Progress Texas Happy Hour

Our annual holiday party was a blast last night at Antone's in downtown Austin, and as has become tradition, we took the time to interrogate our guests in between sips of sweet beverage. This time: As Texas progressives, what do we most want for the holidays - politically speaking of course? We got a bunch of terrific answers from a bunch of terrific people, with whom we were happy to reconnect after a bruising mid-term, and with whom we are proud to carry the fight forward into 2023 and beyond. Thanks as always for your support of Progress Texas - and Happy Holidays!

It's become an annual exercise of catharsis, renewal and forward strategy for us at Progress Texas: every year, we analyze the last year of the battle and pick out the five best, and five worst, Texans when it came to the arc of politics in the Lone Star State. On the good side, the obvious: Beto O'Rourke and Mothers Against Greg Abbott, along with pleasant surprise heroes like Olivia Julianna and Access Education Round Rock. On the bad side, the even more obvious Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz, with disturbing and dangerous surprises in the Republican press on banning books and attacking school boards. Right now, for Texas progressives, it can be easy to see and to be discouraged by all the negatives stacked against us - but we're here also to highlight and celebrate the good and the possible that is always present in Texas, and we're renewed for the fight ahead. Thanks as always for your support of Progress Texas!

At a moment when Elon Musk appears to be doing all he can to destroy his new $44 billion toy, Facebook is largely DOA, the TikTok kids are interested in anything but politics, and one particular orange gorilla has thrown in once again for the top job - how on Earth are candidates and political orgs to navigate the catastrophic mess that is the current scene of social media? As things ramp up (yes, already) for 2024, are there any viable platforms left for factual, ethically-sound politics? How are we to counter the ever-present and continually-evolving threat of disinformation? Tough questions, whose answers are changing day to day. Thanks for joining the crew on a fascinating but frustrating ride this week, and thanks as always for your support of Progress Texas.

Nationally, and also at the city level in the large metros of Texas, Democrats actually had a better than expected night on Tuesday. But at the statewide level? The same old goose egg. What happened? Is this just an impossible fight? And if not, what have we learned? The crew is joined by Texas Blue Action Democrats President Carrie Collier-Brown for a post-mortem of the '22 midterm election, in which no degree of campaigning or spending appears to have made a dent for Texas Dems - but which also provides some valuable lessons and reason to be confident and determined as we begin - yes - our contemplation of 2024. Thank you as always for your support of Progress Texas!

Here we are folks - as we publish this podcast, there's one day of early voting left (Friday November 4), followed by Election Day on Tuesday November 8. In the spirit of Go Time, we present a carefully constructed, somewhat triggering, and cruelly short list of the top ten reasons YOU should vote AGAINST Governor Greg Abbott.

In no particular order:
1 - Abortion Bans (3:50)
2 - Border Bullshit (10:15)
3 - The Assault On Public Schools (16:45)
4 - Inaction On Gun Violence (23:50)
5 - Attacks On LGBTQ+ Texans (30:10)
6 - The Texas Housing Crisis (36:40)
7 - FIX THE DAMN GRID! (39:35)
8 - The Inhumane Foster Care and Juvenile Justice System (45:10)
9 - Marijuana Is Still Illegal (48:45)
and,
10 - The Colossal, Criminally Cruel COVID Catastrophe (52:30).

That's a lot - and that's not really all. Please VOTE y'all. Thanks as always for your support - and we'll see you all after the election.

Proud to welcome back Lana Hansen, Executive Director of Texas Blue Action, to provide an update on the ongoing Two Million Texans relational organizing effort aimed at strengthening Democratic performance in what may shake out to be a very challenging mid-term election. Listen to learn about how the Reach app can provide an invaluable tool in your own personal organizing effort! Thanks as always for your support of Progress Texas - and get ready to VOTE!

Gotta hand it to Governor Greg Abbott: insisting on a Friday night debate with no audience is a great way to hide from the Texas electorate. Lucky you, the Progress Texas staff DID watch it - and bring to you this week a recap of five of the primary topics that were covered. Listen as we pick apart immigrant busing (7:19), guns (13:12), abortion (18:20), teachers and education (25:41), and housing and revenue (33:36). Welcome for the first time our new Communications Associate Emily Clark to the pod, and THANK YOU for your support of Progress Texas!

Adding to his laundry list of career lows this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made the news for literally running from a process server attempting to serve him with a subpoena at his North Texas home. The crew convenes this week to closely examine the years and years of outlandish, outlaw behavior that our state's top law enforcement official has (so far) gotten away with, and to also imagine a situation where a true standout legal hero - say, Rochelle Garza - might be able to bring honor back to the AG's office. Thanks for your support of Progress Texas - and don't forget to VOTE!

