Quorum Report Radio

The Girls Are Fighting. Again.

Quorum Report — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:40:00 -0700

"Channeling his inner Trump": Even though his actual fight over property taxes is with Lt. Gov. Patrick, Gov Abbott's political operation is threatening lobbyists' livelihoods over that issue while Abbott himself is threatening local governments over immigration enforcement. Harvey has a lot to say about both. Plus, the Republican runoff for Attorney General is red hot while the US Senate race now includes accusations of AG Paxton taking it easy on a child molester in Waco. Oh, and Democratic nominee James Talarico boxed in Sen. John Cornyn on gas prices this week. Come for the coverage of all that. Stay for Scott's graduation in Houston. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

From Small Town DJ to Leading Texas #1 Politics News Outlet: Braddock Marks 30 Years in Media

Quorum Report — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:00:00 -0700

This week on the show: Even he can't believe it, but it's now been 30 years since Scott Braddock dropped out of high school to start a full time career in Texas media. He started as a small town disc jockey in Brenham and worked his way up to run the essential news outlet for Texas political professionals, the Quorum Report, alongside Publisher Harvey Kronberg. This past year he and Harvey launched the state's new #1 politics podcast: Quorum Report Radio. Scott is in Houston today celebrating with family and friends as he receives an honorary degree from Houston City College. So in the meantime, we hope you'll enjoy this conversation with Comms and Coffee host Hector Valle about Scott's three decades in print and on the air. Our regular show will return next week. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Grappling with Grief

Quorum Report — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:55:00 -0700

On so many levels, the way Texans deal with grief was on full display this week. It was on the faces of the parents who testified about their daughters who were killed in Hill Country floods last year and it was in the outpouring of concern after the sudden death of radio host Chad Hasty. But our audience at Quorum Report really is a community that comes together during these times. I can't tell you how much it's appreciated. Meanwhile, Harvey has a warning about what the Texas budget might look like next session and Jen Rice at Democracy Docket joined the show to talk about what might happen in the immediate aftermath of a landmark ruling on redistricting. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Karma is a Mirror

Quorum Report — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:10:00 -0700

After voters in Virginia this week approved a new congressional map giving a big boost to Democrats, the Republican Party is now running behind in the redistricting arms race that started last summer at the Texas Capitol. We'll break it all down for you including some exclusive reporting on how some Texas Republicans in Congress were hoping state Democrats would block President Trump's "dumb" idea to redraw this state's maps. Plus: We'll go to Dallas County where Current Revolt's Tony Ortiz has been tracking the rise and fall of former County GOP Chairman Allen West. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Throwing MAGA Hats in the Trash

Quorum Report — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:20:00 -0700

Some South Texas Latinos who have voted Republican in the last couple elections are throwing their MAGA hats in the trash after President Trump posted an AI-generated image clearly depicting himself as Jesus Christ while getting in a fight with the head of the Catholic Church over the war in Iran. Plus: The immigration fight playing out now in Houston is coming to cities across Texas as Gov. Abbott threatens to defund police departments that don't cooperate closely with ICE. Evan Mintz, Opinion Editor at the Houston Chronicle, checks in about that. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Reaching a Boiling Point in Texas?

Quorum Report — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:40:00 -0700

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick raised eyebrows this week by going further than any other elected Republican has this year in describing the challenge faced by his party in the general election. Patrick even went so far as to say the Texas House majority is possibly in play. And yes he took a shot at yours truly as well. Plus, we'll head out to Far West Texas with Forrest Wilder, senior writer at Texas Monthly, so that he can fill us in on the latest in the fight over a proposed border wall through the Big Bend region. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Time to Clean House?

Quorum Report — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:50:00 -0700

We're not even really getting into the heat of the runoff elections yet and Gov. Abbott already seems to be slamming the door shut on any effort to expand gambling in Texas next session. The news comes right as Mark Cuban announces he regrets selling the Dallas Mavericks to the owners of Las Vegas Sands. Meantime, Texas House Democrats gathered for their retreat in Houston where there was an emotional send-off for a veteran of the caucus, Rep. Chris Turner. In North Texas, Republicans gathered for CPAC were warned about a "Talarico Takeover of Texas." Plus: A tribute to Texas Capitol veteran Ray Sullivan, who we lost to lung cancer this week. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Top AI Slop

Quorum Report — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 16:40:00 -0700

Should there be a "Top AI Slop" award for campaigns in Texas? It sure seems like it. We'll get into that plus Tony Ortiz at Current Revolt checks in from CPAC in DFW. And yes, we'll address what Rep. James Talarico said about meat. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

"Don't You Know Who I Am?"

