Texperts

Brandon Rottinghaus

“Texperts” offers short, lively primers on Texas government and politics—basically, the things you learned in seventh-grade Texas history and may have forgotten, or never learned if you’re new to Texas. Through conversations with political insiders and experts, University of Houston professor Brandon Rottinghaus uncovers how Texas government works, who makes the decisions, and why it matters.

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13 episodes
Avg 14 min
English

Episodes 13

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#13
Friday · 15 min
Texas State Fair
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The State Fair of Texas, described as a celebration of all things Texan, is currently running through October 18 at Fair Park in the city of Dallas, where it's been held nearly every year since 1886. However, while this massive annual state fair is known for being Dallas's signature event, the first official state fair in the state of Texas wasn’t held in Dallas, but rather in the city of Houston, on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explains why the first state fair was organized in Houston, why the state fair eventually disappeared from the Bayou City, and how Dallas became the home of the state fair we know today. Also, Rottinghaus speaks with a former journalist and long-time Dallas resident, who's been documenting the story of Fair Park and the State Fair of Texas, to get her perspective on the current challenges facing Fair Park and what's happening to address the problematic parts of its history. Featured Guest: Myra Moore, president of Restore Fair Park
#12
Friday · 15 min
Houston's City Seal and Flag
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Houston is a city that proves that if you dream big enough, reality will eventually catch up. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, celebrates Houston's 190th birthday (August 30, 2026) by exploring the history of its city seal and what the train at the center of it represents. Also, we hear him talk with a nationally recognized vexillologist and retired Houston judge, who explains the history and symbolism behind the city of Houston’s flag, why cities even have their own flag, and why some city flags become a part of a person’s cultural identity. Featured Guest: Charles Spain, Former Justice on the Texas 14th District Court of Appeals and Vexillologist You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#11
Friday · 16 min
Judicial Sanctions
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Who watches the people wearing the black robes? Texas has more elected judges than almost any state in the entire United States, and with that much power comes the occasional scandal — From questionable gifts to courtroom outbursts and even judges claiming divine guidance. In this episode, University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host, Brandon Rottinghaus, dives into how the state of Texas disciplines its judges and how ordinary Texans can keep an eye on them before their bad behavior spirals out of control. Featured Guest: Justice Ken Wise, Place 7 on the Texas 14th Court of Appeals You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#10
Friday · 10 min
Food Trucks
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Food trucks can be found everywhere in Texas, and they have, in many ways, become a part of the state's culinary culture. However, for many years, operating one meant navigating a series of local permits, inspections, and fees every time a truck crossed into a new city. And now, as of July 1, 2026, a new Texas law has taken effect that creates a single statewide health permit for food trucks, replacing the patchwork of city-by-city licensing. While this new law has garnered supporters, who say it will lower costs, critics have argued that it shifts power away from the cities. In the audio above, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explores this new law, what its supporters and critics are saying about it, and hears a Houston-area restaurant owner's own personal journey navigating the previous permitting system for food trucks. Featured Guest: Jafar Hajjar, owner of Fuzzy's Pizza in Katy. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#9
Thursday · 17 min
County Attorneys and Voting Rights
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The county attorney serves as the county's chief civil lawyer, handling various civil issues, including advising county officials, representing the county in lawsuits, and ensuring local government is following the law. Additionally, when voting rights are challenged at the local level, it's often the county attorney who defends election officials or helps guide the county's legal response. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explains what county attorneys do, which local election officials they work with, and how they defend the county from state overreach. Featured Guest: Jonathan Fombonne, Harris County Attorney You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#8
Thursday · 17 min
County Comissioners
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! If you've ever driven down a freshly paved road, crossed a new bridge, or noticed a sign that says, "This project is funded by your County Commissioner," then you've been made aware of one of the most powerful figures in Texas government. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, breaks down what exactly Texas county commissioners do and why their power shows up everywhere across the state, including highways, parks, and a whole lot of signs. Featured Guest: Adrian Garcia, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#7
