Y'all-itics

In the October 11 episode, Democratic nominee for Attorney General Nathan Johnson explains why he thinks undecided voters will swing the race in his direction and why he’s targeting his opponent in a major, statewide ad blitz. And the two candidates running for Dallas County Commissioner District 2 – Republican Barry Wernick and Democrat Andy Sommerman – discuss their campaigns with a focus on the proposed property tax increase that promises to be top of mind for voters.

It’s a lengthy resume. U.S. Army infantry officer. Section Chief for Counterterrorism. FBI Special Agent in Charge of the D.C. and Dallas Field Offices. Now retired from the FBI, Matthew DeSarno could have picked his job in the private sector. But he chose instead to become a… columnist. DeSarno argues that the rule of law is slowly eroding in our country and it could cause permanent damage, so writing is his new high-stakes mission. As the Jasons learned over a cold one with DeSarno at Union Bear Brewing Company in Plano, his new gig began with a lett...

Republican political consultant Vinny Minchillo, who’s worked on countless campaigns, says there are a million ways to win an election, but losing candidates do ten things. And he’s laid it all out in a new book, essential reading for first time candidates, or voters wanting a peak behind the political curtain. Negative ads. Debates. Endorsements. Fundraising. Polling. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Minchillo discusses how each can impact an election while having a cold one with the Jasons at Peticolas Brewing Company. The veteran politico will even explain why he hates those darn yard signs so much, and ho...

In the October 4 episode, find out what President Donald Trump has to say about Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton one month before the election, and we ask the President whether he regrets endorsing Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn. And in Dallas County, Commissioners are asking residents to raise taxes to fund homelessness efforts. Commissioner John Wiley Price explains his opposition while families are struggling, while County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins will tell you why he thinks the permanent tax will help the county grow.

In the September 27 episode, Republican U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington tells us why he’s calling for a constitutional amendment to balance the federal budget and why he chose Dallas for a field hearing to discuss the $40 trillion national debt. Republican nominee for Ag Commissioner Nate Sheets explains why he’s not calling for a data center moratorium and how he’d help Texas farmers and ranchers stay in business. And Dallas Council Member Paula Blackmon on the coalition now calling for Dallas voters to decide the fate of City Hall.

Democrat James Talarico is asking Republican Ken Paxton if he’ll commit to a debate in their Senate race if it’s in what Talarico calls Paxton’s “safe space” on FOX News. If that doesn’t happen, for the first time in a quarter century, the U.S. Senate candidates in Texas will not go before Texas voters to explain their policies and defend their positions in a debate. Talarico has repeatedly said yes. Paxton? Not so much. In this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll learn why debates are going the way of the dodo. And a longtime Republican consu...

The headline is stunning enough: “Fiasco in the Factory: Taxpayers Funded a $533 Million Artillery Plant That Made Nothing”. But the details in the story that follow are even more extraordinary: crashing robotic machines, equipment catching fire, and an artillery shell that was supposed to be smooth coming out shaped like a soft serve ice cream swirl. The Jasons are joined by the ProPublica reporter who broke the blockbuster story on a Mesquite, Texas plant where he says taxpayers got nothing for the big bucks they spent. And more reports are coming. Note: Y’all-itics reached out to General Dynamics to give t...

‘Inside Texas Politics’: Chip Roy, Clayton Tucker, and How AI and Data Centers Are Shaping the Midterms In the September 20 episode, Republican U.S. Representative Chip Roy explains why he thinks government must take a “human first” approach to regulating AI, and why he disagrees with President Trump calling AI safety fears a “hoax.” And Democrat Clayton Tucker tells us why he’s so focused on data centers in his race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, and why one of the first things he’d do in office is conduct an agriculture impact study.

In the September 13 episode, Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate James Talarico touts the Republicans supporting his campaign and why he thinks he’s still an underdog despite recent polls. Plus, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin says the RNC midterm convention was so successful, that both parties will probably replicate it. But will the big GOP gathering move any voters?

