The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers a packed rundown of the day’s major political, cultural, and geopolitical stories, with an emphasis on unfolding developments in the Iran conflict, the dramatic outcomes of the Texas primary races, and the broader political climate heading into November. The hour opens with Clay and Buck recapping key takeaways from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s press conference, highlighting how the U.S. is rapidly achieving total air superiority over Iran, degrading its missile‑launching and retaliatory capabilities at a faster‑than‑expected pace. The hosts note that America’s precision strikes are progressing so efficiently that Iran’s ability to wage counterattacks is collapsing, and they project cautious optimism about the trajectory of the operation. From there, Hour 3 shifts heavily into Texas political fallout following the Democratic Senate primary upset. Clay and Buck discuss the defeat of Rep. Jasmine Crockett by James Talarico, joking about liberal infighting and the optics of a white male candidate unseating a Black female candidate in a party that brands itself as championing diversity. They emphasize how Talarico’s victory emerged amid controversy surrounding CBS and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which declined to feature him unless Crockett was also given airtime under equal‑time rules. The hosts argue that Democrats effectively “rigged” the primary in Talarico’s favor and that his public record—embracing gender‑ideology extremism, claiming “six biological sexes,” declaring God “non‑binary,” endorsing open‑border immigration, and justifying abortion via biblical interpretation—will become a massive liability in a general election in deeply conservative Texas. The hour also revisits the stunning loss of Rep. Dan Crenshaw in the GOP primary, analyzing how his relationship with grassroots conservatives deteriorated. Clay and Buck highlight the looming showdown between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn, who finished neck‑and‑neck and now advance to a runoff that will determine the Republican Senate nominee. With President Trump yet to issue an endorsement, the hosts predict a brutal, high‑stakes contest loaded with national implications, especially given the narrow margins needed for Senate control. The program then pivots to the American political media landscape, discussing how MSNBC and other left‑leaning outlets are beginning to highlight rising gas prices as a potential line of attack against President Trump, attempting to tie short‑term oil‑market volatility to the administration’s Iran strategy. Clay and Buck argue that Democrats are preparing to weaponize economic fear in lieu of any coherent foreign‑policy critique. They analyze how persistent anti‑Trump sentiment has hardened into an identity for many Democratic voters, making thoughtful policy reassessment nearly impossible and feeding into distorted social‑media narratives that rarely match real‑world public sentiment. Crime and public safety also enter the conversation as the hosts reference new research showing Republican district attorneys dramatically reduce violent crime by increasing prosecution of repeat offenders, contrasting that with the failures of Soros‑aligned progressive prosecutors in major cities. Clay and Buck highlight significant crime drops in Washington, D.C., Memphis, and New Orleans following federal intervention—results they say the media conveniently ignore to avoid validating Trump‑aligned policy approaches. Hour 3 maintains a lighter edge as the hosts switch between hard news and cultural commentary, including a discussion of the U.S. men’s hockey team being celebrated across the country despite social‑media narratives predicting backlash. They also continue the recurring jokes about Clay’s new Tesla and Buck’s Pellegrino habit, using humor to balance the heavier segments of the day. The hour closes with a final look at the ongoing situation in Iran—where U.S. airpower continues to dismantle the regime’s military infrastructure—and a reaffirmation of their belief that the Trump administration and Secretary Hegseth understand the stakes and are executing the mission with clarity and discipline. With the Texas Senate race, national crime trends, and Middle East conflict all intensifying, Clay and Buck wrap Hour 3 by promising continued analysis and updates in the days ahead. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8   For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this short breaking update, Ryan reacts to late-night news that Rep. Tony Gonzales has dropped out of the runoff and will not seek reelection in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District. Ryan explains why the update was necessary after the Friday episode, which was recorded just hours before Gonzales’ announcement. He breaks down the political pressure surrounding the race, the controversies that defined Gonzales’ tenure, and why the congressman likely chose to step aside rather than face a potential landslide defeat. Ryan also looks at what this means for the future of the district, the role conservative voters played in forcing the issue, and what comes next for Republican nominee Brandon Herrera. This quick bonus update episode gives listeners the latest context behind one of the most talked-about primary battles in Texas politics. EMAIL RYANFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buck Sexton reacts to the sudden online buzz around Michelle Obama after her latest podcast comments criticizing the Donald Trump administration. Buck examines how media narratives and celebrity politics fuel the news cycle and shares his thoughts on public fame, political influence, and why he believes the focus should always be on the work, not the spotlight. Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!    Connect with Buck Sexton:Facebook –   / bucksexton  X –  @bucksexton  Instagram –   @bucksexton TikTok - @BuckSexton                                                                                   YouTube - @BuckSexton   Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist and commentator Joel Pollak, the opinion editor of the newly launched California Post. Pollak explains the mission behind the new publication and why its founders believe there is a large, underserved audience in California looking for a different perspective on politics, culture, and daily life in the Golden State. The conversation dives into the current state of California politics, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies, the state’s growing fiscal challenges, and controversial legislation affecting local governments and school districts. Pollak shares why he believes California is at a crossroads—and why he’s still investing his time and energy into helping shape its future. Pollak also reflects on a transformative personal experience during the Palisades fire that reshaped his outlook on community, politics, and rebuilding California. The discussion broadens into culture, family life, and what it takes to stay optimistic in uncertain times. To close the show, Pollak shares practical advice for improving your life—from the importance of daily exercise and boxing workouts to keeping a daily journal to clear your mind and unlock creativity. Topics covered in this episode include: The launch and mission of the California Post The political and cultural battles shaping California today Gavin Newsom’s policies and their long-term impact on the state The Palisades fire and how it changed Pollak’s perspective Why community rebuilding matters more than national politics Life advice: exercise, journaling, and building a meaningful life If you’re interested in the future of California, media, politics, and personal growth, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Leader of Iran? Clay and Buck explore the strategic vacuum emerging as Iranian leadership is targeted. They debate who could run Iran in a post regime environment, discussing exiled Persian figures, potential caretaker governments, and the historic role of ethnic minorities. A long section of the hour examines the role of the Kurds, their reliability as fighting partners, and their limits—especially outside Kurdish regions. Buck, drawing on CIA experience, compares the current situation to operations in Iraq, explaining how Kurdish forces were critical in some areas but could not govern Sunni or mixed ethnic cities. Clay adds an unexpected angle by noting that Nashville has the largest Kurdish population in the United States, shaping the domestic connection to Middle Eastern geopolitics. The hosts also address whether the Iranian people themselves have the will to rise up, citing messages from inside Tehran indicating support for U.S. and Israeli strikes. The big question, Buck says, is whether ordinary Iranians will seize the opportunity for a “Persian Spring” once the regime’s command-and-control structure collapses. Additional topics in Hour 1 include: The U.S. jobs report, which shows a loss of 92,000 jobs—a development Buck argues the media frames selectively depending on whether the news is favorable or unfavorable to President Trump. Gov't Spending Porn Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana joins the show to talk about the controversial DHS advertising scandal, the future of the Department of Homeland Security, the SAVE Act debate, crime and prosecutorial studies, geopolitical listener insights, and signature Clay & Buck pop culture banter. Clay and Buck ask him about the $250 million DHS advertising campaign featuring Noem, which Kennedy calls “spending porn.” Senator Kennedy talks about confronting Noem on questionable management decisions. Noem falsely claimed under oath that President Trump approved the ad campaign. President Trump called Kennedy personally, furious and insisting he never approved the spending or related no bid contracts. Kennedy signals major red flags involving: Newly formed companies receiving taxpayer-funded ad contracts. Potential ties between contractors and Noem’s associates. Possible obstruction of the department’s Inspector General investigations. Senator Kennedy on Noem’s Ouster, Perjury Concerns & DHS Corruption Questions. Kennedy suggests the firing was inevitable given mounting signs of: Misleading testimony under oath, improperly bid contracts, excessive self-promotional spending, internal dysfunction and IG obstruction. Although he avoids claiming outright perjury, Kennedy strongly implies a credibility crisis for Noem and confirms ongoing congressional scrutiny. The Future of DHS: Senator Markwayne Mullin considered for leadership. Clay and Buck explore potential successors with Kennedy, who praises