Y'all-itics

0:00 Preview: Texas Primary Surprises & Political Shakeups 0:30 Texas Political Headlines: Gonzalez Resigns, Agriculture Controversy 2:14 Don Huffines Wins GOP Comptroller Primary 3:36 Huffines on Auditing Government Waste in Texas 6:40 Roundtable: Why Polls Missed Key Texas Primary Races 9:38 Junior Ezeonu Upsets Veteran Democrat Chris Turner 11:46 Campaign Strategy: How Door Knocking Beat Big Money 14:45 Latino Voters and What the Texas Primary Revealed 18:03 Roundtable: What the Results Mean for November

Voters turned away. Poll hours extended by a judge. An order from the Texas Supreme Court overruling that judge. A hearing that will determine which votes will be counted. And that’s just Dallas County. It’s been a wild primary election all across Texas, from surprising wins to unexpected runoffs. In this primary hangover edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons cut through the confusion with our panel of experts. GUESTS Vinny Minchillo, Republican Consultant/Glass House Strategy Domingo Garcia, Democratic Strategist/Former LULAC President

In the March 1 episode, Y’all-itics joins forces with Inside Texas Politics and we cut through the primary noise with two political insiders who discuss what they’re really seeing in the marquee races and what you need to know if you haven’t already voted early. Dallas Council Member Chad West updates the city’s effort to keep the NHL team in Dallas. And our roundtable on what to make of the early voting turnout.

00:00 Y'all-itics at Community Beer Co. 01:52 What Is a Texas “State Takeover”? 03:32 The 5-Year Failing Rule Explained 04:29 Outsourcing Failing Schools to Avoid TEA Control 05:26 $375,000 Per Month Per School 06:24 Who Is Third Future Schools? 07:32 The Mike Miles Connection 08:47 What Changes Inside These Schools? 10:11 Silent Hallways & Strict Discipline Model 11:36 Answer Math to Get Lunch? 13:01 Is This Privatization of Public Schools? 15:17 Where the Money Comes From (SB 1882 Funds) 20:19 Do Test Scores Actually Improve? 21:46 What Happens When the Contract Ends? 36:53 Big Picture: Sustainability, Vouchers & What’s Next 41:18 Closing Thoughts

00:00 Show Open & Headlines Preview 01:06 Record Spending in Texas U.S. Senate Race 01:35 School Vouchers Hit 100,000+ Applications 02:04 Early Voting Deadline & What Voters Need to Know 02:22 Jake Ellzey on SAVE Act & Proof of Citizenship 03:52 Debate Over Evidence of Non-Citizen Voting 04:33 Ellzey on Iran, Cuba, Russia & “Regime Change” 06:41 Roundtable: SAVE Act Political Impact 09:21 Wesley Hunt on Senate Race Strategy 10:48 Hunt on Missed House Votes 13:05 Hunt Reacts to Trump Post About the Obamas 14:10 Aicha Davis on ICE Detention Center in Dallas County 16:47 Davis on School Vouchers & Democratic Strategy 17:43 Roundtable: Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs 19:21 Early Voting Turnout — Democrats vs Republicans 21:17 Final Thoughts & Show Close

This one is simple: listen or watch to learn everything about the most competitive races in Texas from two veteran insiders. Primary day is Tuesday, March 3. Early voting in Texas runs February 17 – 27. Listen to, or watch, Y’all-itics and then go vote!

0:00 Primaries Shake Up – New Texas Polling1:02 University of Houston Poll Breakdown1:57 Sid Miller, Don Huffines & GOP Races2:24 El Paso Airport Shutdown Explained3:00 Tony Gonzales on FAA & Military Coordination4:21 Should Airports Have Laser Drone Defense?5:32 DHS Funding Standoff & Partial Shutdown6:28 Roundtable on FAA Failures & Politics9:23 Plano’s DART Withdrawal Vote10:12 Mayor John Muns on Rescinding the Exit13:47 GOP Anti-Islam Messaging Debate14:51 Salman Bhojani on Sharia Law Claims16:45 Reaction from Texas Muslim Community17:20 Y’all-itics Voter Guide Preview17:50 Roundtable: Abbott Endorsements Tested18:56 Can Abbott’s Influence Deliver Wins?19:22 Democrats Gaining Momentum?20:45 Undecided Voters & Primary Uncertainty21:14 Final Thoughts

In the February 8 episode, Senator-Elect Taylor Rehmet discusses whether he thinks other Texas Democrats can duplicate his success in a special election and how his Republican family reacted to his shocking upset. Dallas County DA John Creuzot tells us if he’s prepared to prosecute federal agents if he thinks they broke the law. And state Rep. Gene Wu on why Democrats can’t get overconfident following the party’s SD 9 win and whether he wants to lead House Democrats anymore.

