Texas journalist Christopher Hooks discusses the upcoming Texas Senate race on a podcast, noting that despite long odds, Democrats still have a chance due to Republican candidate Ken Paxton's controversial history and the appeal of Democratic candidate James Talarico among some Trump voters. Hooks also touches on potential shifts in voter sentiment for governor and mentions opportunities related to data centers and surveillance technology that could sway certain groups of voters.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-12,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Veteran Texas journalist Christopher Hooks discusses the ongoing Texas Senate race with Sarah Longwell on her podcast *Something's Happening in Texas*. Despite long odds, Democrats have a chance due to Republican nominee Ken Paxton's controversial history within the state party and Democratic candidate James Talarico's appeal. The conversation explores voter sentiment among Trump supporters regarding Talarico and the possibility of increased competitiveness in the upcoming governor's race. Hooks also highlights new opportunities for Democrats to win over disaffected Trump voters through issues like data centers and surveillance technology, specifically mentioning Flock cameras.
Written for “Texas Storm Emergency” on 2026-09-12,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
The article's own words the score was based on. Each is quoted
verbatim and was checked against the article text before being
stored, so you can find it in the original.
Leaning score -0.30 for article 8223 (high confidence, 2 verified quotes) · logged 2026-09-12
Something's Happening in Texas (with Chris Hooks)
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Something → happen → Hooks
Against all odds, Democrats still have a chance in the Texas Senate race.
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Democrats → have → race
Against all odds, Democrats still have a chance in the Texas Senate race.
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Democrats → have → race
Veteran Texas journalist Christopher Hooks of Texas Monthly joins Sarah to talk about Ken Paxton's sordid history in Texas Republican politics, how Texas Trump voters are responding to James Talarico, whether the race for governor may turn competitive, and how data centers and Flock surveillance cameras are presenting an opportunity to recapture some disaffected Trump voters.
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centers → join → voters
Chris Hooks: Ken Paxton Now Has to Do the Unthinkable:
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Paxton → do → Unthinkable
Just announced: Pete Buttigieg is joining the gang—Tim, Sarah, JVL and Sam—for Bulwark LIVE: Charlotte at the Carolina Theatre on October 18.
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Buttigieg → announce → October
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subscription → get → Podcast
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who → help → membership