In this second part of our discussion of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sam Gonzalez again hosts Diana Gomez, Ed Espinoza and special guest Abel Prado of Cambio Texas in an exploration of the cornucopia of terms that American Hispanics use to describe themselves and each other - frequently leading to confusion, and sometimes conflict. Latino/Latino/Latinx? Chicano? Tejano? Each has a particular meaning, and we're here to shed some light on a subject that needs broader discussion and understanding. Thanks for listening, and for your support of Progress Texas!

In what seemed to us - and likely many of you - as either a joke or a typo, South Carolina U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a federal ban on abortion past 15 weeks. And curiously, this comes right at a moment when Republicans across the country (especially in places like Texas) are doing all they can to avoid the subject. Chris Mosser hosts a roundtable discussion with Brett Isaacs, Diana Gomez and Glenn Smith: is this a rogue Graham temper tantrum designed to sabotage the GOP in the mid-terms? Is it simply the Republicans showing their true intent ahead of a chance to regain control in Congress? Is there some twelve-moves-deep chess strategy happening here - or has Graham just petulantly shot his party in the foot? Thanks for joining us, and for your support of Progress Texas.

Chris Mosser hosts this week as Ed Espinoza extrapolates what would appear to be some pretty promising recent polling for Texas progressives - that is, if Texas progressives hadn't been burned by promising polling time and time again. Still - it does look pretty good at the moment, and should serve as inspiration to double down and work even harder to elect Democrats all the way down the ballot. And, we review what's been a crazy hot summer both literally and figuratively in Texas and national politics on a range of topics, including the FBI (Brett Isaacs is not a fan), Rochelle Garza (Sam Gonzales is a tremendous fan), Judge Maya Guerra Gamble (we're ALL giant fans), Beto's convention speech and penchant for pottymouth, Dark Brandon, 2 Million Texans, and tons more. A Happy Fall, y'all - and onward to November.

As of today – Thursday, August 25, 2022 – Texas’ so-called trigger ban on abortion, which was set to take effect 30 days beyond the striking down of Roe v Wade and represents a significant escalation beyond the nefarious SB8, is officially the law of the land in the Lone Star State. It’s a grim moment indeed – and one that calls for a review of the ruins of reproductive rights in our state. Meanwhile, there are indications that the attack on abortion rights may have consequences for Republicans this fall – which may be why Texas GOP types are now making efforts to distract voters and distance themselves from the issue. What can we do as the fight continues? We discuss.

And, on a personal note – we’re sad to see our friend and colleague Wesley Story leave the Progress Texas nest! After over four years, his positive impact on our organization and mission is remarkable, and we wish Wesley all the best (listen to the end for some great parting words of Wesley wisdom).

The majority of schoolkids in Texas return to the classroom this week, and while this is normally an exciting time of adventure and fun, it's lost on nobody - including the kids themselves - that they're returning to a Texas public school system in the throes of crisis. Political culture battles at school board meetings, massive staffing shortfalls, continued threats from Republican leadership on multiple levels - all of that would be very difficult to overcome, and that's not even considering the horror of Uvalde and its continued aftermath of obfuscation and failure. Chris Mosser is joined by guest co-host Lana Hansen, Executive Director of Texas Blue Action Democrats, for a conversation with Patty Quinzi, Director of Public Affairs & Legislative Counsel for the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, covering the near-impossible circumstances facing Texas school districts, the long-term risks presented by our state government's continued fumbling of education, and the way out of this historic mess - ultimately, it all comes down to your VOTE this November. Thanks as always for supporting Progress Texas, who express our eternal support for our Texas educators.

We've sat in bemusement from yet another wave of crazy from MAGA-Land since the FBI executed a (perfectly legal and justified) search warrant at Donald Trump's place. And when Trump-world gets fired up, it's not only funny - it can also be dangerous, in a number of different ways. Will the burst of sympathy for TFG sustain itself into November with positive impact for a new crew of Trumpy candidates? Are moderates tired of the over-half-decade of this particular circus yet, and like us, ready to see Trump get some degree of comeuppance? Do Roe and recent Biden wins blunt some of this impact? And, what does all of this mean in Texas? We discuss, and we thank you as always for joining us.

Texas Democrats are understandably wary of optimism - but lately, there are abundant signs that things may be turning around for the better. Recent wins for the Biden Administration, huge enthusiasm and turnout on Beto O'Rourke's Texas tour, the amazing outcome of the Kansas referendum on abortion rights, and the spectacular implosion of Alex Jones' defense in the ongoing Sandy Hook damages trial are all reasons for progressives to buck up. Chris Mosser hosts this week as we take stock of a rare bright spot, and energize for the continued, tough fight awaiting Texas progressives as November draws nigh.

As the countdown continues towards August 25 - the day that Texas' trigger law officially outlawing abortion in the state will take effect - the Austin City Council has passed a resolution known as the GRACE Act, which essentially relegates abortion-related cases to the lowest priority for local agencies and law enforcement. Will it provide meaningful protection, and become a model for individual jurisdictions within states where the fall of Roe means the end of abortion care? What more can we do as the fight for reproductive justice continues? We discuss. THANK YOU for listening, and for your support of Progress Texas.

