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This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina examined how a turbulent election season is colliding with moments of national reflection and intensifying political drama in Texas. The episode opened with the death of civil rights leader Jesse Jackson at 84, whose legacy continues to shape modern debates over voting rights, political organizing, and coalition-building.

Texas politics also marked the passing of actor Robert Duvall at 95, while attention quickly turned back to the March primary election. With early voting approaching, the co-hosts discussed what voters should be watching for — from turnout patterns and messaging shifts to how endorsements and campaign spending may sway close races.

Several controversies are already shaping the political landscape. U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales is facing scrutiny over reports of an extramarital affair, while political figure Nathan Sheets revealed past struggles with addiction, prompting discussion about transparency, accountability, and voter forgiveness. Questions have also emerged around comptroller candidate Don Huffines after reports that his family owns a former New York ranch tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

The role of media in the campaign spotlighted another flashpoint after CBS pulled an interview with Texas Rep. James Talarico from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, citing FCC concerns — fueling debate over political speech and broadcast caution during election season.

Finally, the episode explored the soaring cost of Texas’ U.S. Senate primary and growing fractures within the Republican Party, as endorsements from Gov. Greg Abbott increasingly diverge from those backed by President Donald Trump. Together, these developments highlight a high-stakes moment for Texas voters, with implications reaching far beyond the state’s borders.

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.