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: 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 TOPICSTrump 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

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

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

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 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 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. NATIONAL TOPICSPresident Joe Biden’s Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and its impact on his legacy.Recent Immigration cases in the U.S. Supreme CourtPresident Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”Trump gifted a $400 million plane.TEXAS TOPICSTexas House passes bail reform measuresSchool funding bill passedIn 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 episode of Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the balance of power in American government — then and now. Are checks and balances still doing their job? Is the judiciary truly independent, or too partisan? And just how far can presidential power go? A conversation about the shifting dynamics at the heart of our political system.TOPICS:Separation of powers then and nowThe modern political systemAre checks and balances working?Checking the powers of the president.Are the courts too partisan?Is the judiciary branch independent enough?Unilateral Presidential PowerIn 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 episode of Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss why the first 100 days of a presidency are important, the grade President Trump should receive for the first 100 days, why Trump has chosen to use so many executive orders to govern, if Trump can continue to govern using social media as one of his biggest tools, how effective has the implementation of DOGE been for the Trump administration, and the relationship between Trump and the Judiciary branch.NATIONAL TOPICSWhy are the first 100 days important to a presidency?What grade with you give Trump for his presidency so far?Why govern by executive order?Can Trump govern by Tweet?Effectiveness of DOGE.Trump administration vs. JudiciaryIn 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 episode of Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss a decline in economic growth under President Trump, trade in the United States amid Canadian election results, democrat Senator Dick Durbin retiring, Trump 2028 hats appearing online, Trump backing Texas GOP members who back the school vouchers, bipartisan support for an update to the current Texas abortion ban, the Freedom Caucus' impact on the legislature, Beto O’Rourke hinting at a potential senate run. and other national, state and local politics. NATIONAL TOPICS Economy Reversal Under Trump U.S. United States Trade Amid the Canadian Election Senator Dick Durbin Retires Trump 2028 hat surfaces online. TEXAS TOPICS Trump states he will back every GOP member that backs the school voucher vote Bipartisan support for an update to clarify the abortion ban. Freedom Caucus’ impact on the legislature. Beto O’Rourke hints at a potential senate run. 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 episode of Party Politics, hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the fluctuating market amid tariffs, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has texts leaked from the Signal App for a second time, if the Freedom Caucus has been successful, the impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s school voucher bill, Texas Senate passing the film incentive bill with a stipulation that would require films to be of Texas morals and values in order to receive funding, Texas Lotter Director resigning, Mayor John Whitmire slashing the city’s deficit by reaching a deal with plaintiffs in streets and drainage lawsuit, and other national, state and local news.NATIONAL TOPICS:Market fluctuations amid the Trump Tariffs.Pete Hegseth’s Signal chat leaks again.TEXAS TOPICS:Has the Freedom Caucus been a success?The impact of Governor Greg Abbott’s school voucher bill.Texas Senate passes film incentives bill however the films must align with “Texas morals and values”.Texas Lottery Director resigns.LOCAL:Mayor Whitmire slashes the city’s deficit by reaching a deal with plaintiffs in streets and drainage lawsuit.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the White House Deportation Fight, President Joe Biden is back with a speech about social security, Vice President JD Vance breaks Ohio State's NCAA Football Championship trophy, the stakes for Governor Greg Abbott's voucher bill, who President Trump will endorse in the John Cornyn and Ken Paxton U.S. Senate race and other state and local politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:White House deportation fight.Biden is back.Vice President JD Vance fumbles Ohio State NCAA Football championship trophy.TEXAS TOPICS:Stakes for Governor Greg Abbott’s Voucher Bill.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announces 4th term run.Texas Attorney General Race Begins.Mayra Flores challenges Henry Cuellar for congressional district 28.Who will Trump endorse for Texas Senate seat?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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the significant spiral of the economy following the announcement of President Trump's newest tariffs, if Congress will pass the budget or go into a shutdown, Attorney General Ken Paxton announces his campaign against Senator John Cornyn, Don Huffines and Christi Craddick announce their campaign for Texas Comptroller, Governor setting Congressional District 18 election for November 4th, democrats calling for Fort Bend County Judge KP George to resign, and other national state and local news.NATIONAL TOPICS:Economic Nuclear Winter.Budget or shutdown?TEXAS TOPICS:Attorney General Ken Paxton announces campaign for Senator John Cornyn’s seat.Is Ken Paxton a liability?Don Huffines and Christi Craddick announce their run for Comptroller.Governor Greg Abbott sets November 4 Congressional District 18 election date.Democrats call for Fort Bend County Judge KP George to resign.