00:00 – Why SD-9 Shocked Texas Politics1:49 - Interview Guest: Ross Hunt, Hunt Research 03:45 – The Independent Voter Breakaway07:10 – Candidate Quality vs. Turnout10:20 – Why Democrats Shouldn’t Celebrate Turnout13:05 – GOP Warning Signs for November16:40 – How Redistricting Comes Back to Bite19:55 – Suburban Shifts in Tarrant County23:30 – What Republicans Misread About SD-925:35 - One on One with State Senator-Elect Taylor Rehmet 27:05 – Could Democrats Replicate This Statewide?31:50 – Looking Ahead to November & Key Battlegrounds

Texas Attorney General Race — Full Podcast Breakdown00:00–05:00 — Setting the Stage05:00–10:00 — Candidate Introductions & Ideology10:00–15:00 — Attacks, Ads & Escalation15:20–20:00 — Issues, Moderation & Candidate Lane Positioning20:00–25:00 — Border, Lawsuits & Priorities25:00–30:00 — Campaign Strategy, Debates & Voter Impact30:00–35:00 — Final Breakdown & What’s at Stake

In the February 1 episode, Congressman Chip Roy explains why he thinks he can avoid a runoff in a crowded and chaotic Republican race for Texas Attorney General. U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson on the tough questions she says she’ll ask when the leader of ICE testifies before her committee. And acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock provides a checklist for Texas parents days before they can sign up for the school voucher program.

There are more than 18 million registered voters in Texas. And the federal government now knows a heck of lot more about each and every one of them. The state of Texas turned over its complete voter roll to the Trump Administration, along with all of the personal information it includes, from DOBs to driver’s license numbers to the last four digits of their social security. The move has raised concern, criticism, and confusion. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons get some answers from Votebeat reporter Natalia Contreras who recently broke the story.

In the January 25 episode, Congressman Keith Self discusses the controversial ICE tactics being used in Minneapolis and why, absent a complete list of known criminals, innocent citizens might get caught up in the dragnet. Dallas City Council Member Paul Ridley tells us why a one city, one vote solution to the DART crisis is “not realistic.” And state Senator Mayes Middleton explains why he’s more “MAGA” than his primary opponents in the race for Attorney General.

Less than three weeks before parents can start applying for vouchers, and new numbers indicate parents might not have as much “choice” as lawmakers originally thought. Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who oversees the voucher program, revealed the numbers to WFAA anchor Dia Wall in an exclusive interview. And in this episode of Y’all-itics, she unveils the figures to the Jasons over a pint at the Manhattan Project Beer Company.

In the January 18 episode, Congressman Jake Ellzey explains why he thinks President Trump’s saber-rattling is sending a strong message to our enemies worldwide. Pastor Frederick D. Haynes III tells us why he doesn’t consider himself leaving the pulpit even though he’s running for Texas’ 30th congressional district. And former state Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway, also running for the 30th district, discusses why she thinks her experience is why voters should send her to Congress.

In the January 11 episode, Congressman Roger Williams explains why he doesn’t think boots are needed on the ground in Greenland, and why he sees that territory as a “business deal” and selling Venezuela’s oil as a good business plan. State Rep. James Talarico touts his fundraising prowess and discusses why Texas voters should choose him for U.S. Senate. And the Dallas Business Journal’s Will Anderson talks about why AT&T is abandoning downtown Dallas.

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (originally aired: June 25, 2025) After six months of tumultuous change inside Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, from eliminating bag fees and open seating to talk of European flights and partnerships with other international carriers, CEO Bob Jordan promised the airline would keep evolving. “We won't stop here,” Jordan told the Jasons on this episode, “we're gonna keep changing."