The sprint starts now. Republicans have packed up and left Dallas. Insiders say prepare now for the adpocalypse. Big money is flowing into the U.S. Senate race from outside groups for negative ads. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons examine whether the RNC midterm convention moves any voters, the state of the race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton and why Texans will soon find out what it’s like living inside an advertising tornado. Guest: Matt Angle, Democratic Strategist/Lone Star Project Founder Vinny Minchillo, Republican Consultant/Glass House Strategies Founder

In the September 6 episode, Republican Tarrant County Commissioner Matt Krause explains why he supported reducing the number of voting sites in his county. In the long run, he thinks it will make elections more efficient, even though he doesn't know how much money the drastic cuts will really save. The chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party talks about the protests expected at the GOP midterm convention. And Republican Party of Texas chair D’rinda Randall on why she thinks that convention will energize the GOP and she sets the record straight on those ticket prices.

At least 90,000 acres burned. More than two million gallons of water and half-a-million gallons of fire retardant dropped. The Ross Fire in Jack and Palo Pinto Counties is still going strong nearly two weeks after the human-caused blaze ignited. It comes just as The Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency behind wildfire response, is in the process of spending $630 million lawmakers provided in 2025 for “game changer” upgrades, including aircraft that will coordinate aerial firefighting, helicopters that can carry hundreds of gallons of water and large air tankers to drop the retardant. But the Ross Fire proves there is neve...

This is the data center story you haven't heard. The Town of Westlake is ready to approve a new data center inside its town limit. But it's going to sit 500-feet away from a subdivision in Keller. Shouldn't a town be able to make its own decisions? But what happens to families who invested in a home never expecting a new industrial neighbor? It's presenting a new problem, and one mayor is pleading with the state for guidance. GUEST Teresa Woodard, WFAA Anchor/Senior Reporter

In the August 23 episode, Democratic state Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez Ramos discusses the new state audit of the Texas Education Agency which revealed a bloated bureaucracy and more managers than state regulations allow. GOP state Rep. Jared Patterson explains why he's creating a bipartisan voting bloc of DFW-area representatives who plan to advocate harder for North Texas. And Austin Council Member Mike Siegel explains why he's a Democratic Socialist, what it stands for and how much he's accomplished.

What does “Democratic Socialist” actually mean — especially in Texas? Austin City Councilman Mike Siegel joins Y’all-itics to explain why he calls higher wages, affordable housing and fighting government surveillance Democratic Socialist policies. We also ask the question many voters still have: How is this different from simply being a Democrat? Guest Mike Siegel, Austin City Councilmember

In the August 16 episode, Congressman Pat Fallon discusses whether he thinks the Iran war and the economy are risks to Republicans in November and what he thinks will make the difference in the U.S. Senate race. Council Member Chad West tells us why he thinks it’s time for Dallas to catch up to other cities in regulating data centers. And former Big Bend National Park superintendent Bob Krumenaker talks about the growing bipartisan fallout caused by the bulldozing of Big Bend.

The bulldozing of Big Bend National Park is underway and the bipartisan fallout emerging from the debris piles has been swift and is growing in ferocity. A bipartisan coalition of Texas House members is now calling on the federal government to immediately halt construction of the border barriers. In this episode of Y’all-itics hear from the most recent former Big Bend National Park superintendent who describes the clearing and construction as “an absurd amount of money for a massive amount of destruction for a very, very little bit of impact.”

The Texas Education Agency is inserting itself right into classrooms across the state. If just one school fails for 5 years, the TEA can take over the whole district, installing appointed leaders who can make wholesale changes without being accountable to district voters. It’s happening in 8 districts right now, with more additions possible. To see what the start of the school year looks like under recent state takeover, the Jasons check in on Fort Worth ISD, which one close observer now calls "T-E-A ISD." Guests: Dia Wall, Education reporter at WFAA-TV Dallas Steven Poole, Exec. Director of the United Educators As...

In the August 9 episode, Congressman Craig Goldman remembers Kay Granger, the legend he succeeded in Congress. And the Republican tells us if sees a role for the federal government in regulating data centers. Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare discusses a controversial plan to reduce election day voting locations and defends his decision to arrest a former state lawmaker. And Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux on why he supports a proposed public safety bond and why he thinks it would help recruit the best officers to Dallas.

This week marks 90-days until the November election. Two new polls – one from FOX News – show James Talarico leading Ken Paxton. Democrats are now hoping Talarico’s momentum pushes them into a majority in the legislature. But Texas Republicans are coming off a big show of unity. State Representatives Shelley Luther, R-Sherman, and Christina Morales, D-Houston, join us on this episode of Y’all-itics.