Since the beginning of this historically horrible heat wave, the Texas power grid has teetered on the brink of repeating the disaster of Winter Storm Uri - but, losing power in the summer would be an even more devastating blow for Texans than the horror we endured that winter. Governor Abbott's promises that "the grid is fixed" are clearly baloney, so we thought it a good time for a clear discussion on the nature of our state's energy problem, how we got here, and how we can finally put this sorry, embarrassing affair behind us. We're joined by Texas Railroad Commission nominee Luke Warford, who's clearly doing all he can to bring forward solutions, and Blue Action Democrats co-founder and esteemed energy attorney Carrie Collier-Brown - our go-to expert for all things grid - for a clear discussion on the power problems that continue to plague our state, and what can be done about them - starting with your VOTE this November.

We've now had about a week to process the historic overturning of Roe V Wade. This third part of our series on this pivotal crossroads is both a summary of how concerned progressives can take action NOW, with just four months to go until November, and an analysis of how we came to this desperate moment - where not only abortion rights, but the American Experiment itself appears to be hanging by a thread, after a methodical and diabolical half-century crusade by the American right.

As we continue our focus on the fight ahead beyond the ripping away of reproductive autonomy with the overturning of Roe v Wade - which is likely only the beginning - it becomes clear that the upcoming mid-term election this November is of potentially existential importance for our democracy. Texas has proven to be the origin point for the draconian conservative agenda that is now coming to fruition, and it's up to us in Texas to put a stop to it. Part 2 of our three-part series features Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke's address to his Rally For Reproductive Freedom in East Austin last Sunday. 

This is our most desperate hour - it's time for ACTION.

Austin, Texas - and cities across the United States - erupted in protest this weekend following Friday's announcement of the overturning of Roe v Wade. In a three-part podcast series, Progress Texas takes stock of the damage, in order to assess the path forward - but for now, we're ANGRY, and so are you. Part One is an audio tour through the announcement, and the outrage that followed.

MY BODY - MY CHOICE.

A terrific time earlier this week at Antone's in downtown Austin, as a great bunch of like-minded Texas progressive rabble-rousers gathered to celebrate 12 years of Progress Texas! While the good times were rolling, we worked the room and collected quick interviews from a couple-dozen party-goers to survey what they like most about our efforts, and what they consider the most important agenda items as we move forward - we were surprised at the variety of great answers they provided, and those make up this minisode. THANK YOU to everyone who came, and to all of you who have supported us over our first twelve years - including those of you who have subscribed to our podcasts. Here's to another 12!

And by the way: the Espinoza Mimosa is comprised of Espolon Tequila, Agave Nectar, Lime Juice, and Orange Juice.

Following Uvalde, it's not a stretch to predict that in the end, Governor Greg Abbott and the rest of Texas' GOP regime will end up doing nothing meaningful to prevent the next mass killing in our state. After all, following El Paso, Santa Fe, Sutherland Springs, Fort Hood, and far too many other preventable tragedies in Texas, Abbott has done worse than nothing: guns have proliferated as they've increased in firepower, and can now be legally found in almost every corner of our lives. We thought an examination of our Governor's complete failure to protect Texans from gun violence deserved a conversation, and we've brought in Austin gun policy activist Ed Scruggs to join the team this week. 

At this point, the only way out of this madness is to VOTE our way out.

We’re continuing to focus on crucial issues facing progressive Texans this election year. With the likely fall of Roe v Wade, we've designed an effort to fight back and it's called a Roevolution! To help illuminate the struggle for abortion rights, we're proud to welcome a trio of the toughest women in Texas: State Senator Carol Alvarado from Houston, and State Legislators Donna Howard and Vikki Goodwin from Austin. All have been in the trenches opposite Texas Republicans for years, and in this mini-sode they share their experiences, their insights, and their advice as we prepare for what's shaping up to be a monumentally consequential fight.

It's been a heavy week, and all of us at Progress Texas are as heartbroken and angry as you are. This week we upend the right-wing talking points, we look at how various leaders have responded to the tragedy, and what actions you can take. We also consider what a future looks like without these tragedies, freedom from fear, and how to renew our resolve to fight back. We skipped the beers and brought in a larger team this week - join us for a frank conversation.

We mourn with Uvalde today - and we recommit to restoring the safety of ALL Texas children, starting now.

We discovered that last week's Supreme Court development, being the cataclysmic event that it is, was too big to contain to one conversation - so we're presenting this second phase of our talk on what seems to be the impending end of Roe v Wade with a discussion of what comes next - specifically, how progressives in Texas and beyond can rally and activate in advance of the November mid-terms. Basic American freedoms hang in the balance in a few short months - will we rise to the challenge? This episode features the valuable input of Dyana Limon-Mercado of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, whom we appreciate.

