Texas Take

While Gov. Abbott waits until the last possible minute to let us all know how he's going to handle the proposed THC ban in Texas, candidates are already lining up for races up and down the ballot in next year's elections. We've got the fullest report on that yet. Plus, the rift within President Trump's MAGA base was on full display when Tucker Carlson and Sen. Cruz duked it out during a two-hour argument in Washington. We listened to it so you don't have to. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lt. Gov. Patrick this week called Jeremy "stupid" and "crazy" for asking him if adults should be able to use THC products legally in Texas while protecting children. Jeremy's ready to respond on the show. Plus, Gov. Abbott got his wish of cracking down on crime through "bail reform." But what does it really mean and did Abbott try to go too far? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lt. Gov. Patrick brought the Texas House to heel this week in his quest to ban THC completely. How did he do it? We'll fill you in. Plus, single moms in a large swath of Houston have no representation in Congress as their food assistance is threatened. And this weekend marks the third anniversary of the Uvalde massacre. We'll take a look back and tell you about how little has been done to respond in the aftermath. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Little Gov. Dan Patrick says this has been a "boring session" for him. Why would that be? Well, maybe it's because the Texas House is doing just about whatever the right-wing Texas Senate wants even though Speaker Dustin Burrows was elected with a majority Democratic coalition. Plus, the fight over Medicaid cuts gets downright nasty in Washington and Sen. Ted Cruz has serious concerns about President Trump accepting a gift of a luxury jet from a foreign government. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Texas Republicans this week moved to ban some foreigners from owning land in this state, sparking an emotional and lengthy debate about a crackdown on immigrants that still won't help many GOP lawmakers avoid nasty primary challenges. Plus, Gov. Abbott says his signature school voucher initiative is a huge win for families and a "promise kept" from his campaign. We'll spell out the facts on that. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week a legendary Texas conservative, former Sen. Phil Gramm, told Jeremy that President Trump's tariffs aren't just hurting Texans and all Americans, but he also called them "political poison." Check out the exclusive interview. Plus, Texas lawmakers got into knockdown dragout fights about "furries," ESG, and more. And the race for US Senate from Texas still doesn't seem to be fully formed. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the help of President Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott has successfully bullied Texas Republican lawmakers into passing his signature policy initiative of school vouchers. So, with roughly 6 weeks to go in the legislative session, what will they argue about now at the Texas Capitol? Plenty including abortion, immigration, voting rights, and more. We'll break it down. Plus, Jeremy's got his up and down of the week and Scott institutes a swear jar for the show. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With last-minute help from President Donald Trump, Gov. Greg Abbott pushed his signature policy goal of school vouchers across the finish line in the Texas House. We've got all the tea on how it really went down. Plus: Why did lawmakers break into a knockdown dragout fight about honoring a dead Texan this week? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats and others slammed Sen. Ted Cruz again this week for the "Cruz Curse" after the University of Houston lost the national championship men's basketball game in San Antonio with Cruz in attendance. Cruz keeps showing up to support Texas teams - and it doesn't work out - but he won't show up for Sen. John Cornyn in his primary against Texas AG Ken Paxton. Plus: A marathon debate in the Texas House provides one of the first tests for its new leadership. We were up for that all night so now you have to hear about it. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is on a crusade to ban all THC products while he teams up with a movie star whose career was launched by a film about teenage stoners in Texas. What are Patrick and Matthew McConaughey fighting against conservatives about? Meanwhile, the Texas Senate moved to ban soda and chips from food benefits for poor people. And Jeremy reports that Greg Abbott bragged this week about taking a call from Elon Musk while the governor was supposed to be on a Valentine's date with his wife. What? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Democrats are struggling now - not just to find a message but they're looking for a leader to deliver it. We'll tell you about their starting lineup just as baseball season gets underway. Plus, stunning testimony in the Texas House leads to the swift firing of the CEO of an insurance company that admitted to spying on patients, legislators, and at least one journalist. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some top Texas Republicans now acknowledge that women are suffering and dying as a result of the state's strict abortion crackdown. They say it needs to be fixed. But where is Gov. Abbott on this? Plus: We debut a diss track against a school voucher pusher and Texas Democrats are about to choose a new chairman leading into the next election. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A 20-hour Texas House hearing this week on school vouchers showcased some arguments you may have never heard before about this and proved Gov. Greg Abbott's signature initiative is still very controversial even among Republicans. I stayed up all day and night for it. We also have the exclusive audio, captured by reporter Ben Wermund, of Gov. Abbott pointing to "furries" as a reason for parents to have access to your tax dollars to send their kids to private schools. Plus, Jeremy has the lowdown on which Republicans may be gearing up to challenge Sen. John Cornyn next year. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A measles outbreak in Texas. In 2025? Yup. And somehow RFK Jr. is quicker to respond than Gov. Greg Abbott. We'll get into that plus some Texas House Republicans face anger in their communities over Abbott's school voucher plan. And a Houston political giant passed away this week. We've got a tribute to Sly Turner. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During a recent live event at the San Antonio Express-News headquarters, Jeremy talked with GOP former Rep. Steve Allison and Democratic former House candidate Kristian Carranza about school vouchers, property taxes, and other issues central to the legislative session unfolding at the Texas Capitol. Our regular show with Quorum Report Editor Scott Braddock and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace returns later this week. Enjoy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People on the left and right enjoy Trump impersonations for different reasons. But it can go too far and it's becoming a bit of an issue at the Texas Capitol. Plus Gov. Abbott may be celebrating too soon on school vouchers and Jeremy digs into the similarities between Republicans now and some Democrats nearly 100 years ago. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick declared war on the Texas Lottery this week, launching his own pseudo investigation into what he says are some shady dealings. Plus, Gov. Greg Abbott is getting more unhinged in his approach to campaigning for a school voucher program. And check out Jeremy's "Up and Down of the Week." Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Greg Abbott is changing his tone in the debate over school vouchers - but does it mean he's cocky and sure it'll pass or is he on defense because he's nervous? We'll get into that. But first: What are Texas GOP leaders willing to do to clarify abortion restrictions in this state? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we saw fear in immigrant communities across Texas as the Trump Administration began arrests in major cities here and around the nation. Jeremy asked Gov. Greg Abbott about that in an exclusive interview for the show. Plus: The Texas Senate moves with lighting speed to establish a new government handout: School vouchers. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we saw fear in immigrant communities across Texas as the Trump Administration began arrests in major cities here and around the nation. Jeremy asked Gov. Greg Abbott about that in an exclusive interview for the show. Plus: The Texas Senate moves with lighting speed to establish a new government handout: School vouchers. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The inauguration of President Trump in Washington was marked by some technical difficulties, a very energetic 78 year old whose message sounded like a president from a century ago, an appearance by Gov. Greg Abbott, and some sweeping changes to federal policies that will no doubt be felt in Texas. Plus, the Texas House banned Democratic Chairs and the people who have been asking for exactly that went into meltdown mode. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick didn't get his way in the speaker's race and had a fit about it. Speaker Dustin Burrows got elected with a majority of Democrats in his coalition and that's sending the right-wing professional activist class through the roof. And a Texas boy gets his shot on the national stage at the Trump inauguration coming up next week. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race for Texas House Speaker is about to come to a head on Tuesday and we're nowhere near a resolution. We'll break it all down for you. Plus, a full preview of what's on the agenda for the full legislative session including teacher pay raises, school vouchers, casinos and sports betting, border security, and more. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy is off this week. So in the meantime, enjoy the conversation I had with Austin radio legend Jeff Ward, who was curious about whether sports betting and casino gambling might be legalized this year. Well, here's an idea: What if those were both approved on the condition that the tax revenue would fund a school voucher program? It would certainly please some of the wealthiest people putting money into the campaigns of Gov. Greg Abbott and Little Gov. Dan Patrick.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a tradition: Congress is in meltdown mode over budget issues during the holiday season. But this time, President-elect Trump is clashing with some Texas conservatives who don't agree with his plans for big spending in the coming year. Plus, the Texas House speaker race has cooled down to a simmer. And a big thanks to y'all for sticking with us throughout what's been a shitshow of a year. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was a frantic push to elect a speaker of the Texas House over the last few days, but the race is far from over. We've got all the tea, as the kids say. Plus, we've reached a new milestone for how many women are serving in the Texas Legislature. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President-elect Trump has talked at length about how much he loves Texans. If that's the case, even some Republicans are starting to wonder why he's not appointing almost any Texans to his incoming administration. Plus: Little Gov. Dan Patrick declares all out war on the sale of anything containing THC. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Note: This episode does not cover the latest developments in the Texas House speaker race because the situation is changing minute to minute and I expect that to be the case through the weekend. For the latest updates, visit quorumreport.com and sign up for our free emails.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President-Elect Trump prepares for his next term in office, most Texas Republicans seem ready to just do whatever he says. But, maybe not all of them. We'll dig into that. Plus: Little Gov. Dan Patrick loves to do a little sidestep lately when the issue of casino gambling is raised. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"The Empire Strikes Back" comes to mind as Republicans asserted their dominance across Texas in Tuesday's election. But even with a 10-point swing toward the GOP statewide, only one incumbent Democrat lost a seat in the Texas Legislature. We'll get into that plus what the election results mean for abortion rights and the fight over school vouchers. