This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina take a tour through a Texas political landscape that’s shifting from the Rio Grande Valley to the suburbs of Fort Worth — and everywhere in between. Democrats across the state are trying to chart a path forward, and a wave of new candidates is giving us a clearer picture of what 2026 might look like.

We start in South Texas, where Democrats are still wrestling with the Latino vote. After several cycles of GOP gains, the big question is whether the party can reconnect with voters who once formed the backbone of its statewide coalition. Messaging, turnout, and trust are all on the table.

Up the ballot, the governor’s race is taking shape with Democrats:

Gina Hinojosa, the Austin state representative with a policy-heavy platform; Chris Bell, former congressman returning to a familiar statewide stage; and Mark White, Houston attorney hoping to turn legal credibility into electoral momentum. Additional candidates include Patricia Abrego, Bobby Cole, Angela Villescaz and Jose Navarro Balbuena. Each offers a different vision of how Democrats claw back statewide competitiveness — or whether that’s even realistic in 2026.

Over in the Attorney General’s race, Democrats are leaning hard into an accountability message. Candidates Joe Jaworski and Nathan Johnson also jump into the Attorney General's race.

Congressional politics aren’t quiet either. In TX-18, the Democratic runoff features Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards, two well-known Houston figures vying to carry the district’s civil-rights legacy forward — but the race has become even more complicated. Because the special election and the next regular election overlap, both candidates also had to file for the 2026 primary at the same time, and longtime congressman Al Green has now jumped into that 2026 race as well, setting up a crowded and unusually tangled contest for one of the state’s most recognizable Democratic seats. Meanwhile, after Jasmine Crockett surprised many by entering the Texas Senate race, Colin Allred shifted gears and moved his campaign to the newly re-drawn TX-33, where he joins Julie Johnson in a district reshaped by redistricting and quickly becoming one of the cycle’s most closely watched battlegrounds.

Back home in Harris County, the open county judge seat is drawing heavyweight attention. Former mayor Annise Parker, Council member Letitia Plummer, and nonprofit leader Matthew Salazar are all pitching themselves as the next steward of the state’s largest county. The outcome could reshuffle Democratic politics in Houston for years.

And in Tarrant County, Democrats see an opening —  Commissioner Alisa Simmons and Democratic Rep. Marc Veasey run for County Judge Tim O'Hare's seat which will test just how “purple” Fort Worth really is.

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack a full slate of stories where courts, campaigns, and culture collide in Texas politics.

Governor Greg Abbott has set a date for the Congressional District 18 runoff, a race drawing statewide attention as candidates compete to represent a key Houston-area district. But as voters get ready to cast ballots, a federal court has blocked Texas’s newly drawn redistricting maps, throwing another curve into the state’s already contentious political landscape and raising questions about fair representation heading into 2026.

On the national stage, Senator Ted Cruz is once again hinting at a White House bid, while Senator John Cornyn faces fresh scrutiny over his 2026 reelection prospects and shifting standing within the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Bo French has jumped into the Railroad Commissioner race, drawing attention for his controversial statements about energy policy and loyalty within the GOP.

Culture and politics overlap again in Lubbock, where the city’s Buddy Holly crosswalk is in talks of removal following Governor Abbott’s directive to eliminate political or advocacy-themed displays from public spaces. The move has sparked debate about how far state orders should reach — and whether cultural landmarks fall under the same rules.

And in Washington, the U.S. House has voted to release the Epstein files, promising to shed new light on a long-simmering scandal.

From redistricting fights to symbolic removals, the political map — and mood — of Texas is shifting fast. Brandon and Jeronimo explore what these developments reveal about power, identity, and politics in the Lone Star State.

House votes and Senate approves Epstein files bill, sending it to Trump’s desk.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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

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:

What came out of the Texas Legislature’s 2nd Special Session?

Trump renames the Department of Defense the “War Department.”

The Supreme Court widens law enforcement authority on immigration stops.

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

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.

It’s shaping up to be a busy — and politically loaded — summer.

On this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the big headlines and behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping U.S. politics this season.

TOPICS:

Which bills could land on the Governor Abbott's desk — and which might get vetoed

The status of the federal budget battle in Congress

The latest in U.S. tariff disputes and global trade tensions

Supreme Court cases to watch as rulings roll out

Possible changes in foreign policy amid shifting global alliances

How politicians are gearing up for the 2026 elections during the summer

This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss  the dynamics shaping the 89th Texas Legislature, if the state’s top Republican leaders—Governor Greg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and House Speaker Dustin Burrow— are working together, or working around each other, the overlap—and tensions—between Texas’ executive and legislative branches, the core values driving the Texas GOP this session, controversial bans being pushed by Republicans—and the political risks they carry, why dysfunction is brewing inside the Texas Democratic Party and what it all means for Texans as laws are made (or stalled) under the dome in Austin.

TEXAS TOPICS

An overview of the 89th Legislature

Overlap between the Texas Speaker of the House, Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Are the branches of Texas government aligned?

What is the core value of the Republican party in Texas.

Texas GOP bans plans several bans, could there be issues later?

Dysfunction in the Democratic Party.

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).

This week in politics on Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss how President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis has reignited questions about his legacy and the 2024 race, the Supreme Court tackling major immigration cases that could reshape national policy. They also discuss Donald Trump re-entering the spotlight—fresh off receiving a $400 million private jet—and his push to Congress to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill". Down in Texas, the House passed both a bail reform package and a school funding bill.