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Battleground Texas

by FOX 4

The most powerful people in Texas answer their questions. FOX 4's Steven Dial, FOX 26's Greg Groogan and FOX 7's Rudy Koski talk to some of the biggest names in Texas politics about the topics that matter most to Texans.

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Episodes

  1. The Fight for the Lone Star State

    With the primary runoffs officially over, the Battleground Texas team breaks down the newly set November matchups, highlighting the fierce showdown between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, and how these high-stakes races could completely reshape the political landscape.

  2. Gas tax relief & primary runoff election

    Political commentators and guest policy advisor Charles Blain on Battleground Texas analyze the shifting political stances on gas tax relief, the strategic debate calculations between Governor Greg Abbott and challenger Gina Hinojosa, and the intense mudslinging shaping the competitive Republican...

  3. May 26 runoff & Texas data centers

    This episode of Battleground Texas examines the tightening GOP runoff races for U.S. Senate and Attorney General, while also exploring how the proliferation of data centers has emerged as a contentious new midterm issue impacting rural communities and state legislative priorities.

  4. SCOTUS rules on redistricting

    Political analysts and commentators on Battleground Texas discuss the upcoming Republican primary runoff between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, shifting polling data favoring Democrat James Talarico, and the potential electoral impact of a recent Supreme Court ruling on redistricting.

  5. May runoff, immigration policies & gas tax

    This episode of Battleground Texas examines the intensifying Republican Senate runoff between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, Governor Greg Abbott's successful leverage of state funds to force major cities to comply with immigration policies, and the political debate surrounding proposed gas tax...

  6. Congressmen resign, Talarico breaks records & more

    This episode of Battleground Texas covers a massive political shakeup including the resignations of Congressmen Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell, the record-breaking $27 million fundraising haul by Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico, and exclusive interviews regarding the ongoing military...

  7. May Runoff

    The latest episode of Battleground Texas features the Texas Trio analyzing the high-stakes May runoff between Senator John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, the potential impact of Republican infighting on down-ballot races, and shifting voter dynamics regarding Hispanic support and sanctuary city policies.

  8. Voter eligibility, latest polls & hemp regulations

    The Texas Trio tackles a new federal executive order on voter eligibility, polling in the U.S. Senate race between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, and the Texas governor's race, while featuring State Senator Brian Hughes to examine new hemp regulations and a legislative proposal to annex parts of New...

  9. Energy Dominance

    This episode features an interview with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on "energy dominance" amidst Middle East tensions and rising gas prices, alongside a panel discussion on the Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn Senate runoff and the "MAGA Mays" Middleton vs. Chip Roy Attorney General race.

  10. Gubernatorial Candidate Gina Hinojosa

    FOX reporter Steven Dial sits down with Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Gino Hinojosa for an exclusive one-on-one interview. Meanwhile, the Texas Trio weighs the political fallout from allegations against Cesar Chavez and analyzes how the war with Iran is driving up local gas prices.

  11. Poll numbers, AI ads and more

    Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski look at the latest poll numbers that show Democrat James Talarico is ahead of both John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. Plus, we're starting to see more and more political ads created using AI technology.

  12. Would Paxton drop out?

    Texas political reporters share the latest on the race for the U.S. Senate Republican nomination. President Donald Trump has said he will endorse a candidate soon and wants the other candidate to drop out. Ken Paxton said he'd consider dropping out if one thing happens.

  13. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem replaced

    FOX political reporters react the the news that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is being replaced. The news follows two days of congressional hearings that did not go particularly well for the head of DHS. Plus, Ken Paxton is reacting to the president's comments about wanting the U.S....

  14. Trump to endorse a candidate soon

    The Texas Primary election results are in and no one candidate for in Republican U.S. Senate race secured more than 50% of the vote. That means John Cornyn and Ken Paxton are headed for a runoff. But first, President Donald Trump is expected to give an endorsement and said he will ask the other...

  15. Election Day

    It's primary election day in Texas. Political reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski give a recap of the races and updates before the polls close.

  16. The day before election day

    Texas voters will head to the polls tomorrow to decide which Democrats and Republicans will represent their political parties in the November election.

  17. Trump, endorsements & early voting

    Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski talk about the president's visit to Corpus Christi, the endorsements that he has and hasn't given, and the final day of early voting.

  18. One day left of early voting in Texas

    Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski ask leaders the questions that matter to Texans.