The impact of this corporate relocation will be felt in Texas for decades: AT&T moving its headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano, a suburb 30 minutes north. For Dallas, it’s an economic hit in the billions of dollars. For Plano, it’s another corporate coup. But it raises plenty of questions. Do downtowns even matter anymore? Does the relocation influence the Mavericks or Stars? Can Dallas recover? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Will Anderson, editor-in-chief of the Dallas Business Journal, answers some of those questions with the Jasons at the Katy Trail Outpost in Plano, another Dallas institution that’s expanded north. GUEST Will Anderson, Dallas Business Journal Editor-In-Chief

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (originally aired: May 4, 2025) More and more Americans are considering decamping from the USA and moving overseas… permanently. And a former Texas resident is leading the way. We first introduced you to Jana Lynn Sanchez last November when she announced she was leaving Fort Worth to move to The Netherlands after Donald Trump’s re-election. Nearly six months later, her new company, GTFO Tours, is, literally, helping people “GTFO” out of the country. Sanchez joined the Jasons to explain how it all works, and who is best suited for relocation. * Warning: this episode contains adult language Guest Jana Lynn Sanchez, Texas Expatriate

In the January 4, 2026, episode, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins tells us land will be purchased for a new jail, but he explains why it will move to a new location. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. on why his county is expecting to add thousands of employees starting in 2026. And Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner discusses the financial challenges facing her county during her final year in office.

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (Originally Aired: September 7th, 2025) It is a rare event in Texas these days: finding a Republican who supports renewables. Y’all-itics did just that. And John Davis tells us the money he makes from the wind turbines on his property saved his west Texas ranch, which has been in the family since 1880. But if you really want to get this Republican worked up, talk about the GOP’s attack on renewables. To Davis, it is a property rights issue, and he says his own party is trampling all over it. The rancher and former state lawmaker also tells the Jasons why he thinks energy has become so political in Texas… and the beer his 89-year-old aunt recommended for his Y’all-itics debut! GUESTS John Davis, Texas Rancher Doug Lewin, Stoic Energy Consulting

In the December 28 episode, Plano Mayor John Muns discusses the city’s effort to entice the Dallas Stars to move north, and how long it will take to fix those darn roads. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos talks about the immigration crackdown in the border city and how its impacting business. And San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones tells us about the opportunities and challenges facing her city in the year ahead.

As you’re making your naughty and nice list, so is the Y’all-itics team. In this special holiday episode, the team raises a toast, or offers jeers, for the Texas lawmakers, leaders and “landmen” who made a difference in the Lone Star state this year… both good and bad.

There is always some “nook or cranny” burning in Texas, the third most dangerous state for wildfires. As the risk continues to grow exponentially, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency for wildfire response in Texas, asked lawmakers for the moon to help them better protect our backyards. Well, lawmakers gave the moon… and more. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Division Director for Fire & Emergency Response explains how they aren't wasting any time spending more than half a billion dollars on "game-changer" upgrades to respond to wildfires and other disasters in Texas.

In the December 14 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett discusses the internal polling that helped her decide to enter the race for U.S. Senate, reshaping the 2026 Democratic primary. State Senator Paul Bettencourt explains why a plan to lower the age at which Texans could enjoy senior property tax exemptions from 65 to 55 is “transformative.” And U.S. Senator John Cornyn on why he’s asking for stringent vetting procedures for all Afghan nationals who’ve entered the country since 2021.

Alpha Schools say they’re revolutionizing education by harnessing the power of AI technology. No homework. No grades. And only two hours a day is spent on academics. But tuition isn’t cheap. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Lead Guide of Alpha Fort Worth joins the Jasons to explain the benefits and challenges of the AI learning model. And she dispels one common myth: humans, not robot teachers, are leading the way. GUEST Sam DePalo, Alpha Fort Worth Lead Guide

In the December 7 episode, acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock discusses key dates for the voucher program, and why he removed women and minorities from the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, replacing them with disabled vets. State Senator Royce West tells us why he doesn’t think Hancock can do that and if he thinks the saga will end up in court. And Congressman Pat Fallon on why he still has confidence in the Secretary of War.

