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 Houston Chronicle/San Antonio Express-News political writer Jeremy Wallace.
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One of the rarest things to do in Texas politics is to defeat an incumbent U.S. Senator in a primary. It has only happened once since World War II, yet Houston Republican Wesley Hunt is jumping headfirst into the 2026 GOP primary convinced he can beat U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. In this special episode of the Texas Take, Hunt explains why he’s running, talks about the role President Donald Trump has played in the campaign so far and defends his voting record after having a higher missed vote percenta...
Listen to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pledge to spend “most of” his $90 million campaign warchest in and around Houston to turn the area “dark red.” Given he’s lost Harris County by larger margins every time he’s been on the ballot since 2014, it seems like a fool's errand. But reporter Benjamin Wermund joins host Jeremy Wallace to dig into why the Republican might be so confident even in one of the state’s bluest counties. Plus, they break down who his top donors are by name, detailing where they ca...
The Texas Take dives into the heated gubernatorial race with State Representative Gina Hinojosa detailing her fight against Governor Abbott, accusing him of corruption and prioritizing billionaires over working Texans, especially concerning education. The episode also uncovers Corpus Christi's desperate water shortage and the controversy surrounding a costly desalination plant, with implications for water access across the state. Finally, it investigates a peculiar attempt by an out-of-state group to seize control of the oil-rich Loving County government through voter registration, showcasing the diverse political challenges facing Texas.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker slammed Gov. Greg Abbott for allowing Texas National Guard soldiers to be deployed in the Windy City without their permission. Reporters Benjamin Wermund and Bayliss Wagner join host Jeremy Wallace to break down the tension and dig into how Abbott is responding. Plus, political reporter John Moritz joins the program to assess the latest in the red-hot U.S. Senate race in Texas. Does Wesley Hunt really has a shot in the GOP Primary and w...
This episode delves into the tumultuous first 100 days of San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz-Jones, highlighting her conflicts with city council and the Spurs arena deal. It also provides an in-depth look at the government shutdown from both Republican and Democratic perspectives, featuring insights from U.S. Reps. Dan Crenshaw and Joaquin Castro, who also hints at his political future. Finally, an expert update covers the extensive construction and redevelopment around the historic Alamo.
The Texas Take unpacks a week of political scores, examining the Texas GOP's efforts to censure House Speaker Dustin Burrows for aligning with Democrats. It covers Ted Cruz's unexpected defense of Jimmy Kimmel against FCC pressure, highlighting Cruz's unique personality. The episode also explores the Texas Youth Summit's emotional response to Charlie Kirk's passing, its focus on channeling grief into action, and the movement's potential future. Finally, it details U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia's challenging re-election battle due to redistricting, Justice Amy Coney Barrett's abortion remarks, and a tribute to Texas music legend Sonny Curtis.
This episode brings together veteran Texas political reporters Gromer Jeffers and John Moritz to dissect the unexpectedly wild 2026 election cycle. They delve into the high-stakes Republican U.S. Senate primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, examining Trump's potential influence and the possible entry of Wesley Hunt. The discussion also covers the energized Democratic Senate primary, featuring rising stars and the strategic roles of established figures. Furthermore, the reporters analyze major upheavals within Texas's congressional delegation due to retirements and redistricting, alongside updates on less competitive gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial races.
The Texas Take dives into the conservative movement's targeting of universities, exemplified by the Texas A&M gender identity controversy and its political fallout. It also investigates the unexpected high overtime bills for Operation Lone Star despite reduced border crossings and the significant impact of Houston's long-vacant 18th Congressional District. Finally, the episode introduces Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls James Tallarico and astronaut Terry Virts, discussing their platforms and strategies for victory.
Another Texas summer is in the books and it had us wondering who in Texas politics made the most of their opportunity to get ahead. Host Jeremy Wallace, with help from reporters Benjamin Wermund and James Osborne, breaks down 10 names in Texas politics that crushed the summer and are riding high going into the fall. In the process, you’ll hear the latest on congressional redistricting, the battle over THC and a big change to testing in public schools. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega...