  19. Polls show a tight GOP U.S. Senate race

    The latest poll numbers show a very close race between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton for the U.S. Senate Republican nomination. Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski share what they've learned.

  20. State of the Union, Dan Crenshaw & more

    Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski talk about the upcoming State of the Union address, as well as the political back-and-forth between the U.S. Senate candidates in Texas. Plus, Rep. Dan Crenshaw is seeking re-election in District 2.

  21. Surge in Democrats voting early in Texas primaries

    Through one week of early voting in Texas primaries, the numbers show Democrats are voting more than Republicans. Rudy Koski, Steven Dial and Mark Jones discuss that and much more leading up to the Texas primaries on March 3 in this episode of Battleground Texas.

  22. Joan Huffman, Spanish ads & more

    Politics reporter Greg Groogan interviews Texas Attorney General candidate Joan Huffman about her campaign. Plus, the Democrats for U.S. Senate were out and about on Thursday. James Talarico talked about his new Spanish language ad.

  23. Republicans for U.S. Senate in Texas

    Political reporters from Dallas, Austin, and Houston share the latest on the heated U.S. Senate Republican primary race between Sen. John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt. Plus, Greg Groogan talks to District 8 candidate Nick Tran.

  24. Cornyn, Paxton trade jabs as Texas Senate race heats up

    Politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski ask leaders the questions that matter to Texans. On today's show we break down a feisty Republican AG debate, look at recent comments from Republican Senate candidates Ken Paxton and John Cornyn and sit down with Rep. Al Green as he...

  25. Texas early voting begins, Talarico-Colbert Interview Controversy

    Early voting is now underway in the state of Texas. The Battleground Texas team talks to Gov. Greg Abbott about the midterm's impact on the state and Congressional candidate Alex Mealer about the race for TX-09. Then, they break down the recent controversy surrounding James Talarico's interview...

  26. Allred vs. Johnson & TX-32 Race | Battleground Texas

    In today's episode, Colin Allred is on the attack against Rep. Julie Johnson. The new ads that criticize the Congresswoman and how she is fighting back. Plus, a closer look at Texas' packed 32nd Congressional District race. Hear from some of the top candidates as early voting approaches.

  27. Texas GOP head on Republican turnout

    FOX political reporter Steve Dial sat down with Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George. He said he is confident GOP voters will show up when it matters most.

  28. Texas AG candidates & early voting

    In the Republican scramble for the Texas Attorney General's Office, only one candidate has the full backing of incumbent Ken Paxton. But Aaron Reitz is polling in fourth place. The Texas trio talked to him, along with Chip Roy. He and Mayes Middleton are polling first and second.

  29. Texas AG polls and talking to Sid Miller

    On today's episode of Battleground Texas, politics reporters Steven Dial, Greg Groogan, and Rudy Koski look at the latest polls for the Texas Attorney General race. Plus, they talk to Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.

  30. ICE, approval ratings & the polls

    On today's episode of Battleground Texas, the Texas trio talks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as possible legislation from Houston area Rep. Sylvia Garcia.

  31. Senate polling, Democrats & more

    FOX political reporters look at the latest poll numbers for the U.S. Senate primary race. Plus, they talk to the head of the Texas Democratic Party about Democrats being on the ballot in every state and federal race.

  32. Student walkouts and Nate Sheets

    On today's episode of Battleground Texas, the Texas trio looks at Gov. Greg Abbott and the TEA's response to recent student walkouts protesting the federal government's immigration crackdown. Plus, they talk to Nate Sheets, the agricultural commissioner candidate endorsed by the governor.

  33. Talarico's Super Bowl ad

    U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico is spending big bucks on an ad that will run during the big game. His Democratic primary challenger Jasmine Crockett explains her stance on ad spending. Plus, the Texas trio talks about the back and forth that happened on Wednesday between John Cornyn and Ken...

  34. Texas launches Education Freedom Accounts

    The Texas trio focuses on the launch of the so-called Education Freedom Accounts, the largest school voucher program in the country. Reporter Steven Dial talks to acting Comptroller Kelly Handcock. They also talk to Wesley Hunt about trying to make the Senate runoff.

  35. SHOCKING: Texas district flips blue, Cornyn on Senate race | Battleground Texas

    U.S. Senator John Cornyn weighs in on his race for Senate against Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt. Plus, a shocking special election flips a Texas Senate seat blue. Taylor Rehmet joins Steven Dial to discuss the race and what it means.