It's difficult to throw around the word "happy" at this moment, as progressives across the country and people around the world stand aghast at this week's developments from the U.S. Supreme Court. It's a surreal moment, that feels like an escalation in the culture war past a red line - the first time in our nation's history that a settled right has been taken away from the American people. What's the real legal situation, what's next, and what can we do about it? We welcome our good friend Dyana Limon-Mercado of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes to lend her valuable insight at a truly unsettling time. 

Watch for Part 2, as we cover the Roe drama's likely impact on upcoming elections - speaking of which, there's one Saturday! It's time to stand up y'all - and as always - please, PLEASE VOTE.

Texas transplant Elon Musk has succeeded in drawing the world's attention to himself in buying Twitter. The story's moving quickly, and the implications are building: will he be the next media mogul, or will the era of huge social networks end in favor of micro networks? We also talk about the line between "free speech" and the unfettered flow of falsehood and hate. Finally, will Twitter continue along with business as usual, or will it become an instrument of the right, or will it fade away? Lots of questions - we attempt to give answers!

The crew convenes to remind Texans it's VOTING time again! Early voting is happening now for the "uniform" May 7 statewide election, including two constitutional amendments on housing policy - our very own Brett Isaacs returns to offer her hot takes on the confusing ballot language. Turnout will be very light - making YOUR vote count in a significantly outsized way. There are also 47 school districts holding elections - and as you've heard, those elections have come into the crosshairs of Texas conservatives, who look to further their ridiculous book-banning plans. Plus, here in Austin, we have a chance to vote for Prop A, which if passed will decriminalize marijuana possession in small amounts, and also outlaw no-knock warrants. No lines! It's fun! Go Vote!

Friday marks the 52nd annual Earth Day - over half a century in which climatic decline has developed from a vague threat into a gradually, inexorably manifesting reality. We live on the precipice of the point of no return - and Texas being the energy leader it is, our General Land Office is one of few authorities that stands a chance of making a major difference. We welcome Jay Kleberg, who's currently running for Texas Land Commissioner, for a survey of the current state of the Earth, what can be done to save it, and what his plan of action would be should he win his race.

On this year's 4/20, we take a deep breath and dive into marijuana legalization: a majority of Texas voters want it, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents - so what's the hold-up? We enjoyed a joint discussion with our good friend Jax James, Executive Director of Texas NORML, on the likelihood of Texas ever finally joining the civilized world on cannabis, and ending the widespread injustice that results from prohibition - especially with legal pot now right next door in New Mexico, and the giant green boat being missed for Texas farmers and Texas tax coffers. Happy 4/20 everybody!

Part Two of this week's amazing road trip to D/FW found us in Cowtown at the historic T&P Tavern, situated in the 1930's-era Texas And Pacific Railway building (which is now condos, but those are real trains going by!). We had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Allison Campolo, chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party and founder of Tarrant Together (not to mention an infectious disease doctor and heavyweight Kung Fu fighter!), and Congressman Marc Veasey, currently representing Texas House District 33 - two people who know the ins and outs of the Democratic fight in Fort Worth and Tarrant County better than anyone. Join us for a deep dive into a part of Texas regarded by many as a bellwether for the political future of the Lone Star State.

It's our pleasure to return to Dallas' Toller Patio, which is a terrific outdoor hang (turns out, even in the middle of a thunderstorm!) for a fun and enlightening conversation with Kristy Noble, the new head of the Dallas County Democratic Party. We learned about the vital role of the county level in progressive politics, how Dallas Dems are fighting back against new voting restrictions, and more - plus Diana tried bourbon for the first time, making this episode a must-listen.

Watch for a second episode this week from our Pints For Progress road trip to the D/FW Metroplex, recorded live at the T&P Tavern in Fort Worth!

We're joined by our friend Mike Collier, a familiar face for most Texas Democrats, who is in a runoff election on May 24th for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Lt. Governor Dan Patrick in November. We ask Mike: what's the most important function of this office, arguably the most powerful in Texas, and what are the most prominent of the hundreds of things he'd do differently than the current guy? And with all of the miles he's put on his truck - what has he learned about running - and himself - on the campaign trail?

Wow, 50 Happy Hours on the books! Two polls this week show Beto O'Rourke gaining on Greg Abbott in the race for Texas Governor - one of them showing the race down to two points.We also address a new push from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to emulate Florida's ridiculous "Don't Say Gay" bill here in the Lone Star State - not to mention the surreal war that the Texas GOP has declared on Mickey Mouse. Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Mike Collier joins us - and he's got some opinions to share.

Trans Day of Visibility seeks to celebrate the accomplishments and resiliency of the trans community, and this year it comes while Republicans have launched attacks on trans kids. We're proud to welcome two of our favorite advocates and activists for trans rights, as Adri Perez of ACLU of Texas joins us, and LGTBQ+ policy consultant Ash Hall returns to the podcast. We discuss defiance in the face of cheap political attacks, the lies being told, and why in spite of it all, we can remain hopeful for the future.