In the August 2 episode, state Representative Shelley Luther explains why she doesn’t think the bad blood from the GOP primary will last through the midterms, and why independents remain crucial. State Representative Christina Morales tells us why Democrats are confident with three months to go, and why the party truly believes Texas is in play in 2026. And Dallas Council Member Zarin Gracey discusses the city’s $51 million budget hole and whether he thinks jobs are on the line

Life is not easy for female small business owners and women in the food service industry… unless you happen to work at the intersection of food and public policy near the Dallas Zoo. Kuluntu Bakery is a female-centered nonprofit that’s trying to empower women by changing the rules of engagement in the workforce from closing the wage gap to providing childcare stipends to building safer kitchens. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, Kuluntu’s owner tells us what Texas lawmakers can do during the next legislative session to make life easier for many working women. GUESTS Stephanie Leichtle-Chalklen, Kuluntu...

In the July 26 episode, Republican Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne explains why she calls a vote to end the Iran War a “messaging bill” and why she supports providing $73 billion more in funding to help continue the conflict. Dallas Council Member Paula Blackmon reveals how much revenue the naming rights for the new convention center might provide Dallas and why she’s not ready to get rid of the current namesake. And Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis tells us exactly how large the county deficit is and why it will lead to some dramatic cost cutting measures.

They both have experience in the oil and gas industry… but that’s where the similarities stop. The messaging and the tone of the campaigns couldn’t be more different. And both candidates will tell you that voters face a binary choice in the race for Texas Railroad Commissioner, leading the state’s oldest regulatory agency that oversees the energy industry in Texas, from oil and gas, to coal, to pipelines. In this episode of Y’all-itics, hear from both Republican Bo French and Democrat Jon Rosenthal in their own words.

In the July 19 episode, GOP nominee for Texas Railroad Commissioner Bo French explains why he’s busy discussing issues that seemingly have nothing to do with the agency and the regulations he’d rip up. Former Dallas ISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa tells us why he announced a run for Dallas Mayor so early, 15 months ahead of that election. And Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo on why she thinks the city’s water crisis will cost some council members their jobs in November.

In the July 12 episode, San Marcos Council Member Amanda Rodriguez tells us city residents of all political stripes demanded action and explains why the city thinks it has the authority to pass Texas’ first data center ban. And Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses why he’s asking for an immediate special session to address data center regulation, and why he’s calling out the Governor in the process.

Republican Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says Democrats are right on the issue and is blasting Governor Greg Abbott for not calling an immediate special session to address data center regulation. Meantime in the first Texas city to ban data centers, San Marcos Council Member Amanda Rodriguez says it was the people who forced the ban and those folks were Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and a bunch of Texans who’ve never even engaged with politics before. You won’t find a bigger issue in the state right now. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ll learn more about that first ba...

A new state law will make it easier for developers to bring multi-family housing to a neighborhood near you. While the goal is affordability, some city leaders are warning about unintended consequences, such as unchecked growth that overwhelms local infrastructure. We headed to the Dallas suburb of Plano for this episode of Y’all-itics, where the Jasons learned flushing toilets could be a sign of development danger. GUEST Christina Day, City of Plano Director of Planning

In the July 5 episode, newly elected Republican Party of Texas chair D’rinda Randall tells us why the GOP is holding a midterm convention in Dallas and why they think it’s important. Meantime, newly re-elected Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder explains why he thinks the midterm convention is a sign the GOP fears the midterms. And State Board of Education member Tiffany Clark says now that the Bible will be required reading in public schools, the government is taking control of classrooms.

Camp Mystic filed for bankruptcy just before this week’s tragic anniversary of the lives lost at the storied summer camp. Now, one year after the deadly flash floods, what safety improvements were made and what remains to be done. State Senator Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, led on some of reforms. He joined the Jasons to discuss the state response to the tragedy and whether Camp Mystic can ever regain the trust of Texans. GUEST: State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston

In the June 28 episode, Rep. Gene Wu talks a newly launched effort by house Democrats to build cross-state legislative coalitions across the American South to counter Republican legislation. Rep. John Rosenthal lays out his qualifications for the railroad commission, and Senator Bettencourt looks back at the legislative aftermath of the devastating Hill Country flash floods.