Texas House Democratic Leader Gene Wu reflects on the Texas Democrats' walkout, emphasizing its success in raising national awareness about redistricting and gerrymandering, and the strategic "dead man switch" plan with California to protect democracy. He also candidly addresses the racist attacks he's faced, the challenge of engaging the Asian-American community in political activism against cultural norms, and his personal journey and deep-seated commitment to public service for all Americans.
President Trump got the redistricting maps he wanted from Texas, but it may come with a big political price tag. The Democratic Party, so fractured after the 2024 campaigns, suddenly found a rallying issue that washed away many of its own internal divisions - at least temporarily. Brad Johnson of The Texan and Kat Vargas of Howdy Politics join host Jeremy Wallace to break it all down. Plus, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called out Gov. Greg Abbott again for his stance against banning all THC products in ...
In an exclusive interview, U.S. Senator John Cornyn addresses his unexpected underdog status in his re-election campaign against Ken Paxton, pushing back on accusations of shifting towards MAGA politics. He explains his call for a DOJ investigation into Texas Democrats and details his legislative successes, including securing significant border spending reimbursement for Texas and fighting to bring a space shuttle to Houston. Cornyn also provides insight into his working relationship with President Trump and the art of political maneuvering in Washington.
This episode delves into the Texas Democrats' flight to prevent redistricting, discussing the legislative standoff and Governor Abbott's determination. It features interviews with Senator John Cornyn, who defends his aggressive tactics and political approach, and former Congressman Colin Allred, who critiques the redistricting as racial gerrymandering and outlines his renewed U.S. Senate campaign strategy. The episode also touches on the high stakes of the Texas Senate race and other Texas political and cultural highlights.
This special episode features a rare 1990 speech by President Ronald Reagan, delivered to high school graduates two years after leaving office. Reagan shares personal anecdotes from his youth and career, then delves into pressing national issues. He discusses the unique nature of the U.S. Constitution, his diplomatic exchanges with Mikhail Gorbachev, and his views on combating drug abuse. Furthermore, Reagan passionately advocates for significant reforms, including line-item veto power, fiscal responsibility, and electoral changes to address gerrymandering and presidential term limits.
This episode delves into the contentious Texas legislative special session, highlighted by the Trump-directed redistricting efforts threatening long-serving Democrats and minority districts. It also explores Governor Abbott's push for property tax reform by capping local spending, and provides updates on stalled legislation regarding THC products and the STAAR test. The podcast uniquely features a historical recording of Ronald Reagan's thoughts on gerrymandering and presidential term limits.
Texas Republicans hold almost all the cards when it comes to redrawing the state's 38 Congressional Districts. But that doesn't mean Democrats don't have some tools they can employ to slow the game down. U.S. Rep. Greg Casar and State Rep. Ron Reynolds join us to talk about their options in fighting President Donald Trump's plan. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott sits down for an exclusive interview to talk about redistricting and how U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz's school choice legislation will impact what he's alr...
In an exclusive interview, Senator Ted Cruz delves into the specifics of his federal school choice legislation, explaining how it offers tax credits for scholarships benefiting low-income students and its interaction with Texas's new ESA program. He addresses criticisms regarding the program's accessibility and discusses his broader legislative achievements in a "big, beautiful bill," including tax relief, spectrum auction, and the "Invest America" account. Cruz also reflects on his "bomb thrower" reputation and how it has surprisingly aided his legislative effectiveness.
This episode delves into the profound impact of the recent Texas Hill Country flood, exploring the controversial reactions of Governor Greg Abbott and President Donald Trump to questions of accountability. It discusses how the tragedy has reshaped the agenda for the upcoming special legislative session, sidelining previous key debates like the proposed THC product ban. The podcast also provides an update on Attorney General Ken Paxton's divorce proceedings and its potential political ramifications.
This episode of Texas Take delves into the Texas Democratic Party's efforts to gear up for the next election, exploring the potential candidacies of figures like Colin Allred, Beto O'Rourke, and emerging hopefuls. Hosts analyze Democratic strategy, drawing comparisons to past election cycles like 2018, discuss challenges like immigration issues and the impact of national politics, and critique media coverage and campaign tactics, including the role of DC consultants. The show concludes with the weekly "Up and Down" segment covering Ted Cruz's legislative wins and cuts to food stamp benefits.
