Texas Take - podcast cover

Texas Take

Houston Chronicle
Go behind the headlines for a look at what's really going on at the Texas Capitol and in Washington with the state's #1 political podcast: Texas Take. Join the conversation featuring Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report and Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News political writer Jeremy Wallace.

Episodes

What are the Democrats Doing? No, Seriously.

This episode examines the current state of the Democratic Party, including the lack of clear leadership and a unified message. Emerging figures such as Beto O'Rourke, Tim Walz, and Greg Kassar are discussed, as well as recent controversies such as Jasmine Crockett's comments about Governor Abbott. The Republican race between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton and a spying scandal in the healthcare sector are also addressed.

Mar 28, 20251 hr

Fix It Already

This episode dives into Texas politics, covering the abortion law debate and Republican leaders' calls for clarity amidst reported deaths and prosecutions. The hosts discuss the potential impact of presidential politics and primary challenges. The show also analyzes the lieutenant governor's crackdown on THC products and the implications for businesses and medical patients, plus a deep dive into the Texas Democratic Party leadership race.

Mar 21, 20251 hr 19 min

Sleep Deprived

This episode dives into the contentious Texas school voucher debate, highlighting Gov. Abbott's controversial "furries" claim and the arguments presented during a 20-hour House hearing. It also examines potential challengers to Sen. John Cornyn and Elon Musk's political involvement.

Mar 15, 20251 hr 29 min

Outbreak!

This episode of Texas Take covers a measles outbreak, responses from officials like RFK Jr. and Gov. Abbott, and the growing political divide over vaccine hesitancy. It also delves into the contentious debate around school vouchers, highlighting opposition in rural Texas and the potential impact on public education funding. Additionally, the hosts pay tribute to the late Houston political figure Sylvester Turner, reflecting on his legacy and impact.

Mar 07, 20251 hr 1 min

Bonus Edition: Jeremy Reports from San Antonio

This episode of Texas Take delves into key legislative issues in Texas, including the debate around school vouchers and their funding implications, the impact of the state's abortion ban on maternal health, proposed property tax cuts and their potential effects, and the push to expand gaming in the state. Guests also discuss strategies for Texas Democrats to regain influence and address the recent measles outbreak and vaccine hesitancy.

Mar 04, 202559 min

Staging an Intervention

This episode of Texas Take covers Texas politics, including Senator Bettencourt's Trump impersonations, school voucher debates, and historical parallels between LBJ's tactics and current Republicans. The hosts analyze the challenges in passing school funding legislation and discuss potential bipartisan agreements on children's health. They conclude with a look at the week's political ups and downs.

Feb 28, 202552 min

Being Asked to Leave the Casino

This episode of Texas Take covers Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's investigation into the Texas Lottery, raising concerns about shady dealings and courier services. It also discusses Gov. Greg Abbott's continued push for school vouchers and his increasingly aggressive social media tactics. The episode further explores legislative debates on cell phone bans in schools and the Democratic Party's strategy for Texas.

Feb 21, 20251 hr 3 min

Say it to My Face

Gov. Greg Abbott is changing his tone in the debate over school vouchers - but does it mean he's cocky and sure it'll pass or is he on defense because he's nervous? We'll get into that. But first: What are Texas GOP leaders willing to do to clarify abortion restrictions in this state? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 14, 20251 hr 7 min

The Chaos is on Purpose

This week, we saw fear in immigrant communities across Texas as the Trump Administration began arrests in major cities here and around the nation. Jeremy asked Gov. Greg Abbott about that in an exclusive interview for the show. Plus: The Texas Senate moves with lighting speed to establish a new government handout: School vouchers. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 16 min

Technical Difficulties

The inauguration of President Trump in Washington was marked by some technical difficulties, a very energetic 78 year old whose message sounded like a president from a century ago, an appearance by Gov. Greg Abbott, and some sweeping changes to federal policies that will no doubt be felt in Texas. Plus, the Texas House banned Democratic Chairs and the people who have been asking for exactly that went into meltdown mode. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and ...

Jan 25, 20251 hr 16 min

They're Off to the Races

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn't get his way in the speaker's race and had a fit about it. Speaker Dustin Burrows got elected with a majority of Democrats in his coalition and that's sending the right-wing professional activist class through the roof. And a Texas boy gets his shot on the national stage at the Trump inauguration coming up next week. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad ch...

Jan 17, 20251 hr

Ready Or Not, Here They Come

The race for Texas House Speaker is about to come to a head on Tuesday and we're nowhere near a resolution. We'll break it all down for you. Plus, a full preview of what's on the agenda for the full legislative session including teacher pay raises, school vouchers, casinos and sports betting, border security, and more. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Jan 11, 20251 hr 27 min

Let's Make a Deal

Jeremy is off this week. So in the meantime, enjoy the conversation I had with Austin radio legend Jeff Ward, who was curious about whether sports betting and casino gambling might be legalized this year. Well, here's an idea: What if those were both approved on the condition that the tax revenue would fund a school voucher program? It would certainly please some of the wealthiest people putting money into the campaigns of Gov. Greg Abbott and Little Gov. Dan Patrick. Learn more about your ad ch...

Jan 03, 202532 min

'Tis the Season...for Screaming

It's a tradition: Congress is in meltdown mode over budget issues during the holiday season. But this time, President-elect Trump is clashing with some Texas conservatives who don't agree with his plans for big spending in the coming year. Plus, the Texas House speaker race has cooled down to a simmer. And a big thanks to y'all for sticking with us throughout what's been a shitshow of a year. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political ...

Dec 21, 20241 hr 15 min

A Speaker Showdown or a Setup?

