Party Politics

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...

In this week’s Party Politics, Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down the latest headlines: new fundraising numbers in the Texas Senate race, talk of Harris County possibly flipping red in 2026, and a campaign photo controversy in Southlake that’s stirring debate over ethics and digital manipulation. Meanwhile, more than 50,000 fans have signed a petition to swap Bad Bunny for George...

In this week’s episode of Party Politics , co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a packed week in Texas and national news. The state’s National Guard faces scrutiny after troops were sent home from deployment in Chicago over fitness issues, while Attorney General Ken Paxton’s growing wealth raises fresh ethical questions. On the campaign trail, Democrats James Talarico and C...

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 l...

In this episode of Party Politics , Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack a turbulent week in politics at both the national and state level. With a government shutdown now in full effect, the hosts dig into how it could ripple across the economy, voter turnout, and the midterm elections. They also examine new military rules rolled out by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, raising questions a...

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 De...

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 TOPICS Trump renames th...

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 a...

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...

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...

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 cor...

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 h...

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:Separati...

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...

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 ab...

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 stipulat...

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...

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 set...

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...

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, Sen...

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 ga...

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...

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:Pr...

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 ad...

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 betwe...