Senator Markwayne Mullin as: Tough, experienced, and smart, a strong manager with real-world business experience - someone likely to be confirmed easily. This segment highlights Trump administration personnel decisions and the future trajectory of DHS under new leadership. Kennedy also discusses his bestselling book “How to Test Negative for Stupid and Why Washington Never Will”, which has spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times list. Securing Our Elections Brianna Lyman of The Federalist also joins as a guest to discuss the SAVE Act, legislation aimed at requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. Key points include: The current federal voter registration system runs largely on the “honor system.” Examples of non citizens voting due to lax safeguards, including cases in Georgia. North Carolina and 2020 House races decided by just a handful of votes, showing how even small numbers of illegal ballots matter. Approximately 80% of voters support the SAVE Act. DOJ lawsuits against states attempting to tighten citizenship verification. Procedural battles in the Senate over filibuster rules. Trump’s comments on potential negotiations surrounding the bill. Future of College Sports Clay is in Washington, DC today to participate in a White House college sports panel alongside Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, and others to address chaos in college athletics, player compensation, and the urgent need for congressional action. They discuss the booming world of youth sports academies, NIL money, and the future of competitive balance. The hour closes with listener messages about the Alamo anniversary, yard work etiquette in Texas, movie recommendations, and the promise of more updates on the developing conflict with Iran on Monday.   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 of The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show opens with Buck anchoring solo from the studio as Clay makes his way in from Washington, D.C. The hour is dominated by urgent geopolitical developments, major U.S. policy shifts, and fast moving military action as President Donald Trump oversees one of the most aggressive foreign policy operations of his presidency. The top story is the massive U.S.–Israeli aerial campaign against Iran, which Buck repeatedly characterizes as true wartime activity, even if some avoid using the word “war.” The hosts detail how U.S. and Israeli forces have achieved air dominance over Iran, systematically destroying Iranian military infrastructure, including missile launchers, drone facilities, and even a bunker used by Iran’s supreme leader. Buck emphasizes that the U.S. now exercises “total control” over Iranian airspace, and that Trump has ordered intensified strikes against the IRGC and Iran’s proxy network, including Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. President Trump’s recorded statements, played during the hour, highlight his insistence that no new Iran deal will occur without unconditional surrender, and his demand that Iranian security forces lay down their arms in exchange for complete amnesty. Trump also stresses that Iranian leadership figures are being eliminated with unprecedented precision, creating leadership paralysis inside Tehran. Clay and Buck explore the strategic vacuum emerging as Iranian leadership is targeted. They debate who could run Iran in a post regime environment, discussing exiled Persian figures, potential caretaker governments, and the historic role of ethnic minorities. A long section of the hour examines the role of the Kurds, their reliability as fighting partners, and their limits—especially outside Kurdish regions. Buck, drawing on CIA experience, compares the current situation to operations in Iraq, explaining how Kurdish forces were critical in some areas but could not govern Sunni or mixed ethnic cities. Clay adds an unexpected angle by noting that Nashville has the largest Kurdish population in the United States, shaping the domestic connection to Middle Eastern geopolitics. The hosts also address whether the Iranian people themselves have the will to rise up, citing messages from inside Tehran indicating support for U.S. and Israeli strikes. The big question, Buck says, is whether ordinary Iranians will seize the opportunity for a “Persian Spring” once the regime’s command-and-control structure collapses. Additional topics in Hour 1 include: The U.S. jobs report, which shows a loss of 92,000 jobs—a development Buck argues the media frames selectively depending on whether the news is favorable or unfavorable to President Trump. Kristi Noem's firing as DHS Secretary, with upcoming guest Sen. John Kennedy expected to discuss the scandal over a $220 million advertising budget and concerns about Nome’s testimony regarding Corey Lewandowski. Venezuela and Cuba, and how the Trump administration’s policies are reshaping geopolitics beyond the Middle East. Historical context on Kurdish oppression, including Saddam Hussein’s chemical attack on Halabja, and how those atrocities influenced Kurdish loyalty to U.S. forces during the Iraq War. Overall, Hour 1 delivers a sweeping overview of U.S. foreign policy, Middle East conflict, Iranian regime instability, national security strategy, and Trump administration decision making, all while teasing major interviews and deeper analysis coming in Hour 2. This hour positions listeners to understand the rapidly evolving situation in Iran and the global consequences of America’s military and diplomatic offensive.   