State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections. It airs at 8:30 a.m. on KXAN, and now you can listen any time!
For the first time in nearly four decades, Texas voters have elected a Democrat to the U.S. Senate. James Talarico's decisive victory over Ken Paxton capped a historic election night that saw Democrats sweep every statewide office on the ballot. We break down what the results mean for Texas politics and the priorities the senator-elect says he'll take with him to Washington. Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa is already assembling her transition team and preparing for office. Dylan McKim examines how her election could reshape education policy, public school funding, and teacher pay, while also exploring the challenge of working with a Legislature that remains politically divided despite Democrats' statewide success. Nathan Johnson says one of his first tasks will be reviewing investigations and lawsuits initiated by the Paxton administration to determine which should continue. The new Attorney General-elect also outlines plans to redirect resources toward consumer protection, the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund, and child support enforcement while taking a markedly different approach to some of the state's most politically charged legal battles. A dispute is emerging over the state's upcoming revenue estimate, a report that determines how much money lawmakers have available to spend. Comptroller-elect Sarah Eckhardt is asking Governor Greg Abbott to appoint her early so she can help prepare for the legislative session, while the current comptroller's office insists it is ahead of schedule and rejects concerns about delays. One of the biggest surprises of Election Day came in Tarrant County, long considered a Republican stronghold. Capitol Correspondent Adam Schwager travels to Fort Worth to examine why voters shifted dramatically toward Democrats, whether the change reflects broader political realignment, and what it could mean for future elections in Texas. State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
1 Nov 2026
State of Texas - November 1, 2026
With Election Day just days away, Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Representative James Talarico are crisscrossing Texas in a final effort to energize voters. President Donald Trump returned to Texas to campaign alongside Paxton, while Talarico held rallies of his own as both campaigns focus on turnout in what remains one of the tightest Senate races in the country. Xavier Walton examines how certain counties could be key to determining the outcome and the strategies both sides are relying on in the final stretch.Libertarian Ted Brown won't win the Senate race, but in a contest expected to be decided by a razor-thin margin, his share of the vote could prove consequential. Adam Schwager sits down with Brown to discuss his campaign, why he rejects the label of "spoiler," and how Libertarian voters could influence the final result.The Abbott campaign says its new "Abbott Impact" app has helped supporters send more than 20 million get-out-the-vote messages this election cycle. Dylan McKim takes a closer look at how the app works, why political campaigns are increasingly relying on peer-to-peer outreach, and what it could mean for the future of voter mobilization in Texas.While most attention is focused on the races for Senate and governor, Texans also face important choices in congressional, legislative, local, and ballot proposition contests. We check in with reporters across the state on key races to watch and examine the impact of "voter roll-off" – the tendency for voters to skip races farther down the ballot – and how it could influence some of the state's closest contests.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
25 Oct 2026
State of Texas - October 25, 2026
Around four million Texans have already cast ballots, and early voting data is revealing surprising trends. We break down what turnout numbers may indicate about voter enthusiasm, whether Democrats are outperforming expectations, and what analysts will be watching as voting continues. The program also examines new polling in the closely watched U.S. Senate and governor's races. A scheduled debate between candidates for Texas Railroad Commission never materialized after only Democrat Jon Rosenthal appeared. Dylan McKim examines the race between Rosenthal and Republican Bo French, their competing visions for regulating the oil and gas industry, and why polling suggests the contest could be surprisingly close.One of the nation's most competitive House races is unfolding in South Texas, where Republican incumbent Monica De La Cruz faces Tejano music star Bobby Pulido. Brian Svendsen explores how immigration, water policy and outside campaign spending have transformed the race into a national battleground that could help determine control of Congress. The future of consumable hemp products has become an issue in the race for lieutenant governor. Dylan McKim compares where Republican incumbent Dan Patrick and Democratic challenger Vikki Goodwin stand on THC regulation, how the issue could affect consumers and veterans, and what the next Legislature may do if voters choose a new direction.State of Texas is a statewide, in-depth program focused solely on Texas politics. Produced at KXAN in Austin and airing in 14 markets across the state, the show gives viewers greater perspective on the Texas Legislature, state policy and elections.
Who has been a guest on State of Texas
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Terry Virts
Beto O'Rourke
Glenn Hegar
Kelly Hancock
John Cornyn
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
90
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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Guest appearances
Books guests
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