  36. Evelyn Brooks on Immigration, THC & more

    In this episode of Battleground Texas, the Senate seat is up for grabs as a veteran incumbent faces his toughest primary yet. And the redrawn maps are shaking up Congress, while a wide-open race for attorney general transforms the power structure in Austin.

  37. Wesley Hunt on no debates

    This week, the Texas trio discusses Cornyn's war chest versus Paxton's base. Plus, Wesley Hunt said he's willing to debate his opponents, but they've all declined.

  38. Polls, players & path to victory

    The Texas trio looks at the latest polls and catches up with several candidates whose campaigns are in full swing for the March primary election.

  39. Middleton's battle to succeed Paxton | Episode 42

    In Texas, there is no contest more ferocious and increasingly bare-knuckled than the four-way Republican primary battle to succeed Ken Paxton as the attorney general. In this week's episode of Texas: The Issue Is, Greg Groogan interviews Mayes Middleton.

  40. Jasmine Crockett enters Senate race | Episode 41

    The stage is set for the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Dallas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett will challenge State Rep. James Talarico.

  41. Chris Bell on why he's running for governor | Episode 40

    Chris Bell has joined the field seeking the Democratic nod to take on three-term Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Despite long-time Republican dominance of the Lone Star State, Bell believes there's now plenty of political blood in the water, and he's prepared to pounce.

  42. Bobby Cole for Texas Governor | Episode 39

    There are now four Democratic candidates for Texas Governor. The fourth candidate, Bobby Cole, sat down with FOX's Rudy Koski to talk about his campaign.

  43. Jasmine Crockett & Beth Van Duyne on the November Elections | Episode 38

    The dust has settled on the November 2025 election. There were no big surprises with Democrats picking up the New York mayor, Virginia governor, and New Jersey governor. California voters also supported redistricting. FOX's Steven Dial talked to Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Beth Van Duyne...

  44. White weighs in on border security | Episode 37

    The Texas trio interviews Andrew White, an "Independent Democrat" who is looking to replace Gov. Greg Abbott.

  45. 'Anti-Academic Freedom' Criticism | Episode 36

    In the latest session of the Texas Legislature, majority Republicans did far more than rein in the state's public universities. They've essentially grabbed higher education leadership by the scruff of the neck with oversight on curriculum and an outright ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion...

  46. Hinojosa's campaign to replace Abbott | Episode 35

    There's a new contender in the fight to lead Texas. State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat from Austin, is looking to push Greg Abbott out of his job. She sat down with Rudy Koski to talk about her priorities.

  47. New laws on protecting students | Episode 34

    In this week's episode of Texas: The Issue Is, the Texas trio reviews the newest laws effecting schools and students in the state.

  48. Virts talks state of Democratic Party | Episode 33

    A Texas Democrat pivots from the left in a high-profile race. Former astronaut Terry Virts is hoping for the Democrats' Senate nomination. He believes one of his prime competitors is just too far left to win the seat.

  49. Vikki Goodwin on Lt. Gov. Race | Episode 32

    State Rep. Vikki Goodwin sat down with the Texas Trio's Rudy Koski to talk about her candidacy for lieutenant governor, her vision for the position, and putting casinos and sports betting on the ballot.

  50. James Talarico on US Senate run | Episode 31

    Texas Rep. James Talarico threw his hat in the ring for the US Senate race. Talarico talked about his Democratic opponent, Colin Allred, and what he is hoping to change in the Senate. Then, a look at the Texas Attorney General race, including a talk with candidate Joan Huffman.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The most powerful people in Texas answer their questions. FOX 4's Steven Dial, FOX 26's Greg Groogan and FOX 7's Rudy Koski talk to some of the biggest names in Texas politics about the topics that matter most to Texans.

HOSTED BY

FOX 4

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Battleground Texas have?

Battleground Texas currently has 78 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Battleground Texas about?

The most powerful people in Texas answer their questions. FOX 4's Steven Dial, FOX 26's Greg Groogan and FOX 7's Rudy Koski talk to some of the biggest names in Texas politics about the topics that matter most to Texans.

How often does Battleground Texas release new episodes?

Battleground Texas has 78 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Battleground Texas?

You can listen to Battleground Texas on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Battleground Texas?

Battleground Texas is created and hosted by FOX 4.
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