Our fab panel of Texas women from this week's Happy Hour podcast returns for a sharper focus on abortion rights, which are now under active attack in multiple U.S. states. These are "copycat laws" modeled after Texas' own notorious SB8 and its reliance on vigilante action for enforcement. For this special Women's History Month mini-sode, Progress Texas Development Manager Brett Isaacs hosts, along with Shellie Hayes-McMahon from Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, attorney and voting rights expert Emily Eby, and Carrie Collier-Brown of the Texas Blue Action Democrats.

As we approach the closing days of March and Women's History Month, real history is being made in Washington D.C., and we've convened a special group of our favorite Texas ladies for a deep dive on the ongoing Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Ketanji Brown Jackson - who is proving to be up to the task of facing down the extraordinarily lame Republican attacks and "jackassery" she's had to tolerate. Progress Texas Development Manager Brett Isaacs hosts, along with Shellie Hayes-McMahon from Planned Parenthood Texas Votes, attorney and voting rights expert Emily Eby, and Carrie Collier-Brown of the Texas Blue Action Democrats.

Programming note: This Saturday, watch for a special mini-sode as this same great panel of women takes stock of what's happening in the ongoing abortion rights fight.

For many Texans, especially Austinites, the moment when the COVID-19 pandemic got really, really real came on March 6, 2020: the day that SXSW was officially cancelled. At the time it seemed unthinkable, as did much of what was still to come over the next two harrowing and surreal years. But now, SXSW returns to Austin in fully live form, and it's not a stretch to consider this moment one of victory, renewal and promise for ALL of us. We discuss what SXSW means to Austin, Texas and the world as one of the great intersections of art, communication, technology, innovation - and of course, BBQ, tacos and beer. We're back baby! Thanks so much for your support.

It's our first anniversary! And what a year it's been. Way WAY too many Lege sessions, the Democratic quorum break, unprecedented and unlimited ugly from the Texas GOP. And, a LOT of Truly down the hatch. Reviewing our first year, it's pretty amazing what we've endured - and it's also starkly clear that we've still got a long way to go - so, THANK YOU for being part of the family.

Meanwhile - we have a primary election to unpack. What were we surprised about, what are we excited about, and what are the challenges ahead in May and November? We're lucky to have Cliff Walker of progressive, Black and Brown-owned communications and advocacy firm Seeker Strategies to contribute his take - including the fact that Republican voter suppression appears to be working just as designed in Texas, contrasted with the huge and growing buzz for Beto O'Rourke!

Yesterday, the whole country was shocked (once again!) at another callous, disgusting election-year maneuver by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have once again singled out transgender Texas kids as a prop in their never-ending cosplay of cruelty for the most vile dregs of the Republican voting base. This time though, yet another creative legal innovation: they're going after the families of these vulnerable young Texans, attempting to criminalize them with accusations of child abuse. And what's more, all of this is an obvious ploy to distract both Democrats and Republicans away from Abbott's blatant corruption and collusion with the energy industry to fleece Texans for generations. Ground Game Texas' Julie Oliver and Progress Texas Content Creation Specialist Chris Mosser join us for this week's discussion - you almost can't write this stuff! But, we discuss our options in fighting back...first and foremost, VOTE. Thanks for joining us!

Marijuana attorney Susan Hays joins us from her hops and hemp farm near Alpine! Susan brings together an extensive background in progressive advocacy, and an impeccable pedigree in land management and environmental stewardship - plus expertise on what a Texas-based marijuana industry could mean for our state. She's challenging longtime Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who is a walking anachronism - as is much of his party. The agriculture sector in the Lone Star State needs leadership that will help us succeed in the actual real world. 

We welcome special guest Jessica Montoya Coggins of Texas Signal for a discussion of the ongoing primary election: while urban turnout is looking decent, our state's history of low turnout in elections like these appears to be holding. New restrictions on voting access are causing an unprecedented number of registration rejections - but our hope is that an over-arching sense of voter suppression may actually help turnout, as voters defy efforts by the GOP to silence progressive voices in Texas. As Jessica says: if Republicans weren't terrified of Democratic voters, they wouldn't bother trying to stop us from voting. So get it done! And thanks for your support.

As we record, early voting in the 2022 primary election begins in just a few days, on Valentine's Day, Monday February 14. This may come as a surprise to even engaged progressives - who, along with the rest of us, may simply be a little burned out. But the struggle continues, and this week we're here to help get you caught up and ready to go. At the top of the ballot, Beto O'Rourke has dominated the Dem side and is already the presumptive nominee in the race for Governor. On the other side, Governor Greg Abbott, while well-funded by the under-regulated Texas energy industry, finds himself beset by motivated, hard-right challengers - all of whom would make an even worse leader for Texas than Abbott already is. Further down the ballot, we discuss the races for Lieutenant Governor (index to 15:20), Attorney General (22:50), State Comptroller (29:10), Land Commissioner (34:55), Agriculture Commissioner (43:15), and Railroad Commissioner (47:15). Don't forget, in a low turnout election, YOUR vote carries more weight than in most - get it done, and bring your friends too!