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's hard to overstate the role that famous people from Texas are playing in this election. Beyoncé, Dr. Phil, Tony Hinchcliffe, Joe Rogan, Mark Cuban, and others are lining up on opposite sides of the political aisle. And you're not wrong if the first thing that came to mind was "hey, some of those people are not even from Texas!" But, welcome to the reality of living in a fast-growing state where all these people want to live. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred spend some of the final days of the campaign battling over who can tell military leaders how to run their bases. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The race for the White House comes to Texas this weekend with Vice President Harris, Beyoncé, and Rep. Colin Allred rallying in Houston while former President Trump, Joe Rogan, and Sen. Ted Cruz appear in Austin. Plus: The case of death row inmate Robert Roberson brings stars to the Texas Capitol and a rebuke from Gov. Abbott, who saw his authority threatened by lawmakers who have questions about the state potentially executing an innocent man. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's never been anything like it in Texas politics: A bipartisan group of lawmakers went to extraordinary lengths as they raced to stop an execution in its tracks because there are serious questions about the case against death row inmate Robert Roberson. Plus, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred faced off in their only debate of the campaign with just days to go before Texans will begin casting their ballots in person. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the Houston Astros were eliminated in the playoffs, the Colin Allred campaign is blasting Sen. Ted Cruz for the alleged "Cruz curse." Hey, in a close election, anything that outrages enough people in Houston and San Antonio could help close the gap. Plus, we've got the latest on the race to lead the Texas House in 2025. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we're featuring a conversation Scott had with Austin radio legend Jeff Ward, who wanted to know if Sen. Cruz could actually lose to Rep. Colin Allred. We'll be back with our regular conversion including Jeremy Wallace next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School districts across Texas have been left to twist in the wind after billions in funding was withheld because of Gov. Greg Abbott's failed attempt at passing a school voucher program. Let's talk about the real world consequences of that, shall we? And the politics of it, too. Plus for you real junkies we'll get into this week's speaker race drama. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first and probably only presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris is in the rearview mirror and quite a few issues emanating from Texas were front and center: Immigration, abortion, oil and gas production, and more. Plus, Sen. John Cornyn is making his pitch to lead Senate Republicans. And an obvious attempt to suppress the votes of college students in North Texas fails after a bipartisan vote against it. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's finally a debate breaking out in the US Senate race in Texas featuring Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Colin Allred arguing over who's the bigger champion for the business community and jobs in this state. Jeremy spoke with both candidates. Plus, a Texas Democrat leaves the party for the GOP. It would be a bold move if it didn't seem like nothing but sour grapes after Democratic voters showed her the door in the primary. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But, it sure seems like it's about Texas. Abortion, gun violence, and immigration: Texans and Texas issues were front and center for much of the DNC in Chicago this week. We break it all down for you in this special edition of the show. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Biden is out and Vice President Kamala Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination. What does a Donald Trump vs. Kamala Harris race look like this fall? Does this change anything in Texas? And what does this mean for other key 2024 races including Rep. Colin Allred challenging Sen. Ted Cruz? Houston Chronicle columnist Joy Sewing joined Jeremy Wallace and Scott Braddock for a special live event hosted by Hearst Newspapers across Texas last week. Hundreds tuned in for that but for Texas Take's regular listeners, here's a podcast version. Enjoy and let us know what you think. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many parents and teachers around Texas were angry this week as kids returned to school at the very same time that the future of education in this state was once again up for debate at the Capitol in Austin. Plus, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner won the "insiders race" to succeed Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee in Congress. Jeremy was in the room for that and has a full report. And there was a meltdown on Harris County Commissioners Court when Judge Lina Hidalgo lashed out at fellow Democrats for "disrespect." Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the second week in a row, national Democrats have made Texas the setting for the race for the White House. In Houston, VP Harris fired back at former President Trump after he said she "happened to turn Black" and in Austin President Biden proposed sweeping changes to the Supreme Court. We've sort of got an update on the race for Texas House speaker. Plus, why does Dan Patrick have a new nickname for Speaker Dade Phelan? Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A reset race for the White House begins in Texas: During her first week as the newly-minted presumptive Democratic standard-bearer, Vice President Kamala Harris hit the ground running in Houston to check on the city in the aftermath of a hurricane and to pump up teachers gathered in H-Town. Jeremy was there and has a full report. Plus, Little Gov. Dan Patrick has some thoughts on "the man behind the curtain" pulling the strings in the Democratic Party. Join the conversation with Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report, and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices