Breaking News from Pod Save America Breaking News from Pod Save America

Trump-Backed Ken Paxton Is TERRIBLE News for Republicans

May 27, 2026

Summary

The hosts analyze the Texas Senate primary, where Ken Paxton defeated John Cornyn, boosting Democratic hopes for James Tallarico in November. They discuss Paxton’s corruption scandals and Tallarico’s strategy to frame the race around systemic issues rather than personal attacks. The episode also covers Trump’s obsession with DC renovations, Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation, and the eclectic lineup for the Freedom 250 celebration.

Topics discussed

Ken Paxton defeats John Cornyn in Texas Senate primary Analysis of Paxton's speech and general election odds Campaign finance disparities and primary turnout dynamics Tallarico's strategy: Connecting corruption to affordability Paxton's scandals: Impeachment, adultery, and theft GOP establishment attacks on Paxton and voter alignment Challenges with Hispanic and Black voter turnout Trump's obsession with DC renovations and the reflecting pool Freedom 250 concert lineup and 90s nostalgia Tulsi Gabbard's resignation and RFK Jr.'s behavior
Listen ad-free on Castria