Given the way our long-indicted current Attorney General Ken Paxton has run the top law enforcement office in Texas, Texans may have forgotten what that office is supposed to be about: enforcing the law and ensuring justice, not just protecting the Republican regime. It also might seem that correcting this issue is beyond our reach, but it's not. We enjoyed meeting one Democrat who's stepping up to challenge what has become the status quo at AG: Rochelle Garza of the Rio Grande Valley.

As we record the podcast this week, Texas is bracing for another February Arctic blast. Governor Abbott - who shared in the financial windfall from last year's freeze in which millions of Texans lost power, and hundreds did not survive - has been promising for months that the power will stay on this time, but just yesterday our Governor walked back that promise. Democrat Beto O'Rourke is on a "keep the lights on tour" and drawing attention to the #AbbottTax where consumers are footing the bill to weatherize the grid. We've also got tips for getting through this next environmental trial for Texas - good luck to us all. Stay warm and safe - and don't forget how the elected leaders of our state have once again failed to earn our confidence.

Chris Mosser fills for Saatvik this week as we try to make sense (and it's not easy) of recent developments in voter access: at the federal level conservatives remain opposed to voting rights legislation, and at the local level vote-by-mail applications are getting rejected en masse due to Texas voter suppression laws. Also there's a shortage of voter registration forms in the state, and the Texas Secretary of State is making the ludicrous claim that "supply chain issues" are the reason why (if only we had online voter registration). No trick is too cheap for the GOP these days.  

ELECTION WATCH: The March 1st primary is only five weeks away! We take a look at some of the more interesting congressional primaries in districts 28, 35, and 37, as well as how marijuana is playing in the race for Agriculture Commissioner.

Happy New Year y'all! We're back for our first show of 2022 and the first anniversary of the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol - unbelievable that it's been a full year since that insane day.

We start with everyone's favorite punching bag, Ted Cruz, who led the sedition caucus in the U.S. Senate that day, attempting to overturn the election for Donald Trump - a guy who literally hates him. And now, as Ted Cruz tries to distance himself from that day's events, he's getting twitter-dunked by none other than Tucker Carlson.

Saatvik revisits the messages we sent to each other a year ago, what we were all feeling, and the surreal tone of the event and the weeks that followed. We wrap-up covering the messaging around that day and how we should talk about the events a year later. And a reminder about the importance of getting your friends to show up in the midterms and vote all the way down the ballot - it's those city councils and county clerks that decide how elections are conducted!

Diana Gomez serves up a hot list of the ten most popular and useful gifts for Texas progressives preparing for the worst as Greg Abbott's efforts to keep the heat and lights on this winter appear to be dismal indeed. And then, to bring back the holiday cheer, we reflect on our favorite moments of a long and hard but worthwhile year pushing forward the cause of progress in the Lone Star State. Our last edition of the year! Thanks for your support - all the best to you and yours, along with our wishes for a happy, safe and prosperous 2022.

The March 1 primary elections will be upon us before we know it. Glenn Smith joins us this week to provide some historical background and the reasons Texas is particularly weird in this department, and why primaries in Texas tend to favor incumbents. Brett Isaacs joins us as well, as we run thru the races and candidates as they stand today, including the race for Governor: is Beto O'Rourke off to a good start, or is there more he could do? What do we know about new Democratic contenders Joy Diaz and Michael Cooper? Our cup runneth over with quality Dems running to replace long-double-indicted Trump bootlicker Ken Paxton at Attorney General. And how does LG candidate Mike Collier have such amazing hair? Lots to discuss, and caution: you are entering an extreme hot take zone.

We come to you, beverages in hand, at a moment when the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to do away with the Roe v Wade precedent that has protected abortion rights for women in our country since 1973. Proud to welcome special guest Marva Sadler of Whole Woman's Health, an eminent expert on reproductive rights. Our hats are off (and our glasses are up) to Justice Sonia Sotomayor for her courageous and correct view on the matter...we are enormous fans. How will American women react? What does all of this mean for the legitimacy of the Court itself? What's in store for the whole country if Roe falls? We are more motivated for the fight than ever, and we hope you are too. Welcome to "interesting times", and thanks for your support.

What a GREAT time at Toller Patio in downtown Dallas as we gathered with a group of friends and allies for a terrific conversation with State Reps Rafael Anchia and Jessica Gonzales on their experiences during this tough year at the Lege, why they're hopeful that things are about to get a lot better, and how we can all join in that fight. What a pleasure to be in Dallas, and we hope to do many more live tapings in coming months - stay tuned for your chance to join us!