Thursday · 8 min
Is it Illegal to Pick Bluebonnets?
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Texas's official state flower, the bluebonnet, was first adopted in 1901, and since then, Texans have joyously anticipated wildflower season. However, even with Texans' undeniable love for Bluebonnets, a legend surrounding the official state flower has long persisted – that it's illegal to pick them. Despite the staying power of this belief, state agencies have continued to clarify that it's not true. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explains why picking Bluebonnets isn’t illegal, breaks down the state laws surrounding them, and explores their history and significance to the state of Texas. Featured Guest: Andrea DeLong-Amaya, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#6
Thursday · 11 min
Lawyer Billboard Advertising
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Texas is known for its legal advertising billboards that many of us have undoubtedly seen while stuck in traffic or driving on the state's highways. However, contrary to what some may think, given the, at times, humorous nature of these ads, they are subject to very strict rules and regulations about the way lawyers advertise their services and the language they use. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, breaks down Texas's laws on legal advertising and what attorneys can and can't say in these billboards. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#5
Thursday · 12 min
Constitutional Amendments
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Texas has one of the longest state constitutions in the country — and a big reason why; it's easy to amend. Since 1876, lawmakers have proposed more than 700 amendments, and voters have approved more than 500. In elections held in November of odd-numbered years, Texans get a rare opportunity to effect policy directly by voting "yes" or "no" on constitutional amendments. These changes can cover: Billions of dollars in state investment, major tax breaks for businesses and individuals, and even banning certain kinds of taxes altogether in the future. In the audio above, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, breaks down the amendment process and discusses the importance of these amendments to Texas. Featured Guest: Alicia Pierce, Assistant Secretary of State for Communications at the Texas Secretary of State's office. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#4
Thursday · 10 min
Special Sessions
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On Monday, July 21, 2025, a special session of the Texas Legislature begin. The session aimed to address several vetoed bills, including a proposed ban on all THC products, among others. In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Party Politics, discusses special sessions of the Texas Legislature, why they're called, and who holds the most power in the special session. Then, Brandon gets the perspective of Mike Toomey, former chief of staff to Texas Governor Rick Perry and a former member of the Texas House of Representatives, who shares his thoughts on special sessions of the Texas Legislature, how they are prepared, and what he thinks about how legislators feel about special sessions. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#3
Thursday · 13 min
How Do Gubernatorial Vetoes Work?
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explains how the Texas governor's veto power works and why it's referred to as the "governor's gift." Also, Brandon talks with former State Representative Sarah Davis, who shares her experience serving under former Texas Governor Rick Perry and current Texas Governor Greg Abbott, explains the differences between their veto styles, and whether there's a way to ensure a bill doesn't get vetoed. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#2
Thursday · 18 min
Houston City Council
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Party Politics, breaks down how Houston City Council operates and explains the uniqueness of how the city is governed. Brandon also gets the perspectives of two individuals involved in city government, including: Emily Hydnes, a lifelong Houstonian and local government enthusiast, discusses her project Emily Takes Notes in which she attends Houston City Council meetings to take notes on them as well as archive past meetings. Then, City Council member Amy Peck, representing District A, explains what Houston City Council does, which committees she's on and what they do, the role of the council in relation to the mayor and other council members, and more. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org
#1
Thursday · 23 min
Biennial Legislature
Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, University of Houston political science professor and host of Party Politics breaks down why Texas is one of four states in the country that has a legislature that meets every other year, despite its large population and economy. First, we hear Brandon talk with Camille Lasin, the Chief of Staff for State Senator Borris Miles, who discusses what the chief of staff does and shares her thoughts on the legislature meeting every two years, as well as how that impacts the work her staff does during the session. Also, we hear Brandon talk with Dennis Bonnen, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who shares his perspective on Texas' biennial legislature, how a speaker of the house can help manage time effectively, and how to ensure that working relationships stay respectful despite the disagreements that occur in the Texas House. You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org

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