This episode delves into Texas politics, starting with the increased use of strong language by politicians like Trump and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and the media's inconsistent reaction based on party lines. It then covers Lt. Governor Dan Patrick's significant defeat on his push to ban THC products, Governor Abbott's surprising veto, and the debate over cannabis legalization and its perceived societal impacts. The discussion also examines the struggling Texas shrimping industry facing foreign competition and the human cost of overseas labor. Finally, the hosts analyze the upcoming US Senate race primary between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the financial implications for Republicans, and the growing Democratic interest in challenging Paxton.
This episode discusses the latest in Texas politics, focusing on Governor Abbott's decision regarding the proposed THC ban and the contrast with Lt. Governor Patrick's stance. It also delves into the national rift within the MAGA base over foreign policy, highlighted by the contentious Tucker Carlson interview with Senator Ted Cruz. Finally, the hosts preview the early dynamics and potential candidates lining up for statewide races, including the Senate, Comptroller, and Attorney General.
This episode delves into Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's controversial remarks, calling reporter Jeremy Wallace "crazy and stupid" for asking about adult access to THC products. The discussion explores Patrick's shifting political style and the conservative backlash against his stance on THC. It also dissects Governor Greg Abbott's major push for bail reform, examining the legislative efforts, constitutional challenges, and the political motivations behind the push to crack down on crime while balancing individual rights.
This week, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick linked his push for a complete THC ban to school finance, holding funding ransom despite conservative opposition and concerns about driving the market black. Federal changes to food stamps passed, negatively impacting single mothers and the elderly, with a key Houston district lacking representation due to Governor Abbott's delayed special election. The hosts also reflect on the third anniversary of the Uvalde massacre, highlighting the lack of meaningful legislative response to the horrific events.
Little Gov. Dan Patrick says this has been a "boring session" for him. Why would that be? Well, maybe it's because the Texas House is doing just about whatever the right-wing Texas Senate wants even though Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected with a majority Democratic coalition. Plus, the fight over Medicaid cuts gets downright nasty in Washington and Sen. Ted Cruz has serious concerns about President Trump accepting a gift of a luxury jet from a foreign government. Join the conversation with Sco...
This episode of Texas Take dives into heated debates in the Texas legislature, including the emotional foreign land ownership ban and its potential impacts on Asian American communities. It also explores property tax relief, school voucher programs, and examines Governor Abbott's promises versus actions. The episode further analyzes the political ramifications, Karl Rove's warnings on immigration, and a stark contrast between wealth and hunger in Texas.
This week a legendary Texas conservative, former Sen. Phil Gramm, told Jeremy that President Trump's tariffs aren't just hurting Texans and all Americans, but he also called them "political poison." Check out the exclusive interview. Plus, Texas lawmakers got into knockdown dragout fights about "furries," ESG, and more. And the race for US Senate from Texas still doesn't seem to be fully formed. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock , editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle politi...
This episode of Texas Take delves into key legislative debates, including voter ID laws, abortion restrictions, and impeachment reform, highlighting the intense political battles in the Texas Capitol. The hosts discuss the impact of these policies, from voter access to women's healthcare, and examine the shifting dynamics within both parties. Plus, they recap the up and downs of the week in Texas politics.
With last-minute help from President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott pushed his signature policy goal of school vouchers across the finish line in the Texas House. We've got all the tea on how it really went down. Plus: Why did lawmakers break into a knockdown dragout fight about honoring a dead Texan this week? 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/adcho...
This episode of Texas Take discusses the "Cruz Curse" and its impact on Texas sports teams, followed by an in-depth analysis of the upcoming U.S. Senate race in Texas, featuring John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, with a focus on Donald Trump's potential influence. It also covers the Texas House budget debate, abortion legislation, and the state's economy, highlighting potential economic instability due to trade policies and oil prices. The hosts conclude with their "Up and Down of the Week," spotlighting key political figures and events.
This episode of Texas Take dives into Texas politics, discussing the film incentive program debate with Matthew McConaughey, restrictions on SNAP benefits, school voucher proposals, and controversies surrounding police conduct and immigration policies. The hosts analyze the motivations and implications of these issues, highlighting the influence of wealthy donors and the partisan divides shaping Texas legislation. It also touches on the influence of Elon Musk on Texas politics.
