Party Politics

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina take a deep dive into the growing tension between the Supreme Court and the presidency — and what these high-stakes legal battles mean for American democracy.The Court is set to rule on former President Donald Trump’s use of tariffs, a decision that could reshape the limits of executive authority over trade. At the same time, justices are weighing whether a president can fire top officials at will, a case that tests the balance of power between the White House and independent agencies.In another major decision, the Court has ruled on the domestic deployment of the National Guard, raising questions about the scope of presidential control over state forces. And a new case on birthright citizenship could redefine one of the country’s foundational principles — who is entitled to be an American by birth.Brandon and Jeronimo also examine how the politics of the Court itself shape these rulings — from ideological divides among justices to public perceptions of partisanship on the bench.It’s a week where the Constitution meets controversy, and where the Court’s decisions could redefine presidential power for years to come.TOPICS:The Supreme Court of the United States vs. presidential powerSCOTUS to make a ruling on Trump's tariffs.Can the president fire at will?Supreme Court rules on deploying the National Guard domestically.Case on birthright citizenship.How the politics of SCOTUS influence rulings.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack a full slate of stories where courts, campaigns, and culture collide in Texas politics.

Governor Greg Abbott has set a date for the Congressional District 18 runoff, a race drawing statewide attention as candidates compete to represent a key Houston-area district. But as voters get ready to cast ballots, a federal court has blocked Texas’s newly drawn redistricting maps, throwing another curve into the state’s already contentious political landscape and raising questions about fair representation heading into 2026.

On the national stage, Senator Ted Cruz is once again hinting at a White House bid, while Senator John Cornyn faces fresh scrutiny over his 2026 reelection prospects and shifting standing within the Republican Party. Meanwhile, Bo French has jumped into the Railroad Commissioner race, drawing attention for his controversial statements about energy policy and loyalty within the GOP.

Culture and politics overlap again in Lubbock, where the city’s Buddy Holly crosswalk is in talks of removal following Governor Abbott’s directive to eliminate political or advocacy-themed displays from public spaces. The move has sparked debate about how far state orders should reach — and whether cultural landmarks fall under the same rules.

And in Washington, the U.S. House has voted to release the Epstein files, promising to shed new light on a long-simmering scandal.

From redistricting fights to symbolic removals, the political map — and mood — of Texas is shifting fast. Brandon and Jeronimo explore what these developments reveal about power, identity, and politics in the Lone Star State.

TEXAS POLITICSGovernor Abbott sets a date for the congressional district 18 runoff.A federal court blocks the new Texas redistricting maps.Senator Ted Cruz considers running for president.Bo French enters the Railroad Commissioner race.John Cornyn’s senate race updateBuddy Holly crosswalk removal.NATIONAL POLITICS

House votes and Senate approves Epstein files bill, sending it to Trump’s desk.

In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

It was a big week in Texas politics — and Houston took center stage.California Governor Gavin Newsom and Texas Governor Greg Abbott both visited the Bayou City, bringing national attention to two of the country’s most visible political rivals. Abbott used his stop to announce his reelection campaign, while Newsom’s visit highlighted Democratic leadership on issues like immigration and climate — and perhaps his growing national ambitions.Meanwhile, the race for Texas governor continues to evolve. Former Congressman Chris Bell officially entered the race, aiming to challenge Abbott’s bid for another term. And Congressman Al Green announced he’ll run for the newly redrawn Texas Congressional District 18, marking a shift for the longtime Houston lawmaker.In other state news, House GOP Budget Chair Jodey Arrington said he will not seek reelection — a significant departure in Texas’ conservative ranks.On the Senate front, Democrat James Talarico is polling well as he builds momentum among progressive voters. But the buzz around his campaign also comes with scrutiny after reports surfaced about social media accounts he follows, sparking questions about judgment and optics in an increasingly digital campaign world.And nationally, the longest government shutdown in U.S. history is finally coming to an end after weeks of gridlock — with both parties looking to claim victory as Washington turns its attention back to governing.Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina unpack all this and more — from campaign launches to political controversies — in this week’s episode of Party Politics.TEXAS POLITICSCalifornia Governor Gavin Newsom and Texas Governor Greg Abbott visit HoustonGovernor Abbott announces reelection campaign.Chris Bell joins the governor's race.Congressman Al Green to run for new Texas Congressional district 18.House GOP Budget Chair Jodey Arrington bows out of reelection race.James Talarico polling positive for Senate race.James Talarico's social media follows cause concerns.NATIONAL POLITICS:Longest government shutdown is coming to an end.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a whirlwind of political developments shaping both the national and Texas landscapes — from Washington’s latest power transitions to Houston’s holiday stage.On the national front, a major political era nears its end as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek reelection, closing a decades-long chapter of Democratic leadership. Meanwhile, the political world is remembering former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away at 84. His legacy — from the Bush administration’s post-9/11 policies to his enduring influence on conservative politics — continues to spark debate.At the White House, concerns are mounting over donors linked to the planned East Wing ballroom construction, raising questions about transparency and access. All of this unfolds against the backdrop of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, as gridlock in Washington underscores the growing divide between Congress and the administration.The hosts also unpack the latest Election Day takeaways nationwide — from key governor’s races to voter turnout trends — and what they signal for both parties heading into 2026.In Texas, politics meets pageantry as Houston Mayor John Whitmire taps Grammy-winning artist Brian McKnight to emcee the city’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and tree lighting ceremony. But while the holidays bring celebration, the campaign season is far from over.Runoffs are set across the state, including Texas Congressional District 18, the Houston City Council, and Senate District 9, as candidates prepare for another round of voter battles. Plus, the hosts explore the propositions passed in this election, and how they could reshape everything from local infrastructure to public funding.NATIONAL TOPICS:Nancy Pelosi will not seek reelection.Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies at 84.Concerns arise around donors to White House east wing ballroom construction.Longest government shutdown to date.Takeaways from Election Day nationwide.TEXAS TOPICSHouston Mayor John Whitmire taps singer Brian McKnight to emcee Thanksgiving Day parade and light tree.Congressional District 18 heads into a runoffHouston City Council elections goes to runoff.Senate District 9 to be decided in runoff.Passed propositions this election.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

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 break from the “America First” agenda with Argentinean beef — and what the ongoing government shutdown stalemate means for Texans. Plus, the hosts explore a wave of legal and political developments across the state: Gov. Greg Abbott’s appointment of Kyle Hawkins to the Texas Supreme Court, Paxton’s lawsuit against Tylenol manufacturers over alleged autism links, and the state’s takeover of Fort Worth ISD.

Meanwhile, as campaign season builds momentum, fundraising is heating up in Texas’ 18th Congressional District — setting the stage for another competitive race.

From Washington headlines to Texas power plays, this week’s episode connects the dots between national narratives and local political stakes.

NATIONAL TOPICSTrump's Foreign Policy Legacy.Trump defies 'America First' with Argentinean beef.Government shutdown stalemate.TEXAS TOPICSGovernor Greg Abbott taps Kyle Hawkins for Supreme Court.Attorney General Ken Paxton sues Tylenol over Autism.Fort Worth ISD Takeover.Jasmine Crockett joining Texas Senate race?Cornyn's Ad Barrage.Texas Congressional District 18 Fundraising.

In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).