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss new tariffs implemented by President Trump of at least 10 percent or higher to for certain countries, the impact of special elections in Wisconsin and Florida, Trump's pursuit of a third term, the possibility of Christian Menefee suing Texas Governor Greg Abbott due to the delay in a special election to fill the late congressman Sylvester Turner's congressional district 18 position, Kendall Scudder being named the new Democratic Chair of Texas and what means, and the film incentive hearing that brought actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson to the state's capital and other national in addition to other state and local politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:More tariffs initiated by the USA on Liberation DayImpact of special election results in Wisconsin and FloridaTrump’s pursuit of a third term.TEXAS TOPICS:Christian Menefee may sue Governor Greg Abbott for his delay in calling a special election for CD18Kendall Scudder named new Texas Democratic ChairBudget sent to the floor in TexasMatthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson join hearing for film incentives in TexasIn 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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the implications of a war plan leak occurring from the Editor and Chief of the Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg being added to a 'Signal' group chat which included Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. Our hosts also discuss if the the Department of Education dismantled, Senator Ted Cruz funding school voucher advertisements, controversy between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's audit of Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment hearing, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz trip to Fort Bend County with former United States Representative Beto O'Rourke and other news in national and state politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:The war plan leak heard around the world.Is the Department of Education DOA?TEXAS TOPICS:Texas Senator Ted Cruz funds ads on school vouchers.Controversy with Texas Governor Abbott and Rep. Jasmine Crockett.Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment audit.Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visits Fort Bend County.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's Continuing Resolution vote upsetting democrats, President Trump resurfacing an 18th c. immigration policy, the potential for a Constitutional crisis, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt prepare to run against Senator John Cornyn in 2026, the growing opposition to gaming in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott's new act aimed at 'furry culture', the future of Congressional district 18, and how a stretch of i-35 could be named after Trump.NATIONAL TOPICSSchumer upsets Senate Democrats with Continuing Resolution vote.President Trump resurfaces an 18th c. immigration policy.Does the United States have the potential for a Constitutional crisis?TEXAS TOPICSKen Paxton and Wesley Hunt to run against John Cornyn in 2026.Opposition to gaming in Texas emerges.Governor Greg Abbott takes on 'furry culture' in the new Forbidden Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education (the FURRIES Act).Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards, Isaiah Martin and Dr. James Joseph to enter to race to fill Congressional district 18 following the passing of Sylvester Turner.A stretch of I-35 may be renamed after Donald Trump.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss political scandals, if scandals still shape the opinion of voters, their impact on the careers of politicians, and how they can be used to mobilize political bases.TOPICS:Does scandals still matter?Do politicians still have shame?Do voters think about scandals?How scandals mobilize the political base.Implications of scandals.Should we bring back shame for political scandals?The cultural shift of scandals.How local government handles scandals.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the passing of Former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, President Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress, ramifications of Trump Tariffs, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick desire to change the name of the New York Strip steak to the Texas strip Steak and other national and state politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump makes his first address to a joint session of congress.Democrats show their discontent during Trump's address.Ramifications of Trump Tariffs.Is Trump selling the American Dream?TEXAS TOPICSFormer Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner Dead at 70.A slim majority of Texas Republicans sign on to school vouchers.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick desire to change the name of the New York Strip Steak to the Texas Strip Steak.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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the Texas Lottery scandal, the possibility of the school voucher bill passing, destination gaming coming to Texas, President Trump's upcoming address to the joint session of Congress, and other national and state political news.NATIONAL TOPICSThe House of representatives passes the budget resolution.President Donald Trump to address at joint session of Congress.Federal Election Commission dismisses case against Senator Ted Cruz.TEXAS TOPICSTexas Lottery scandal.Destination gaming may come to Texas.Will Texas school vouchers bill pass?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, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss President Trump seeking to restore relations with Russia, Vice President JD Vance's comments at a recent AI Summit, the state of United States and Europe relations, budget wars at the capitol, 17 Department of Justice who resigned over an order to drop New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case, the potential 2026 race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina gearing up to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar, and the current dynamic of the "Big 3": Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump seeks peace with Russia.Vice President JD Vance AI Summit appearance.U.S. and Europe Relations.Budget Wars.Department of Justice resignations amid Adams case.TEXAS TOPICS:2026 Races: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vs. Senator John CornynWebb County Judge Tano Tijerina to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar.BIG 3: Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan PatrickIn 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).