Two candidates, and possibly a third, are running for Lieutenant Governor. Texans are very familiar with incumbent Republican Dan Patrick. Democratic nominee Vikki Goodwin, a state Representative, is looking to build up her profile with voters outside of the Austin area. And then there’s Mike Collier, who’s trying to run as an independent, but a court will have to decide if he makes the ballot at all. In this episode of Y’all-itics all three candidate make their pitches to the Jasons… and Texas voters. GUESTS Dan Patrick, R – Nominee for Lieutenant Governor Vikki Goodwin, D - Nominee for Lieute...

In the June 21 episode, Texas voters hear from the candidates who want to be Lieutenant Governor. Incumbent Republican Dan Patrick explains what else he’d like to accomplish if elected to a fourth term. Democratic nominee Vikki Goodwin, a state Representative, is looking to build up her profile with voters outside of the Austin area. And Mike Collier is trying to run as an independent, but a court will have to decide if he makes the ballot at all.

According to Corpus Christi’s own dashboard, the city will move into a level 1 water emergency in just a few months in December. That will lead to dramatic cuts in water usage for residents, businesses, and industry. If city leaders have known about this problem for years, why haven’t they been able to fix it? A recent 17.5-hour council meeting provides some insight. Instead of voting on a new desalination plant, council members kicked the can down the road for another 90 days. In this episode of Y’all-itics, At-Large Council Member Mark Scott joins the Jasons to discuss the dysfun...

In the June 14 episode, Democratic nominee for Texas Governor Gina Hinojosa’s campaign is focused on public education and she explains why she’d fire the TEA Commissioner on day one and why she would pause the A-F accountability system. Mayor John Muns discusses traffic concerns surrounding the Dallas Stars’ move north to Plano. And state Senator Paul Bettencourt reacts to the Governor’s call for data center regulation. GUESTS Gina Hinojosa, D – Candidate for Texas Governor Mayor John Muns, Plano State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R – District 7

In the June 7 episode, former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings said businesses have lost confidence in elected leaders at Dallas City Hall. He also proposes remaking Dallas' municipal government to make the mayor more accountable to voters. Corpus Christi Council Member Kaylynn Paxson explains why her city has again postponed a vote on a new desalination plant, and state Rep. Ramon Romero questions why the state revoked more than 6,000 driver's licenses of immigrants in the country legally.

A turnaround plan was already in the works before the bombshells started dropping last week. But how does downtown Dallas reinvent itself without two pro-sports teams, major corporate headquarters and an iconic department store? Jennifer Scripps, President & CEO at Downtown Dallas, Inc., invited the Jasons downtown to hear about some of the “wacky” ideas to restart the city center. They got a preview of the plan that’s due out in September over a beer at The Midnight Rambler in the Joule Hotel. GUEST: Jennifer Scripps President & CEO Downtown Dallas Inc.

In the May 31 episode, Republican Party of Texas chair Abraham George and Texas Democratic Party chair Kendall Scudder discuss whether either party can truly unite after bitter primaries and how Ken Paxton and James Talarico can win over independents. And the co-chair of “Say Yes to Downtown,” Tré Black, explains why the group just released a new ad urging younger people to reimagine the future of Dallas City Hall.

00:00 - The Unofficial Off-The-Record Rule

00:30 - Y'all-itics @ Pensacola Brewing Company

02:14 - Ken Paxton’s Landslide Victory Over John Cornyn

04:10 - The Trump Endorsement Effect in Texas Politics

06:55 - How the US Senate is Reacting to MAGA

11:58 - MAGA Voters Getting Paxton Over In November

16:47 - Political Ads Heading Into November

23:45 - Big Night For MAGA and Their Future in the GOP

30:17 - Election Results From CD-33 Race

33:16 - Elections Results from CD-9 Race

35:28 - Election Results from CD-18 Race

In the May 24 episode, U.S. Representative Julie Johnson and former Congressman Colin Allred provide voters in the 33rd District one final pitch before the runoff election. The Democrats also tell you how they differ from one another in one of the most combative races in the runoff cycle. And Republican candidate for Texas Comptroller Don Huffines explains why he’d audit TXDOT if elected, and what he has to say about Texas still spending billions on the border even after President Trump virtually sealed it. GUESTS Julie Johnson, D – Candidate for 33rd District Colin Allred, D – Candidate for 33rd Distri...