Quorum Report — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:30:00 -0700

Crashing out: There are new calls for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to resign after she claims she was "manhandled" by Houston Rodeo staff. That's not likely to happen but some sharp Quorum Report readers were quick to point out that officeholders crashing out at rodeos is now a bipartisan tradition in Texas. You know what else is bipartisan? The growing pushback to the rapidly expanding data center industry in Texas and around the nation. Let's get into it. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Welcome to the NFL

Quorum Report — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 15:30:00 -0800

Now that he's the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Texas, national Republicans – and the ones around here – are wastin' no time working to define him as a "far left" Austin liberal. He’s trying to get ahead of that but Republicans are using Talarico’s own words to prove it. Meantime, Sen. John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton spent most of their week wondering if President Trump is about to shut down their GOP runoff by endorsing one of them and demanding the other quit the race. Plus, Tony Ortiz at Current Revolt stops by to talk about the confession by Congressman Tony Gonzales that he did in fact have an inappropriate relationship with his staffer who later committed suicide. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

A Speaker Race? Maybe

Quorum Report — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:45:00 -0800

Reporting from Deep East Texas this week: A Texas Senate race here is intriguing because it's the only such race in which Little Gov. Dan Patrick isn't overtly trying to hire a specific senator. We'll explain. Plus, bossman Harvey Kronberg checks in about how the primary and general election could completely change the math in the Texas House for Speaker Burrows, who's made the decision to govern by caucus instead of coalition. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Political Fires Across Texas

Quorum Report — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0800

Reporting from San Antonio this week: Big John Cornyn says the future of the Republican Party itself is on the line in this primary season that now features a former Senator buying Jeffrey Epstein's ranch and Sid Miller's opponent turning a debate into a public confessional about alcoholism, porn addiction, and infidelity. Meantime a Congressman faces allegations of an affair with a woman who later committed suicide and the Democrats are at each other's throats after a pretty boring interview was deemed "too hot for TV." It would be hard to believe all that happened since our last show, but this is Texas. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

From Bad (Bunny) to Worse

Quorum Report — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:20:00 -0800

The hatred some Texas Republicans expressed for the Bad Bunny Super Bowl Halftime show reminds me of the racism and hatred some Texans expressed decades ago when a legendary rock station in Houston flipped formats to Latin Pop. Then, as now, they sound angry and bitter. More significantly, they sound like the past while Bad Bunny sounds like the future. We'll get into that. Plus, faith-based groups are sticking with Attorney General Ken Paxton even while his wife divorces him "on Biblical grounds." And: Houston Mayor John Whitmire ruffles feathers at Austin and Dallas City Halls as he slammed them during his State of the City Address. Reporting from Houston this week, our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in H-Town.

Race to the Bottom

Quorum Report — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 15:15:00 -0800

Not even 48 hours after their historic win in Fort Worth, Texas Democrats were already at each other's throats in the US Senate primary with former Rep. Colin Allred all but calling Rep. James Talarico a racist and a pro-Talarico group slamming Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the first attack ads of the party's nominating contest. But are these the nastiest attacks ever seen in Texas? The boss, Harvey Kronberg, and Current Revolt founder Tony Ortiz join the discussion. Plus, we'll take you to South Texas where a Trump made the rounds trying to pump up Latino Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Full Circle

Quorum Report — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:45:00 -0800

This week, why don't we all have a conversation about why we are now in a place where federal immigration enforcement includes the deadly shootings of American citizens? How did we get here? After the ICE shootings in Minneapolis and the detention of children and tear gassing of protesters in South Texas, I can't help but think about the way a Republican President's administration 20 years ago prosecuted Border Patrol agents for shooting an unarmed man on the Texas-Mexico border. The difference between then and now is truly unbelievable. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Turnabout is More Than Fair Play

Quorum Report — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:30:00 -0800

Reporting from the campaign trail this week in Dallas-Fort Worth: As a potentially catastrophic winter storm bears down on Texas, Republicans and Democrats are going head to head in a special election in deep red Tarrant County that even Little Gov. Dan Patrick thinks the GOP could lose. As Patrick said, Democrats might pull off an upset victory because it's something Republicans were able to do in a special election in South Texas a few years ago. Plus: Where the hell is Wes Hunt? One of the things he's doing is running from reporters who want to know why he isn't showing up for work in DC. And, my conversation with legendary Texas defense attorney Dan Cogdell, who defended AG Paxton during the impeachment. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Enemies, Dance Partners, or Fake BS? Must be Texas Primary Season

