Runoffs, Rifts, and the Fight for Texas Power
Fri Feb 06 2026
Texas politics delivered no shortage of drama this week, and the latest episode of Party Politics breaks down a fast-moving landscape shaped by runoff elections, national power struggles, and the growing influence of digital media. This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Democrats notched key victories in pivotal runoff races. Taylor Rehmet secured a win in Texas Senate District 9, signaling momentum for Democrats in a district long watched for signs of shifting voter coalitions. In Houston, Christian Menefee prevailed in the Congressional District 18 runoff, setting the stage for a high-profile general election contest. Adding another layer to that race, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo endorsed longtime Congressman Al Green ahead of the district’s upcoming midterm election, underscoring divisions and alliances within the party.
On the Republican side, attention turned to former President Donald Trump, who may soon weigh in with an endorsement in the Texas U.S. Senate race—an intervention that could significantly reshape an already crowded field. Meanwhile, audio of Senator Ted Cruz criticizing both Trump and Vice President JD Vance surfaced, offering a rare glimpse into internal GOP tensions. Despite that criticism, Cruz is also drawing scrutiny for a Republican Party fundraising email, with fine-print language raising questions about how donor money is ultimately being allocated.
The episode also explores how political narratives are increasingly shaped outside traditional media. James Talarico’s comments about potentially running against Senator Colin Allred were brought to wider attention not by a campaign or news outlet, but by a TikTok creator, highlighting how social media platforms are now breaking—and reframing—political stories in real time.
At the state level, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s interim charges signal the policy priorities lawmakers will confront next session, even as Washington grapples with a lack of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, raising broader concerns about governance and national security.
And, because modern politics rarely exist without spectacle, the episode closes with a discussion of the much-talked-about Melania movie, examining how political figures continue to shape their public image beyond the campaign trail.
From Texas runoffs to TikTok exposés, this episode of Party Politics captures a moment when elections, endorsements, and online influence are colliding—reshaping how power is contested and communicated across the state and the nation.
TEXAS TOPICS:
Texas democrat Taylor Rhmet wins Senate district 9 runnoff.
Donald Trump may endorse a Texas Republican Senate candidate.
James Talarico's comments about running against Colin Allred exposed by Tik Toker.
Christian Menefee wins Texas Congressional District 18 runoff.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo endorses Al Green in Congressional District 18 Mid Term election.
Audio of Senator Ted Cruz criticizing Donald President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance released.
Senator Ted Cruz sending out a fundraising email for the Republican Party, with a fine print description of where the money is going.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick brings interim charges to session.
NATIONAL TOPICS:
No funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
Melania Movie.
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).
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Texas politics delivered no shortage of drama this week, and the latest episode of Party Politics breaks down a fast-moving landscape shaped by runoff elections, national power struggles, and the growing influence of digital media. This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Democrats notched key victories in pivotal runoff races. Taylor Rehmet secured a win in Texas Senate District 9, signaling momentum for Democrats in a district long watched for signs of shifting voter coalitions. In Houston, Christian Menefee prevailed in the Congressional District 18 runoff, setting the stage for a high-profile general election contest. Adding another layer to that race, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo endorsed longtime Congressman Al Green ahead of the district’s upcoming midterm election, underscoring divisions and alliances within the party. On the Republican side, attention turned to former President Donald Trump, who may soon weigh in with an endorsement in the Texas U.S. Senate race—an intervention that could significantly reshape an already crowded field. Meanwhile, audio of Senator Ted Cruz criticizing both Trump and Vice President JD Vance surfaced, offering a rare glimpse into internal GOP tensions. Despite that criticism, Cruz is also drawing scrutiny for a Republican Party fundraising email, with fine-print language raising questions about how donor money is ultimately being allocated. The episode also explores how political narratives are increasingly shaped outside traditional media. James Talarico’s comments about potentially running against Senator Colin Allred were brought to wider attention not by a campaign or news outlet, but by a TikTok creator, highlighting how social media platforms are now breaking—and reframing—political stories in real time. At the state level, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick’s interim charges signal the policy priorities lawmakers will confront next session, even as Washington grapples with a lack of funding for the Department of Homeland Security, raising broader concerns about governance and national security. And, because modern politics rarely exist without spectacle, the episode closes with a discussion of the much-talked-about Melania movie, examining how political figures continue to shape their public image beyond the campaign trail. From Texas runoffs to TikTok exposés, this episode of Party Politics captures a moment when elections, endorsements, and online influence are colliding—reshaping how power is contested and communicated across the state and the nation. TEXAS TOPICS: Texas democrat Taylor Rhmet wins Senate district 9 runnoff. Donald Trump may endorse a Texas Republican Senate candidate. James Talarico's comments about running against Colin Allred exposed by Tik Toker. Christian Menefee wins Texas Congressional District 18 runoff. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo endorses Al Green in Congressional District 18 Mid Term election. Audio of Senator Ted Cruz criticizing Donald President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance released. Senator Ted Cruz sending out a fundraising email for the Republican Party, with a fine print description of where the money is going. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick brings interim charges to session. NATIONAL TOPICS: No funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Melania Movie. 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).