Sep 27, 2026 · 1h 8m
Texas Democrats see an opening as Republican weaknesses spread
Choosin' Texas with Bobby Pulido
The episode tests whether Democratic gains in Texas could signal a broader national shift while examining the candidates and voters driving it.
- 1James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa are building populist campaigns around Republican vulnerabilities in Texas.
- 2National economic frustration and Donald Trump’s unpopularity are putting Republican House and Senate defenses under pressure.
- 3Bobby Pulido’s rural South Texas campaign illustrates Democrats’ effort to make their message accessible beyond urban strongholds.
Don't miss
Bobby Pulido explains how he is campaigning across rural South Texas while presenting an accessible Democratic message.
The brief
Recorded live at the Texas Tribune Festival, the hosts map Democratic opportunities in Texas, beginning with James Talarico’s challenge to Ken Paxton and Republican concerns about the race.
Gina Hinojosa’s gubernatorial campaign offers a more populist case against Greg Abbott, targeting schools, corporate influence, energy infrastructure, and data-center politics.
The Texas races become a national argument: Trump’s unpopularity, economic pressure, and voter backlash are weakening Republicans while Democrats weigh the size of a possible House wave.
The hosts mock Donald Trump’s ceremonial handling of Xi Jinping’s visit, portraying the White House spectacle as a display of weakness rather than substantive diplomacy.
Tejano musician and congressional candidate Bobby Pulido describes campaigning across rural South Texas against Monica De La Cruz, framing broken promises and accessibility as central Democratic openings.
Featuring
Bobby Pulido
James Talarico
Gina Hinojosa
Ken Paxton
Donald John Trump
TexasListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.