Congressman Roger Williams has done something almost no one alive today can claim: he’s personally met—and shaken the hand of—every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Donald Trump. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he opens his personal archives and shares the stories behind each encounter, from meeting Truman under the bleachers at a baseball game to encountering Carter while jogging without a shirt. Hear which commander-in-chief had the firmest grip and who had the softest in this episode.

In the November 30 episode, it’s time to hand out our Turkey Awards! The roundtable has extra helpings of legs and gizzards for the Texas lawmakers, leaders and “landmen” who made a difference in the Lone Star state this year… both good and bad.

Less than four months before the primary, “sheer chaos” has been unleashed in Texas. A federal court struck down the new congressional maps passed by the Texas Legislature over the summer. Republicans who filed to run in the new districts might have to rethink their plans, while Democrats who thought they had been drawn out of office might have now have a path back. Meantime, voters are stuck, yet again, in the middle. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, our experts unpack the congressional confusion: from the expected response by the U.S. Supreme Court… to the dissenting opinion that’s raised eyebrows all over the country. GUESTS Eric Opiela, Republican Attorney Matt Angle, Democratic Strategist

In the November 23 episode, State Rep. Nicole Collier, who slept inside the House chamber during the redistricting battle, tells us why she’s not ready to break out the champagne glasses quite yet even though a federal court struck down the new congressional map. Joe Jaworski explains why he’ll be on the attack more during his second campaign for Texas Attorney General. And Sid Miller, the incumbent Ag Commissioner, talks about his primary against a former donor and why he disagrees with President Trump for the first time ever.

Mass transit in North Texas faces a mutiny. Four of the 13 cities that make up Dallas Area Rapid Transit want to walk away. In this episode, DART's CEO, Nadine Lee, tells us she’s not optimistic that a solution will be found before the citizens vote next May. Lee joined one of the Jasons (we think you know which one) for a cup of coffee one recent morning at the Manhattan Project Beer Company to explain why leaving DART would ultimately cost those voters more time… and money.

In the November 16 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson explains why she disagrees with the Democratic Senators who helped end the longest shutdown in history. Congressman Jake Ellzey tells us why we shouldn’t expect another shutdown when temporary funding ends January 30. And Mike Collier discusses his decision to launch a third campaign for Lieutenant Governor, but this time as an independent.

He’s won a Latin Grammy for album of the year, eight Tejano Music awards and in a couple of days, he might just win another Latin Grammy for best Tejano album of the year. But this time next year, the only contest Bobby Pulido is worried about winning is the race for the 15th Congressional District in south Texas. So, is he independent-minded? Progressive? A centrist? In this episode of Y’all-itics, the music star turned politician explains why the answer is D, all of the above. And there’s a frustration in south Texas he says nobody really talks about, and it’s a big reason why he’s running.

In the November 9 episode, Plano Mayor John Muns discusses that city’s decision to allow its voters to decide whether to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the offer he hopes DART can’t refuse. Council Member Mario Castillo talks about a new homeless supercenter that will soon open in Houston and the promises made to ease the concerns of nearby residents. And Matt Mackowiak explains why he thinks Austin residents loudly rejected a proposed 20% property tax increase and what the city must do to regain the trust of its voters.

Even though a federal judge ordered the government to tap into emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing, 42 million Americans, including 3.5 million Texans, are still in limbo because those funds won’t even cover a full month. And as long as the shutdown continues, so will the fear. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the COO at Metrocrest Services explains how the shutdown revealed a fragile safety net “woven together with barbed wire.” And a couple of lawmakers explain how the shutdown is hurting Texans. WFAA Senior Reporter & Anchor, Teresa Woodard, is the guest host this week for both Jasons. GUESTS Calvin Moore, Metrocrest Services COO Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District State Rep. Gene Wu, D-District 137

In the November 2 episode, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne discusses the results of a recent survey she sent out gauging the impact of the shutdown on Texans. State Representative Ramon Romero Jr. tells us why he doesn’t think the state should assume control of an entire school district because of one failing campus. And Nate Sheets on why he wants to make the jump from business owner to Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

In the October 26 episode, Senator John Cornyn tells us why he’s “optimistic” about a Trump endorsement and his path to victory in the U.S. Senate race. And Congressman Roger Williams explains why he thinks the government shutdown could last through Thanksgiving.

