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In this episode of Smoke Filled Room, Brad Johnson is joined by Chris Perkins of Ragnar Research, a veteran pollster in Republican politics. They discuss Chris's career journey, his experiences in political campaigns, and the recent redistricting efforts in Texas. Chris provides insights into the Republican approach to redistricting, the implications for future elections, and the competitiveness of key districts. The episode also delves into broader political themes, including the shifting demographics, the impact of the Dobbs decision, campaign strategies, and presidential election prospects for 2028.

Listen to more Smoke Filled Room podcasts from our team wherever you get your podcasts. If you like what you hear, subscribe and leave us a review.

TIMESTAMPS: 
00:00 Intro
00:52 Chris Perkins' Career Journey
02:43 Redistricting and Political Implications
06:36 Texas Partisan Index and Competitive Districts
13:16 National Trends and Voter Priorities
35:49 Hispanic Voter Shift
41:05 Political Safety Concerns
41:25 The Abortion Debate
42:30 Impact of Dobbs
44:27 Midterm Election Analysis
45:54 Challenges for Republicans
48:35 Redistricting and House Control
51:58 Senate Race Dynamics
01:01:54 Evaluating Polls
01:13:08 2028 Presidential Speculations

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Show off your Lone Star spirit with a free "Remember the Alamo" hat with an annual subscription to The Texan: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Weekly Roundup brings you the latest news in Texas politics, breaking down the top stories of the week with our team of reporters who give you the facts so you can form your own opinion.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Got questions for the reporting team? Email [email protected] — they just might be answered on a future podcast.

• Cruz, Paxton Endorsements Upend Race for Texas Attorney General
• Austin Congressman Greg Casar Announces Bid for Newly Drawn 37th Congressional District
• Congressman Al Green to Wait Until CD 18 Special Election to Declare Candidacy, After Texas Redistricting
• Texas GOP Lawmakers Join Gov. Abbott for Signing of Hostile Foreign Land Ownership Ban
• Abortion Pill Crackdown Bill Passes Texas House Committee After Lawmakers, Pro-Life Groups Negotiate
• Ivermectin Over the Counter Bill Passes Texas House
• Affirmative Defense for Human Trafficking Victims on Track to Gov. Abbott’s Desk
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Joins Abbott, Lawmakers to Celebrate 'Make Texas Healthy Again' Bills
• Texas Supreme Court Denies Paxton Restraining Order Hearing on O'Rourke in Quorum Bust Funding Lawsuit
• A Tale of Two Speakers: Dade Phelan and Dustin Burrows
• Interview: Sen. John Cornyn Discusses Border Reimbursement, Re-election, State of the GOP

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Want to support The Texan and help us continue providing the Lone Star State with news you can trust? Subscribe today: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Daily Rundown brings you a quick recap of the latest stories in Texas politics so you can stay informed with news you can trust.

Want more resources? Be sure to visit The Texan and subscribe for complete access to our in-depth articles, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, videos, podcasts, and more.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!

Show off your Lone Star spirit with a free "Remember the Alamo" hat with an annual subscription to The Texan: https://thetexan.news/subscribe/

The Texan’s Weekly Roundup brings you the latest news in Texas politics, breaking down the top stories of the week with our team of reporters who give you the facts so you can form your own opinion.

Enjoy what you hear? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review! Got questions for the reporting team? Email [email protected] — they just might be answered on a future podcast.

• Trump-Favored Five-Seat GOP Gain Redistricting Map Passes Texas House
• New Texas Congressional Map Substitute Adding Five GOP Seats Passes House Committee
• Congressman Chip Roy Launches Bid for Texas Attorney General
• Briscoe Cain
• Stan Lambert
• Texas House Democrats Return to Austin After Extended Quorum Break
• Texas House Makes Quorum After Two Weeks Upon Democrats' Return to State
• Grieving Camp Mystic Parents Testify on Flood Disaster Before Texas Senate Committee
• Paxton Threatens to Revoke O'Rourke PAC's Charter for Allegedly 'Bribing' House Democrats to Break Quorum
• Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Again Confirms 2026 Re-election Bid
• Cornyn Trails Paxton by Five Points in 2026 Senate Primary Poll, O'Rourke Leads Democratic Pack
• 5th Circuit Appeals Court Blocks West Texas A&M Drag Show Ban
• Federal Judge Halts Required Classroom Display of Ten Commandments Donated to Texas Public Schools