are questioning whether the change is hurting student achievement. Dylan McKim examines the research, one district's experience abandoning the approach, and possible guardrails lawmakers could consider as they weigh whether Texas students need more days in the classroom.
Women's health experts tell Texas lawmakers that menopause remains a major blind spot in medical training, with patients sometimes struggling to get appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The hearing highlights concerns over physician training, access to hormone therapy, insurance restrictions and research funding as lawmakers consider possible changes in the upcoming legislative session.
Texas lawmakers are exploring the unusual possibility of moving counties in southeastern New Mexico into Texas. Dylan McKim looks at how a dispute over regulation of produced water in the Permian Basin is driving the conversation, what it would legally take to change the state boundary, and why lawmakers on both sides acknowledge the proposal faces major hurdles.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
October 04 State of Texas - October 4, 2026
With early voting just weeks away and no debate on the schedule, Texas voters are finally getting an apples-to-apples comparison between Ken Paxton and James Talarico. Both agreed to separate interviews with the U.S. Hispanic Business Council - answering the same questions on topics like affordability, immigration, health care, and the economy. This week's program puts Paxton and Talarico's responses side by side to highlight similarities, differences, and how each hopes to win over undecided voters.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.

22 min
September 27 State of Texas - September 27, 2026
Just weeks before the November election, counties across Texas are scrambling to process thousands of delayed voter registration and address update records after a state data transmission error went undetected for nearly a year. Adam Schwager examines what caused the backlog, how counties are responding, and what voters should do to ensure their registration information is correct before Election Day.
Newly released search warrants reveal that Camp Mystic owners and staff are under criminal investigation following last year's deadly floods. No one has been charged. Investigator Matt Grant breaks down the potential charges being examined by the Texas Rangers, the allegations outlined in the warrants, and what investigators hope to learn from phone and electronic records tied to camp leadership and employees.
With diesel prices hovering near record highs, Texas farmers and ranchers are searching for relief. Dylan McKim looks at a proposal being considered by the Trump administration to restrict diesel exports, why agriculture groups support the idea, and why the oil and gas industry warns it could ultimately make fuel prices even worse.
Cedar Park-based Firefly Aerospace is expanding production capacity with a new facility designed to support future lunar missions. Eric Henrikson takes us inside the project, explains how state investments are helping grow Texas’ aerospace industry, and explores the role Texas companies are expected to play in NASA’s long-term plans for the Moon.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
September 20State of Texas - September 20, 2026
Paxton Talarico Polling – There's a lot to unpack from this poll - Matt Taglia, senior director of Emerson College Polling, joins us for a deeper dive into the numbers.
Gaming Safeguards – Child advocates, pediatricians and mental health experts urged Texas lawmakers on Monday to expand online safety protections for children, arguing that today’s gaming platforms pose many of the same risks as social media and are increasingly affecting children’s mental health, sleep, academic performance and overall development.
Prediction Markets Debate – On Tuesday, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee and the Texas House State Affairs Committee both met with experts on prediction markets. The rapidly growing industry has become a de facto replacement for sports gambling for many Texans — as traditional sports betting violates the Texas Constitution.
Lottery operations - More than 18 months after his first appearance in the Capitol to describe an alleged scheme to rig a $95 million Lotto Texas jackpot, Manfred Sternberg was back under the dome to call on lawmakers to take action against individuals and companies that allegedly profited from the drawing.
22 min
September 13 State of Texas - September 13, 2026
Speaking to a Republican convention audience, Ken Paxton highlighted what he calls the "Protecting the Texas Promise" plan, including proposed tax deductions for homebuyers, medical expenses, and healthy living expenses. He also outlined his case against James Talarico and framed the Senate race as a choice between two very different futures for Texas.
In a one-on-one interview, Talarico discusses affordability, border security, health care costs, and the national debt. While making his case as an alternative to Paxton, he also identifies issues where he says he could work with President Trump, including housing affordability, and prescription drug costs.
We examine a noticeable shift in Governor Greg Abbott's approach toward Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa. The changing campaign approach could alter the race for Governor.
The race for campaign cash - Daniel Marin breaks down how a recent Supreme Court ruling could reshape campaign fundraising in Texas and potentially give Paxton access to new sources of political support as Talarico continues to hold a significant fundraising advantage.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
September 05 State of Texas - September 6, 2026
What started as a local debate over surveillance technology has become a national conversation. We speak with Texas Congressman Keith Self, who's pushing federal legislation that would require warrants before federal agencies can access surveillance data. We examine the growing privacy concerns, the argument from law enforcement that the cameras help solve crimes, and the broader debate over how much surveillance is too much.
While data centers have sparked concern across much of Texas, one Panhandle community sees potential benefits. Dylan McKim looks closer at developments in Turkey, Texas, where a proposed $10 billion data center project could help fund long-overdue water and wastewater upgrades. City leaders say the partnership could provide critical infrastructure improvements while supporting future growth.
New polling shows Governor Greg Abbott holding a one-point lead over Democrat Gina Hinojosa, marking the third poll in five weeks to show a highly competitive race. Adam Schwager breaks down the numbers, the role President Donald Trump's approval ratings may be playing, and how issues like data centers are emerging as factors in the campaign.
A new survey projects the largest increase in employer health care costs in more than two decades, raising concerns that many Texans could be paying more for coverage next year. We look at the factors driving the increase and explore the bipartisan ideas lawmakers are considering to improve transparency and affordability.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min
August 30 State of Texas - August 30, 2026
Texas has reached a $1 billion settlement with Meta over allegations that Facebook and Instagram harmed children's mental health. Dylan McKim examines the new safety measures Meta has agreed to implement, the limits of those changes, and why some psychologists and lawmakers argue the biggest concerns surrounding social media still haven't been addressed.
New polling from the Texas Politics Project shows broad skepticism toward data center development, with opposition spanning both political parties and extending beyond rural communities into the suburbs. We break down what voters are concerned about, how those concerns could influence the November elections, and why even supporters of data center growth are adjusting their message.
Texas' new Education Freedom Account program is already having a measurable impact on schools. Dylan McKim visits a private school that has doubled enrollment since the rollout and explores how rising participation is affecting both private school expansion plans and nearby public school districts losing students to the program.
A new Texas 2036 report estimates child care challenges cost Texas employers nearly $8 billion annually. Adam Schwager looks at the growing economic impact, how businesses are adapting, and why lawmakers are being urged to treat child care as a workforce issue rather than simply a family issue.
State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
22 min

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State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on…