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana joins the show to talk about the controversial DHS advertising scandal, the future of the Department of Homeland Security, the SAVE Act debate, crime and prosecutorial studies, geopolitical listener insights, and signature Clay & Buck pop culture banter. Clay and Buck ask him about the $250 million DHS advertising campaign featuring Noem, which Kennedy calls “spending porn.” Senator Kennedy talks about confronting Noem on questionable management decisions. Noem falsely claimed under oath that President Trump approved the ad campaign. President Trump called Kennedy personally, furious and insisting he never approved the spending or related no bid contracts. Kennedy signals major red flags involving: Newly formed companies receiving taxpayer-funded ad contracts. Potential ties between contractors and Noem’s associates. Possible obstruction of the department’s Inspector General investigations. Senator Kennedy on Noem’s Ouster, Perjury Concerns & DHS Corruption Questions. Kennedy suggests the firing was inevitable given mounting signs of: Misleading testimony under oath, improperly bid contracts, excessive self-promotional spending, internal dysfunction and IG obstruction. Although he avoids claiming outright perjury, Kennedy strongly implies a credibility crisis for Noem and confirms ongoing congressional scrutiny. The Future of DHS: Senator Markwayne Mullin Considered for Leadership. Clay and Buck explore potential successors with Kennedy, who praises Senator Markwayne Mullin as: Tough, experienced, and smart, a strong manager with real-world business experience - someone likely to be confirmed easily. This segment highlights Trump administration personnel decisions and the future trajectory of DHS under new leadership. Kennedy also discusses his bestselling book “How to Test Negative for Stupid and Why Washington Never Will”, which has spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times list. He shares: How the audiobook took 20 hours to record at his kitchen table. Why the book focuses on real Washington stories over policy lectures. How humor and storytelling connect better with readers than heavy political theory Brianna Lyman of The Federalist also joins as a guest to discuss the SAVE Act, legislation aimed at requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. Key points include: The current federal voter registration system runs largely on the “honor system.” Examples of non citizens voting due to lax safeguards, including cases in Georgia. North Carolina and 2020 House races decided by just a handful of votes, showing how even small numbers of illegal ballots matter. Approximately 80% of voters support the SAVE Act. DOJ lawsuits against states attempting to tighten citizenship verification. Procedural battles in the Senate over filibuster rules. Trump’s comments on potential negotiations surrounding the bill.   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show delivers a fast moving, personality driven mix of politics, economy, culture, and humor. The hour opens with Buck recapping major economic news, including the U.S. losing 92,000 jobs, a downturn the Wall Street Journal framed as both “unexpected” and “widespread.” The hosts analyze the Labor Department’s January report of 126,000 jobs gained—far exceeding economists’ expectations of 50,000—and dissect an unemployment rate holding at 4.4%, particularly the role healthcare hiring and the Kaiser Permanente strike played in skewing projections. From there, the tone shifts to lifestyle and culture, jumping into a long, comedic discussion comparing Miami weather to the colder Northeast, and how living in warm climates changes one’s perception of bad weather elsewhere. They debate whether New England fall foliage or Southern late autumn landscapes are superior, sparking a lighthearted back and forth rooted in regional pride. This leads to one of the hour’s most animated segments: the “leaf blower wars.” The hosts joke about early morning yard crews in Florida, resident “leaf blower addicts,” and even wild roosters roaming Miami neighborhoods. The conversation humorously explores community noise battles, neighborhood quirks, and the cultural anthropology of suburban landscaping. The leaf blower conversation becomes a pivot into rising gasoline prices, with Clay predicting a temporary spike followed by a sharp decline. They connect gas price fluctuations to political strategy, forecasting that Democrats will attempt to frame rising prices as a consequence of President Trump’s actions in Iran, while the hosts argue the opposite—pointing to expected stabilization in the Middle East and expanding Venezuelan oil output. A substantial portion of Hour 3 dives into Venezuela’s political and economic transformation following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The hosts describe rapidly improving safety, surging nightlife, and a revitalized food and cocktail scene—so much so that they jokingly predict Caracas could become the next major destination for American bachelor and bachelorette parties, similar to Cartagena’s rise in popularity. They credit “capitalist infusion,” increased government support for business, and