There was a frantic push to elect a speaker of the Texas House over the last few days, but the race is far from over. We've got all the tea, as the kids say. Plus, we've reached a new milestone for how many women are serving in the Texas Legislature. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 12, 20241 hr 6 min

Trump Says he Loves Texas. But the Proof is In the Puddin'

President-elect Trump has talked at length about how much he loves Texans. If that's the case, even some Republicans are starting to wonder why he's not appointing almost any Texans to his incoming administration. Plus: Little Gov. Dan Patrick declares all out war on the sale of anything containing THC. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Note: This episode does not cover the latest developments in the Tex...

Dec 06, 202444 min

When Trump Says Jump, Texas Republicans Say "How High?"

As President-Elect Trump prepares for his next term in office, most Texas Republicans seem ready to just do whatever he says. But, maybe not all of them. We'll dig into that. Plus: Little Gov. Dan Patrick loves to do a little sidestep lately when the issue of casino gambling is raised. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 14, 20241 hr 8 min

On to the Next Chapter

"The Empire Strikes Back" comes to mind as Republicans asserted their dominance across Texas in Tuesday's election. But even with a 10-point swing toward the GOP statewide, only one incumbent Democrat lost a seat in the Texas Legislature. We'll get into that plus what the election results mean for abortion rights and the fight over school vouchers. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 8 min

Texas Celebrities Makin' the Closing Arguments in 2024

It's hard to overstate the role that famous people from Texas are playing in this election. Beyoncé, Dr. Phil, Tony Hinchcliffe, Joe Rogan, Mark Cuban, and others are lining up on opposite sides of the political aisle. And you're not wrong if the first thing that came to mind was "hey, some of those people are not even from Texas!" But, welcome to the reality of living in a fast-growing state where all these people want to live. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred spend some of the final d...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 9 min

Joe Rogan vs Beyoncé

The race for the White House comes to Texas this weekend with Vice President Harris, Beyoncé, and Rep. Colin Allred rallying in Houston while former President Trump, Joe Rogan, and Sen. Ted Cruz appear in Austin. Plus: The case of death row inmate Robert Roberson brings stars to the Texas Capitol and a rebuke from Gov. Abbott, who saw his authority threatened by lawmakers who have questions about the state potentially executing an innocent man. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor o...

Oct 25, 202452 min

Texas Republicans Help Halt an Execution. Wait, What?

There's never been anything like it in Texas politics: A bipartisan group of lawmakers went to extraordinary lengths as they raced to stop an execution in its tracks because there are serious questions about the case against death row inmate Robert Roberson. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred faced off in their only debate of the campaign with just days to go before Texans will begin casting their ballots in person. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, a...

Oct 18, 20241 hr 12 min

Well, That's the Ballgame. Or Is It?

After the Houston Astros were eliminated in the playoffs, the Colin Allred campaign is blasting Sen. Ted Cruz for the alleged "Cruz curse." Hey, in a close election, anything that outrages enough people in Houston and San Antonio could help close the gap. Plus, we've got the latest on the race to lead the Texas House in 2025. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap...

Oct 04, 20241 hr 4 min

Wait, Ted Cruz Could Lose? Maybe.

This week we're featuring a conversation Scott had with Austin radio legend Jeff Ward, who wanted to know if Sen. Cruz could actually lose to Rep. Colin Allred. We'll be back with our regular conversion including Jeremy Wallace next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 202431 min

Well, Look at That: It's the Consequences of our Actions

School districts across Texas have been left to twist in the wind after billions in funding was withheld because of Gov. Greg Abbott's failed attempt at passing a school voucher program. Let's talk about the real world consequences of that, shall we? And the politics of it, too. Plus for you real junkies we'll get into this week's speaker race drama. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about you...

Sep 21, 20241 hr 18 min

They're Eating What? Oh, Come On

The first and probably only presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is in the rearview mirror and quite a few issues emanating from Texas were front and center: Immigration, abortion, oil and gas production, and more. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn is making his pitch to lead Senate Republicans. And an obvious attempt to suppress the votes of college students in North Texas fails after a bipartisan vote against it. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report...

Sep 14, 20241 hr 2 min

Ready, Set, Run!

There's finally a debate breaking out in the US Senate race in Texas featuring Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred arguing over who's the bigger champion for the business community and jobs in this state. Jeremy spoke with both candidates. Plus, a Texas Democrat leaves the party for the GOP. It would be a bold move if it didn't seem like nothing but sour grapes after Democratic voters showed her the door in the primary. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and ...

Sep 06, 20241 hr 10 min

This Ain't Texas

But, it sure seems like it's about Texas. Abortion, gun violence, and immigration: Texans and Texas issues were front and center for much of the DNC in Chicago this week. We break it all down for you in this special edition of the show. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 25, 20241 hr 28 min

Special Edition: Wargaming 2024 in Texas

President Biden is out and Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination. What does a Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris race look like this fall? Does this change anything in Texas? And what does this mean for other key 2024 races including Rep. Colin Allred challenging Sen. Ted Cruz? Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing joined Jeremy Wallace and Scott Braddock for a special live event hosted by Hearst Newspapers across Texas last week. Hundreds tuned in for that...

Aug 19, 20241 hr 6 min

Back to School and Back to War

Many parents and teachers around Texas were angry this week as kids returned to school at the very same time that the future of education in this state was once again up for debate at the Capitol in Austin. Plus, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner won the "insiders race" to succeed Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Congress. Jeremy was in the room for that and has a full report. And there was a meltdown on Harris County Commissioners Court when Judge Lina Hidalgo lashed out at fellow Democrats for "...

Aug 16, 20241 hr 10 min