
Texas: It’s Like a Whole Different Country
From Beyond the Polls with Henry Olsen by Ricochet
February 26, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 114
About this episode
The episode discusses key political races in Texas and the global implications of conservative-populism.
Voters in Texas will cast ballots for aspiring nominees next Tuesday, so Gromer Jeffers of The Dallas Morning News returns to Beyond the Polls for a close look at the Lone Star State's key races: From James Talarico's attempt to catch Jasmine Crockett for the Democratic Senate nomination, to the seemingly runoff-bound duel between Ken Paxton and incumbent John Cornyn; and let's not forget some of the hotshots fighting for House seats: Brandon Harerra gunning for scandal-ridden Tony Gonzalez in TX-23 and Colin Alred making a go for familiar territory in the newly-redrawn TX-33. Henry draws our attention abroad this week. Another opening for ReformUK in the Gorton and Denton by-election, along with positive polling for Australia's One Nation Party, reminds us that conservative-populism is a global phenomenon. Plus, there are bold ads and then there are jaw-droppers. Juliana Stratton's profanity-laced spot is sure to get her some attention as she tries to take Dick Durbin's seat in the US Senate.
People in this episode
Host: Henry Olsen
Guest: Gromer Jeffers
Topics covered
- Texas elections
- political races
- conservative-populism
- Senate nominations
- House seats
- global politics
Keywords
- Texas elections
- Senate nomination
- House races
- conservative-populism
- political analysis
- Gromer Jeffers
- Henry Olsen
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ReformUK, One Nation Party
Places: Texas, Australia, Lone Star State
More episodes of Beyond the Polls with Henry Olsen
- Southern Bellwethers? · June 11, 2026 · 57 min
- Mapmaker, Matchmaker · June 4, 2026 · 52 min
- This Year's Model · May 28, 2026 · 1h 8m
- Waving Cane in the Lone Star State · May 21, 2026 · 54 min
- Peachy Primaries and Commonwealth Commotions · May 14, 2026 · 59 min
- Safe Senate Seat Scuffles · May 7, 2026 · 53 min
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