normalized relations with the U.S. as catalysts for a surprisingly fast rebound. The conversation then broadens to the political implications of energy prices, especially in an election year, noting that high gas prices historically hurt the party in power. They cite historical patterns of summer price spikes and autumn relief, predicting that by August or September, gas prices will fall and lose potency as a political weapon. The hour touches on wider geopolitical tensions, Iran’s longstanding impact on global energy markets, and the administration’s mitigation strategies—while repeatedly emphasizing that President Trump remains in a very strong political position with a solidified base. Additional cultural and political threads weave through the hour, including: The controversy involving Mayor Mamdani’s wife allegedly liking posts celebrating the October 7th Hamas terror attacks, prompting discussion on media coverage, anti Semitic sentiment in NYC politics, and double standards in political accountability. Contrasts between public perception of violence in “blue cities” versus actual criminal trends. Lighthearted debates such as the best Joker performance (Heath Ledger vs. Jack Nicholson), nostalgic movie commentary, and personal anecdotes about fitness injuries, padel tennis, favorite foods, and everyday life. Later, Clay previews his appearance on a White House college sports panel alongside Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, and others to address chaos in college athletics, player compensation, and the urgent need for congressional action. They discuss the booming world of youth sports academies, NIL money, and the future of competitive balance. The hour closes with listener messages about the Alamo anniversary, yard work etiquette in Texas, movie recommendations, and the promise of more updates on the developing conflict with Iran on Monday.   Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts!  ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/   Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton:  X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Newman joins us to discuss the ongoing questions surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case and newly examined documents. Newman shares his perspective on the complex network of financial, political, and intelligence connections that investigators and journalists continue to analyze. The conversation explores how Epstein built his wealth, the alleged ties between finance and intelligence networks, and why many observers believe the full story has yet to be uncovered. David and Alex also discuss the challenges journalists face when investigating massive document releases and the role of media, government agencies, and international investigations. This episode digs into the broader questions about transparency, accountability, and how complex power networks operate in the modern world.   Timestamps: 00:00 - The Rothschilds Connection With Epstein 06:18 - The Financial Story Is Bigger Than The Intelligence Story 09:32 - Searching The Files & What Alex Is Finding 13:59 - Who Can Get All The Files Released? 17:25 - Sponsor: Black Rifle Coffee 20:11 - Will We Ever Find The Full Truth On Epstein? 25:03 - Where To Learn More About Alex’s Work   Sponsors: Black Rifle Coffee: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com/ Next Steps: - 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/ 📕 Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior - 📰 Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/ Follow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of A Numbers Game, Ryan Girdusky breaks down the numbers behind the Texas primary elections and why the media narrative about what happened doesn’t match the data. Ryan dives into the surprisingly strong showing from Senator John Cornyn, who led Attorney General Ken Paxton despite being massively outspent in polling expectations and facing intense grassroots criticism. What do the vote totals, spending gaps, and regional turnout actually reveal about the future of Texas Republican politics—and why might this race signal a coming leadership shakeup in the Lone Star State? He also analyzes the shocking defeat of Congressman Dan Crenshaw, who lost his primary despite outspending his opponent 9-to-1. Ryan explains why the loss had less to do with national narratives and more to do with candidate popularity, donor sentiment, and grassroots backlash. Then Ryan turns to the Democratic side, where state Rep. James Talarico defeated Rep. Jasmine Crockett in a high-profile primary. As the media begins portraying Talarico as a potential Democrat who could flip Texas, Ryan examines his record, policy positions, and the political strategy behind the party’s attempt to build the next national progressive star. Along the way, Ryan explores: The real numbers behind Cornyn vs. Paxton and why polling missed the mark Why Crenshaw’s defeat shocked Washington but not Texas insiders The controversy surrounding Rep. Tony Gonzales and his upcoming runoff The looming power vacuum in Texas GOP leadership over the next decade Why Democrats are betting big on James Talarico What the results mean for 2026 midterms and the future of Texas politicsFollow Clay & Buck on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuckSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.