Fitness Fails, Fortune Rises: Power Plays Across Texas

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October 17, 2025 • 26 mins

In this week’s episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina break down a packed week in Texas and national news. The state’s National Guard faces scrutiny after troops were sent home from deployment in Chicago over fitness issues, while Attorney General Ken Paxton’s growing wealth raises fresh ethical questions. On the campaign trail, Democrats James Talarico and Colin Allred make moves in South Texas, and Governor Greg Abbott’s comments on rainbow crosswalks spark controversy. Plus — the federal government shutdown enters Week 3. What’s next for Texas amid the political turbulence? Tune in for analysis, insight, and a little political humor.TEXAS TOPICSTexas National Guard sent home due to fitness.Paxton's wealth soars while in office.Talarico and Allred hit South Texas.Governor Greg Abbott targets pride crosswalk.NATIONAL TOPICGovernment shutdown week three.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

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.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Fitness Fails, Fortune Rises: Power Plays Across Texas