The Gist Kevin Williamson: The Psychotic State of Texas Politics
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May 11, 2026 
Kevin Williamson, National correspondent and columnist for The Dispatch, offers crisp commentary on Texas politics. He dissects the Cornyn–Paxton primary and the Democrats’ nominee choice. He explores suburban-driven populism, in-group radicalization, cultural identity anxieties, and how economic and social change are reshaping the state’s political coalitions.
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In-Group Radicalization Has Remade Texas Republicans
- Texas Republican politics have undergone in-group radicalization that rewards ever-more puritanical displays of party loyalty.
- Kevin Williamson ties this to a single-party environment where distinguishing oneself requires embracing extreme party-line positions, producing a crazier party over 20 years.
Ken Paxton's Impeachment Didn't Stop His Surge
- Ken Paxton is cast as a larger-than-life corrupt character who survived impeachment and leads John Cornyn in polls.
- Williamson recounts Paxton's scandals, impeachment, and an eight-point lead heading into the May runoff.
Gentle Temperament Can Be A Liability In Texas
- Democrats nominated James Tallarico, a conciliatory, religiously devout candidate, after defeating Jasmine Crockett.
- Williamson argues Tallarico's temperament may hurt him against a bombastic opponent like Paxton despite policy alignment.