Glenn Smith joins us this week as we conduct a post-mortem of election results across the country, and find that, while there are definite lessons to be learned, the negative takes from national media and hand-wringing from Democrats everywhere over results in New Jersey and Virginia might be just a little over-wrought, as there were actually many progressive wins to savor - in Austin, including the overwhelming defeat of Prop A. We also consider the very curious legislative career of Bexar County's John Lujan, who's now been elected twice but has never actually served! We're gearing up for what's sure not going to be a boring '22 political season, and we hope you are too - thanks for your support.

It's our first (and maybe...our last) Halloween Spooky Special! And believe us, there's plenty haunting us this year, but there's also hopeful news: the new GOP electoral maps threaten to make life frightening for the next decade, but there are challenges advancing. And the U.S. Supreme Court is set to consider the new Texas abortion restrictions, maybe as soon as in the next few days. Speaking of frightening, we share our spookiest stories: why did Mitt Romney and Kyrsten Sinema have to go and ruin Ted Lasso for us? Who can convince us that Ted Cruz isn't not only a zombie, but a Nazi zombie? We sure are spooked by North Texas Rep. Matt Krause's new book-burning adventure - only a couple of steps from a full-on witch hunt. Maybe we're still in shock from the horror of four gruesome Lege sessions? Let's just hope that when the lights go out this winter, it's just because of ghosts. Thanks for your support in these perilous times.

The November 2 election is upon us - with early voting happening now - including eight proposed state constitutional amendments: we summarize each of them, get reactions from Brett Isaacs and give recommendations on how to vote. Other important items are on the ballot too, depending on where you live. Smart voters are the best voters - go get it done! We've also got updates on Governor Abbott's new appointee as Secretary of State - a veteran of Donald Trump's war on democracy - and an update on the federal Freedom To Vote Act.

A LOT to cover again this week. Right under all of our noses - and in the middle of the night - Republicans at the Texas Legislature are drawing and approving district maps that will unfairly solidify their power, at the expense of the Texans of color who now comprise the majority in the Lone Star State, FOR THE NEXT DECADE. Also, we discuss Governor Abbott's new wholesale ban on vaccine mandates: what exactly is the strategy in aiding and abetting a deadly pathogen? On that note, we welcome Progress Texas Board Member Kathleen Thompson, who's in the midst of a clash with her kids' school district in the DFW area over their decision not to enforce masking. And after months of opposition, Texas Republicans finally succeeded in victimizing trans kids - what's next on that front? Crazy times in Texas = a jam-packed episode this week. Thanks for your ongoing support!

To exactly nobody's surprise, Texas Republicans are exceeding expectations when it comes to redistricting - drawing themselves into undeserved power while drawing non-white and urban Texans out of the representation they are due. How does this change the game for Democrats? Also: to help recap last weekend's Women's Marches and the ever-shifting legal status of the pernicious new Texas abortion ban, we welcome special guest and famed civil rights attorney Austin Kaplan, while Diana and Wesley fill us in on their trip to D.C. The latest on the multi-front fight for justice and progress in Texas, and how to help us fight back!

Lots to cover this week in Texas politics! The Legislature is in the middle of taking up redistricting. It's all about the distinction between partisan gerrymandering (which is allowed), and racial gerrymandering (which is not) and Republicans aren't typically good at drawing the distinction.

Also the pandemic, the grid? Nah, the next big issue for Republicans has been attacking transgender student athletes. A bill just passed the Senate and is on its way to the House - quite literally a solution in search of a problem, and a red-meat distraction from critical issues at the expense of some of our most vulnerable kids.

And a crisis on our border - but a crisis for whom? Haitian refugees are seeking asylum yet horrific images of border patrol show agents on horseback using reins as whips have shocked us all. Yet another wild week in Texas - join us to learn more about how to fight back.

Who’s running for Governor? We're entering the orbit of our next election cycle, still without a big-name Democrat declared. Considering the stakes, this is concerning for sure. We expect some word from Beto O'Rourke on whether he'll run - and notably, we still lack any women candidates in major races, which is surprising considering the terrific talent among Texas Democratic women. And at the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, we'd also love to see our Latinx powerhouse players jump in, especially considering recent Census data - people of color in general. Also, believe it or not, here comes ANOTHER special Lege session, with redistricting as the main event, presenting yet another opportunity for the Texas GOP to further cement its illegitimate advantage via gerrymandering and the negating of the power of our major cities and underserved communities. And, GOP antics around COVID continue - seemingly ANYTHING to avoid masks and vaccines - "freedom" at the expense of the safety and freedom of ALL Texans...almost NONE of whom are especially jazzed about the direction of the state.

