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PODCAST

Party Politics

Houston Public Media

Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that’s why we’re ‘keeping the fun but losing all the drama’ of politics! Party Politics podcast is hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two smart and sassy University of Houston political science professors, who deliver a friendly, funny, and casually informative recap of the week"s biggest political news stories. Join the conversation on Twitter @HPMPolitics; use #PartyPoliticsPod to ask

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All Episodes

26:46

Blue Horizons: Charting the Path Forward for Texas...

Party Politics ·

2025/12/19

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina take a tour through a Texas political landscape that’s shifting from the Rio Grande Valley to the suburbs of Fort Worth — and everywhere in between. Democrats across the state are trying to chart a path forward, and a wave of new candidates is giving us a clearer picture of what 2026 might look like.We start in South Texas, where Democrats are still wrestling with the Latino vote. After several cycles of GOP gains, the

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26:46

Redistricting Rush, Crockett’s Climb, and Cuellar’s...

Party Politics ·

2025/12/13

This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into a week packed with political curveballs — from Austin to D.C. — and even into the courtroom.Texas said goodbye to two public servants who left their mark on the state’s political and educational landscape. Former Lt. Gov. Bill Ratliff and former U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige both passed away, leaving behind legacies of leadership defined by bipartisanship and reform.Meanwhile, in the here and now, Texas

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26:46

Court vs. Commander in Chief: Power on Trial

Party Politics ·

2025/11/28

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

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26:46

Courts, Campaigns & Culture Clashes: Texas Politics...

Party Politics ·

2025/11/24

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

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26:46

When Governors Collide: Abbott & Newsom in Houston

Party Politics ·

2025/11/14

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

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26:46

From Thanksgiving Lights to Election Fights

Party Politics ·

2025/11/07

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

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26:46

Crockett, Cornyn, Paxton & Hunt: The Battle for Texas...

Party Politics ·

2025/10/31

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

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26:46

Scandals & Soundtracks: Texas & National Politics...

Party Politics ·

2025/10/24

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 Strait as the next Super Bowl halftime performer.Nationally, Donald Trump commuted George Santos’

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26:46

Fitness Fails, Fortune Rises: Power Plays Across Texas

Party Politics ·

2025/10/17

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 Colin Allred make moves in South Texas, and Governor Greg Abbott’s comments on rainbow crosswalks spark

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26:46

The Hunt Is On: Texas Senate Race Gets Crowded

Party Politics ·

2025/10/10

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 look like amid ongoing scrutiny.Then, we shift to the national stage, where the government shutdown drags

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26:46

Government Shutdown, Abbott 2028? Hegseth’s Military...

Party Politics ·

2025/10/03

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 about the future of U.S. defense and civil-military relations. Closer to home, the race for Texas governor

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26:46

Hidalgo, McCaul, Luttrell — The Changing Guard

Party Politics ·

2025/09/19

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 Democrats preparing to leave Austin?Texas GOP sues to close primaries.NATIONAL TOPICS:A potential federal

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26:46

Abbott, Talarico & Trump Shake Things Up

Party Politics ·

2025/09/12

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 TOPICSTrump renames the Department of Defense the “War Department.”The Supreme Court widens law enforcement authority on immigration

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26:46

The Voting Puzzle: Registration, Access, and Apathy...

Party Politics ·

2025/06/20

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 accessibility and ID laws impact participation.What communities and creatives can do to inspire civic

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26:46

The Changing Face of Texas: Growth, Grit, and Growing...

Party Politics ·

2025/06/13

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 housing is slipping out of reachWater depletion.Demographic shifts in TexasPolitics of immigrationSilver

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26:46

Big Decisions Ahead: Bills, Budget Battles, SCOTUS...

Party Politics ·

2025/06/06

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 vetoedThe status of the federal budget battle in CongressThe latest in U.S. tariff disputes and global trade tensionsSupreme Court cases to watch as rulings roll outPossible changes

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26:46

The 89th Texas Legislature: GOP Goals, Democratic...

Party Politics ·

2025/05/30

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 core values driving the Texas GOP this session, controversial bans being pushed by Republicans—and the

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26:46

Biden Fights Cancer, Trump Gets a Jet, SCOTUS Tackles...

Party Politics ·

2025/05/23

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 his push to Congress to pass the “Big Beautiful Bill". Down in Texas, the House passed both a bail reform

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26:46

Is America’s Balance of Power Broken? How the...

Party Politics ·

2025/05/16

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:Separation of powers then and nowThe modern political systemAre checks and balances working?Checking the powers

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26:46

100 Days of Trump: Did He Deliver? The Good, The Bad,...

Party Politics ·

2025/05/09

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 DOGE been for the Trump administration, and the relationship between Trump and the Judiciary

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347 results

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