Texas: It’s Like a Whole Different Country

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

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