Inside Texas Politics

On this episode, state Sen. Paul Bettencourt lays out one idea to keep Texans safe during flash floods, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher takes questions on Democratic options in the upcoming redistricting, and state Sen. Nathan Johnson on his campaign for Texas Attorney General.

In the July 13 episode, State Rep. Mihaela Plesa explains why she’s concerned about the expanded special session. Renowned Texas meteorologist Troy Kimmel has a candid conversation about forecasters’ role leading up to the deadly Texas flooding. And Congressman Keith Self on why he voted for the tax and spending bill despite criticizing it up until the very end. Guests State Rep. Mihaela Plesa, D-...

In the June 29 episode, state Rep. Gene Wu questions why Texas would treat marijuana different than any other controlled substance. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales explains how a south Texas facility producing sterile flies will help protect Texas livestock. And Fort Bend County Judge KP George tells us why he thinks he has a path to victory after his controversial switch from Democrat to Republican. Gues...

In the July 6 episode, Attorney Aaron Reitz explains why he’s running for Attorney General. Former state Senator Don Huffines tells us why he wants to be Texas Comptroller. And former Houston Mayor Annise Parker on why she wants to return to office after nearly a decade. Guests Aaron Reitz, (R) Candidate for Attorney General Don Huffines, (R) Candidate for Texas Comptroller Annise Parker, (D) Cand...

In the June 22 episode, Kelly Hancock explains the political calculation behind leaving the Texas Senate for the Comptroller’s office. State Rep. Mitch Little, R-District 65, tells us why he supports a major redistricting effort and whether he’s running for Attorney General. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District, on where she stands on Iran and how she’s helping Texans find jobs.

On the June 15 episode, former Congressman Colin Allred, a Dallas Democrat, tells ITP that he is close to making a decision on whether to run for U.S. Senate (10:54). But what would be different about a 2026 campaign than the one he ran last year against Ted Cruz? Plus, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick defends the legislature's THC ban as Gov. Abbott faces political pressure to veto it this week. Patrick also...

In the June 8 episode, Mansfield Mayor Michael Evans discusses the controversial redistricting map adopted by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court. Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, tells us whether he thinks Governor Greg Abbott will sign the THC ban and what bill he wished had a better fate during the session. And Congressman Craig Goldman, R-Fort Worth, reveals if he’s surprised that the rela...

In the June 1 episode, State Representative James Talarico, D-Austin, discusses the public-school funding bill and why he finds it “woefully inadequate.” Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas, tells us what he’d like to see in the budget bill and whether he’ll push for any changes. The Republican also discusses “the race” with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. And Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas,...

In the May 25 episode, State Representative Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, discussed his legislation that would ban social media for minors under 18. The bill is on the verge of passage and would become the strictest such law in the nation. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller also joined the program to discuss whether Texas farmers would be okay using treated fracking water on their crops. And f...

On the May 18 episode, State Senator Bob Hall, R-Tyler, discusses his legislation that would give the Texas Lottery a “two-year lease on life,” State Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston, accuses Republican leadership of holding public school funding hostage to get vouchers passed, and Beto O’Rourke tells us if he’s planning to run for office in 2026. Guests State Sen. Bob Hall, (R) District 2 State Rep. Gene...