The Focus Group Podcast S6 Ep25: Texas-Sized Scandal (with Eric Benson)
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Feb 21, 2026 Eric Benson, senior writer at Texas Monthly who covers Texas politics, breaks down the chaotic Republican Senate fight in Texas. They explore why John Cornyn struggles to connect with the base. They dig into Ken Paxton’s scandals and how they fuel his MAGA appeal. They introduce Wesley Hunt as a younger alternative and map likely runoff and turnout dynamics.
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Texas Is Many States In One
- Texas is politically diverse, mixing border, plains, urban, and suburban dynamics within short distances.
- That diversity makes statewide campaigns complex and shifting over time.
Non-Voter Surges Aren't Reliably Blue
- Recent elections showed non-voters can swing outcomes, but many of those voters backed Trump in 2020 and 2024.
- Eric Benson says it's unlikely Texas will turn blue soon despite past Democratic energy.
Cornyn's Big Bad John Routine
- John Cornyn uses theatrical Texas imagery like Big Bad John videos to appeal to the base.
- Eric Benson says those attempts often come off as awkward and 'cringe' to voters.