Nov 3, 2026 · 48 min
Texas race tests Republican turnout and national stakes
Best of the Program | Guests: AG Ken Paxton & Rep. Chip Roy | 11/3/26
The episode treats a close Texas Senate contest as a test of conservative priorities, Republican voter enthusiasm, and the party’s broader Electoral College position.
- 1Chip Roy argues Republican frustration must not suppress turnout in a race centered on border security and conservative priorities.
- 2Ken Paxton presents the Texas contest as decisive for election integrity, constitutional issues, and national conservative policy.
- 3Steve Deace’s early-voting analysis flags Texas and Ohio as more concerning than Michigan and Iowa while criticizing Paxton’s campaign message.
Don't miss
Steve Deace’s forecast connects Texas’s Senate race to Republican presidential and Electoral College prospects while questioning Paxton’s campaign message.
The brief
Glenn Beck opens with warnings about cyberattacks and vulnerable connected devices, then turns to Election Day risks and the need for public vigilance.
Chip Roy describes Republican turnout as the immediate challenge in Texas, arguing that disappointment with the party cannot outweigh stakes involving the border, the economy, and conservative priorities.
Ken Paxton casts his Senate race against James Talarico as decisive for Texas and the country, tying the contest to border policy, constitutional issues, and election-integrity legislation.
Steve Deace offers a less reassuring forecast: Texas and Ohio look vulnerable in his early-voting analysis, while Paxton’s campaign lacks a compelling affirmative message.
The discussion ultimately links Texas to the Republican presidential map, arguing that losing the state would carry consequences far beyond one Senate contest.
Books & mentions
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.