If you’ve recently bought a plate of barbecue, or a T-bone at the meat market, you already know beef prices are ridiculously high, even breaking records recently. And it does not appear they’ll be coming down anytime soon. But what’s behind the price surge? And what’s being done to put those prices on a diet? The Jasons turn to the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and a Texas A&M Professor who specializes in livestock economics for answers. And naturally, they saddled up and headed to Panther City barbecue in Fort Worth. Guest Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner David Anderson, Ph.D., Texas A&M Professor & Extension Economist-Livestock/Food Product Marketing

Texas faces a memory crisis — and a moment of opportunity. Prop 14 on the November ballot could redefine the state’s future in healthcare and research. If approved, Texas will invest $3B on dementia research – a sum no other state has come close to and one that almost matches the federal governments outlay against alzheimer's last year. In this episode, the Jasons found out why Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made it a political priority and now if voters pass it, what the investment will mean to Texans living with dementia.

In the October 19 episode, what Congresswoman Wesley Hunt said about his place in a new poll, where he sees a path to victory and why he’s attacking John Cornyn rather than Ken Paxton. Plus, Republican Party of Texas chairman Abraham George on what role the White House played in keeping veteran lawmakers on the ballot. Also, Kendall Scudder, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party wiped away the party’s debt, but how will he restructure party offices and is he outsourcing responsibilities?

It’s a tax you’ve likely never heard of. But you’re paying for it. For decades, small businesses in Texas have been paying the “business personal property tax” on everything from desks to filing cabinets... even the raw material used to make their product. Only eight other states do this. Next month, voters have a chance to change that with Prop 9 on the November ballot. The Jasons were on the run during this episode of Y’all-itics but still sat down with the Texas Director of the National Federation of Independent Business to learn how this would be good for business.

In the October 12 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson tells us how she sees the shutdown ending and why she calls the Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois “outrageous.” State Representative Lacey Hull explains why she’s thankful a court blocked the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson. And Dallas City Council Member Chad West discusses the future of City Hall and whether he’s had any talks with the Mavericks about the location.

Now a few days old, there’s still no end in sight to the government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats blame each other, with Texans caught in the middle. So, who’s still getting paid? Are Texas veterans still receiving services? And could this all lead to massive layoffs? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation explain the situation, and their view on who’s to blame. GUESTS U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey, R-6th District U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-33rd District U.S Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District

On the October 5 episode, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation discuss the government shutdown and who they think is to blame. Congressman Jake Ellzey also talks about the services still available to Texas veterans. Congressman Marc Veasey tells us why this is a fight over healthcare, not the President. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne explains why now might be the right time to right size government.

The Jasons took a road trip to Panther City Barbecue in Fort Worth for this episode to have brisket and beer with Congressman Craig Goldman. From tariffs to town halls to the oil patch to political violence, they cover a lot in less than an hour. Will Trump’s style of foreign policy affect Lockheed’s lucrative contracts? And why Fort Worth is known as the Panther City. This is classic Y’all-itics!

In the September 28 episode, Congressman Keith Self discusses an $88 million effort to increase security for all branches of government and why he doesn’t think members of Congress should have the same level of security as a President. Dallas City Council Member Paula Blackmon explains why she’s asked for an investigation into four of her council colleagues. And state Representative Rhetta Bowers tells us why she thinks a bipartisan effort to save death row inmate Robert Roberson has gone quiet.

After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve finally announced a quarter point interest rate cut. To get a better understanding of how 0.25% could put some dollars back into your bank account, the Jasons sat down with the President/CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. Lindsey Johnson also explains how AI is transforming how we bank...and she tells us why all the big players on Wall Street are abuzz about what's happening here in her home state.

In the September 21 episode, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons explains why she skipped a meeting to prevent Commissioners from adopting a lower tax rate, and whether she plans to do it again. Congressman Michael McCaul tells us why he chose “door number 3.” And Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the steps being taken to help Texas farmers facing a catch-22 of record yields and low prices. GUESTS Commissioner Alisa Simmons, D-Tarrant County Precinct 2 U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-10th District Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner