Texas Take

Two big breaks for Talarico & a $100 million problem

James Talarico is getting an unexpected boost from shifting political winds in South Texas and Houston as he seeks to become the first Democrat to win statewide in Texas in over 30 years. National Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha and Houston Chronicle reporter John Lomax join Texas Take host Jeremy Wallace to explain it all. But Talarico faces hurdles too, specifically a looming $100 million problem. Reporter Benjamin Wermund joins the program to explain how Gov. Greg Abbott's huge campaign war chest could become a valuable resource for Republican Ken Paxton as he looks to fend off Talarico in the U.S. Senate race. And red alert, we are just 5 months away until Election Day and 3 months from the first absentee ballots going out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Trump’s Republican Party Triumphs in Texas

On this episode of Texas Take, host Jeremy Wallace breaks down a primary night that ended major Texas political careers, including Sen. John Cornyn’s long run in statewide office. Joined by Gromer Jeffers of The Dallas Morning News and John Moritz of the Austin American-Statesman, Wallace digs into Ken Paxton’s victory, MAGA’s strength in Texas, and what Democrat James Talarico would need to do to compete in November. The episode also looks at other major runoff results and the generational shift reshaping Texas politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Donald Trump turns Texas Senate race upside down

Is this U.S. Sen. John Cornyn’s last hurrah? Host Jeremy Wallace and Brad Johnson of the Texas Bullpen break down President Donald Trump's endorsement of Ken Paxton, including why he made it now, just days before the May 26 primary runoff, and how much trouble Cornyn is in. Plus, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joins Wallace for an exclusive interview on his continued concerns over China, drawing a contrast with what Trump told Chinese Leader Xi Jinping. Finally, John Moritz of the Austin American-Statesman stops in to talk about why President Obama ordering tacos near UT Austin with James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa was such a big deal. And don't worry, Jeremy and John defend the honor of potato, egg and cheese tacos, no matter what the national media says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

The 5 Hottest Runoff Battles on the Texas Ballot

It’s time to vote again in Texas. With in-person early voting starting statewide on Monday, journalists Bayliss Wagner and John Moritz join host Jeremy Wallace to break down the hottest races on the runoff ballot. The whole nation is watching the state because what happens here could have a huge impact on which party ultimately controls the U.S. Senate for Donald Trump’s last two years in office. Has Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton done enough to knock out 24-year incumbent John Cornyn? Plus, Republican Chip Roy joins the program for an exclusive interview about how he’s trying to overcome Mayes Middleton’s barrage of attack ads against him as he seeks to become the Republican nominee to replace Paxton in the attorney general’s office. The episode also highlights Wagner's reporting on elderly donors in Texas who say WinRed and ActBlue signed them up for repeated campaign contributions without their full understanding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Is Trump is making Democrats more competitive in South Texas?

On this episode of Texas Take, host Jeremy Wallace looks at how President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown is affecting Texas politics, Latino voters and families held at the Dilley detention facility. Houston Chronicle immigration reporter Julián Aguilar explains the cases of detained children and families, while Democratic strategist Laura Barberena breaks down how backlash over the crackdown could reshape South Texas congressional races. Plus, they’ll get into why Texas music star Kacey Musgraves is helping shine a bigger spotlight on it all with her new tour. Finally, after seeing Post Malone in a Texas-themed anti-litter ad, Wallace counts down the five best "Don’t Mess with Texas" ads in history. Sure, Willie Nelson is guaranteed to make the cut, but will George Strait, Matthew McConaughey, Warren Moon and Earl Campbell? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]