Proud to present, as a special edition of the Happy Hour, a panel of some of the most incredible women representing the progressive movement in Texas for a discussion of the draconian new abortion restriction enacted last week in Texas: SB8. Texas Blue Action Executive Director Lana Hansen moderates a truly amazing group: State Senator Wendy Davis, Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas, Democratic nominee and Register@Vote founder Julie Oliver, Blue Action Founder and President Carrie Collier Brown, Blue Action Dems Board Member Michelle Moon-Reinhardt, The Honor Roll founder Kate Donaho, and Common Cause organizer and activist Katya Ehresman. What does SB8 really mean, is it likely to survive judicial review, how did it come to pass, and how can Texans fight back? Join the discussion AND the fight today.

What a week. Texas makes national news in perhaps the worst possible way - with the enacting of the most repressive restriction upon abortion since Roe v Wade, effectively suspending that almost 50-year precedent in Texas. The new law is confusing - because it is DESIGNED to confuse us, intimidate us, and further divide us. Meanwhile, get ready to see a lot more guns on a lot more hips across Texas as permitless carry also goes into effect this week. And, Texas teachers are now forbidden from discussing race and diversity in our public schools, putting our kids at an educational disadvantage and our state on a regressive developmental path. All of this seems crazy, until one considers it's all designed to please the GOP's far right, primary-voting base - at the rest of our expense. The Texas Crazy Meter is well into the red - join us as we try to sort it all out.

Producer Chris Mosser sits in for Saatvik again with Ed, Diana and Wesley as we dedicate most of this week's Happy Hour to an unhappy subject: the return of high COVID-19 numbers in Texas, compounded by Governor Abbott's apparent plan to make it as deadly as possible - not only for his own voters, but for the children of Texas, many of whom still cannot be vaccinated. What should Texas parents do? What should the mayors of Texas cities do? We're in the midst of a crisis of our own making, it seems - join the Progress Texas crew as we try to make sense of it all.

State Rep. Ana-Maria Ramos joins us this week live from Washington, D.C. as Texas House Dems advocate for voting rights legislation at the federal level. Ed, Wesley and pinch host Chris Mosser ask for an update on how the D.C. Dems are holding up, her take on the national press, the attention from the U.S. Congress they've gained, what's at stake - and what's coming next.

We're joined from D.C. by Texas State Reps Erin Zwiener and Gene Wu, who are among the Democrats who have once again broken quorum in the House to hold the line against GOP voting rights suppression - a brave move that is not without personal sacrifice and peril, and is also part of the defense of much more than just Texas voters - voting rights across our country are at stake. This is all a very big deal - we get down to what the real battle is all about.

As Governor Abbott's special session kicks off, the Happy Hour crew assembles to discuss the agenda - to start, what's NOT on the list: energy reform, COVID vaccinations, and expansion of Medicaid are nowhere to be found. And, what IS on it: Abbott's hostage-taking via his defunding of the Legislature's employees, new restrictions on abortion rights, and reacting to the Democratic walkout with another push for wholesale voter suppression. Once again, Texas progressives are called to action and encouraged to take inspiration from this challenge - listen for details on how to join us!

Texas Democrats staged a walkout at the Texas Legislature on Sunday, killing voter suppression bill SB7 on what was effectively the last day of session. They showed some real fight! And along the way sent a message to the nation: we will not back down. We revisit this story and more as Diana Gomez moderates a special edition of the Progress Texas Happy Hour with two of our favorite Texas lawmakers: Representative Rafael Anchia of House District 103 (Dallas), and Senator Jose Menendez of District 26 (San Antonio). We'll hear their impressions of the just-completed regular Lege session, as well as important issues like abortion rights, marijuana policy reform, why they think it was the most contentious ever, and what to expect in future special sessions.

Happy Hour time, and after last night and the last few weeks, do we ever need some happy! We ARE happy about the huge turnout and passion of all of our partners for progress here in Texas, including all the folks sporting beautiful shades of orange, and our hard-working Democratic lawmakers who are fighting the good fight. We find that the response to our common cause gives us renewed motivation to keep working hard for Texans. Still, the fight is grueling, and we've got Lege war stories from this week that we'll never forget, including the constant distortion of the rules and use of veiled racist "purity" language in voter suppression and abortion restriction bills by GOP leadership. The bad acting and misplaced priorities are astounding - and ever greater motivation to keep fighting against them.

Senior Strategist Glenn Smith joins the weekly Happy Hour crew for this week’s rundown of the crazy world of Texas politics. GOP efforts in the Lege to undermine voting rights are troubling and reminiscent of the Jim Crow era. Republicans also continue their typical attacks on reproductive rights – all of this even as the people of Texas demand action from lawmakers on COVID. We’re also now seeing the effects of racist Republican language about the pandemic, exemplified by Chip Roy’s tirade this week in D.C., in a rise of anti-Asian violence, which must be countered by all of us - “if one person is in chains, we’re all in chains”. On a hopeful note, we celebrate the huge progress under President Biden in the national vaccination effort, as well as the months-long sacrifice of most Texans to protect their communities - in spite of Governor Abbott’s attempts to undermine safety precautions. And the conversation on Matthew McConaughey continues – politically, where is he exactly?