Here’s the Scoop, Election Edition: Will Democrats (Finally) Turn Texas Blue?
Summary
NBC’s “Here Is the Scoop” election edition examines the competitive 2026 Texas midterms, featuring interviews with Democratic candidates James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa. The episode analyzes whether demographic shifts and economic concerns can finally flip the state blue, focusing on key issues like data center regulations, public schools, and immigration. Host Garrett Haake also speaks with Texas Tribune editor Matthew Watkins to compare these races to the 2018 Beto O’Rourke campaign and assess the impact of the flawed Republican ticket.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Texas midterm election special
Garrett Hake introduces the show and Texas political history
Senate race: James Talarico vs. Ken Paxton and polling
Governor's race: Gina Hinojosa vs. Greg Abbott
Sponsor reads and commercial breaks
Interview with Gina Hinojosa: Background and motivation
Hinojosa on data centers and Abbott's policy shift
Balancing tech industry growth with state protections
Strategy: Avoiding culture wars and focusing on economy
Hinojosa's brand and the 2018 midterm comparison
Overcoming Abbott's spending advantage in polls
Activating Latino voters in the Rio Grande Valley
Latino vote trends and the impact of ICE raids
Hinojosa's stance on ICE accountability and transparency
Sponsor reads and transition to second segment
Interview with Matthew Watkins: Why Texas is hard for Dems
Economic issues vs. culture wars in the 2026 cycle
Backlash against ICE and the shifting Latino vote
Polling numbers and demographic shifts in rural Texas
Comparing Talarico to Beto O'Rourke's 2018 campaign
Ken Paxton's flaws and the anti-Talarico strategy
Rural voter anger and the potential for stay-home votes
Talarico's relationship with the African American vote
Final predictions and the influence of Joe Rogan
Outro and preview of next week's election security episode
Listen ad-free on Castria