I always tip my hat to Republicans for their ability to tie their brand so closely to the identity of Texas but it's also why they couldn’t escape the blame when the Lone Star State went dark. “I’m taking responsibility for the current state of ERCOT,” Gov. Greg...
Joe Deshotel is originally from Beaumont, Texas, but a combination of live music, politics, and natural beauty brought him to Austin in 2010. He has over a decade of experience in public policy that covers federal, state, and local government and has worked on a number of successful election campaigns. He continues to consult on Democratic campaigns and serves as the Chair of Austin’s Community Development Commission which advocates for affordable housing and solutions for homelessness.
Oil and Gaslighting: Texas leaders must acknowledge economic climate change
Texas has been a dominant force in the oil industry for over 100 years, but to remain an energy powerhouse our leaders must prepare us for a future where fossil fuels play a diminishing role. The Biden Administration has already shown its commitment to helping...
As more Texas legislators test positive concerns remain for Capitol staff
It’s been almost 3 weeks since the opening day of the Texas Legislature was overshadowed by the politics and subsequent reality of COVID-19. Staff, press and politicos speculated how the House and Senate might shape its rules to prevent an outbreak in the densely...
Gov. Abbott continues to thwart local officials amid COVID surge and vaccine rollout
In mid-November, Gov. Abbott declared that Texas was “in the ninth inning of our challenge with COVID” and balked at the idea of more shutdowns. His unfounded optimism came as hospitalizations and deaths were on the rise, a trend that has persisted through the third...
Gov. Abbott turns a blind eye to growing list of Texas police tied to Capitol riots
So many criminals and political outcasts are fleeing to Texas that it's starting to feel like the Old West again. A growing number of high profile arrests have been made in the Lone Star State for the “storming” of the Capitol on Jan. 6th including several with active...
Where is Greg Abbott? His Silence is Dangerous.
Gov. Greg Abbott’s silence on the siege of the U.S. Capitol is shameful and weak. Sen. Ted Cruz, Congressman Louie Gohmert, indicted Attorney General Ken Paxton and state Party Chair Allen West all played prominent roles in pushing unsubstantiated claims of election...
COVID-19 is No Excuse to Keep Texans Out of the Legislative Process
Access to the Capitol will be quite limited for the general public this upcoming legislative session. If it's true that democracy dies in the dark it’s especially at risk in a redistricting year when crowds of concerned citizens are not allowed to gather, while their...
Texas Republicans Must Call Out Donor Steve Hotze Before Someone gets Hurt
Steve Hotze’s website will tell you he is a “Physician, Radio Host, and Best Selling Author” leading a “wellness revolution”. But politicos know him as a controversial QAnon conservative from Houston who wields considerable influence with top Republicans including...
Why are Texas Republicans talking about secession?
Texas Republicans are flirting with the idea of secession again. The Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM) makes a periodic cameo in the press but this time they have a supporting cast of Republican officials. GOP State Representative Kyle Biedermann says he is...
5 Things Elon Musk Should Know Before Settling in Texas
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is leaving his home state of California for Texas. Musk said the “final straw” was local enforcement of COVID-19 restrictions at his Fremont manufacturing facility. However, he could also stand to save billions in potential...