Quorum Report — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:30:00 -0800

Reporting this week from Houston: The Republican primary for Texas Attorney General includes talk of fighting the "dark forces of the left" and making state government the enforcer of biblical values. Reporter Jen Rice checks in about the governor's plan for the state to take over Houston elections. And we check on the Uvalde families seeking at least a small slice of justice following the massacre at Robb Elementary School. NBC News Correspondent Ryan Chandler joins us about that. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Rude Awakenings

Quorum Report — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:30:38 -0800

The year begins with unrest around the world after US Military action in Venezuela and an ICE shooting in the Midwest that's reverberating on the campaign trail in the Great State with less than six weeks to go before early voting starts in one of the most consequential elections on Earth: The Texas primary. Plus, President Trump kind of admits what the whole redistricting war that started in Texas was really about. And no, I do not hate any of the candidates running even though some of y'all wish I did. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston.

A Christmas Miracle

Quorum Report — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800

It's a Christmas extravaganza this week as we close out the year with a debate about ketchup on tamales with Chad Hasty, check in with my mother about her favorite songs of the season, and a Christmas Miracle as Dan Patrick brings a voice of reason to the debate over property taxes. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

"You're Too Sweet for Rock 'n' Roll"

Quorum Report — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Democrats who were hoping they could avoid what's sure to be a nasty US Senate primary in Texas are about to find out if they've got the stomach for it. We'll take you to Rep. Jasmine Crockett's launch event in Dallas and you'll get some historical perspective on how combative candidates have fared in Texas. Plus the redistricting wars that started at the Capitol in Austin at the behest of President Trump may end up being a wash, which might mean Democrats won't get as much national help as they otherwise could have as they try to defend seats south of Interstate 10. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

A Standoff with Socialism or a Love Fest?

Quorum Report — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

The way President Trump and New York Mayor-elect Mamdani's meeting at the White House went this week—not a fight but nearly a love fest—tells you that the MAGA right and the far left Democratic socialists largely fundamentally agree about the number one issue informing voter attitudes right now: The state of the economy. Plus, the Democrats had a big win on redistricting this week but what happens next? Let's review some of the way it played out at the Capitol. And yes our listeners are right that there are plenty of quality Thanksgiving songs to jam out to before cranking up the Christmas tunes. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Up in Smoke? Not So Fast

Quorum Report — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Panicked headlines across America and Texas as Congress dealt what many say is a lethal blow to the hemp industry. But our friend Susan Hays, an attorney who's become an expert on the subject, joined the show to say everyone should take a breath and she stressed this is a much longer game than most are saying. Plus, Rep. Tony Gonzales is now sort of addressing rumors about the apparent suicide of one of his staffers. And is Mike Collier's decision to run for Lt. Gov. as an independent going to screw Democrats out of a statewide win next year? There's a previous election we can look at for some perspective. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Hate the Game, Not the Player

Quorum Report — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

The game is certainly afoot now, with Governors Gavin Newsom and JB Pritzker rallying Democrats in Texas while Gov. Abbott announces his reelection. Meantime, "Big John" Cornyn is in the fight of his political life. Driving across Texas to cover it all this weekend led to a broken windshield for me right as Rep. Jasmine Crockett gave her clearest explanation yet as to why she might run for US Senate. No kidding, a rock hit my windshield right as I was listening to her explain herself. Plus: Why does no one believe Lt. Gov. Patrick when he says he's running for reelection? Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Go Ahead and Read Too Much Into It

Quorum Report — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

After a special election in an off year, the reminder is always to never read too much into the results. But my reminder to myself is there's no way to get y'all to avoid doing that, so let's talk about it all. One key race in Tarrant County may speak to a serious and potentially durable enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans. Plus, Texas House Democrats appear to have helped California Gov. Gavin Newsom in his effort to counter Texas redistricting. Oh, and Evan thinks it's way too early to be playing Christmas music in stores or anywhere else. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Water and Fire

Quorum Report — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The race for US Senate in Texas may be turned upside down if Rep. Jasmine Crockett jumps into the Democratic primary. Crockett says she may seriously consider it if the courts uphold the newly drawn congressional map demanded by President Trump. But we start with growing concerns that a proposal to fund critical water infrastructure projects across Texas may fail at the ballot box. Plus: After blocking legislation in the Texas Senate to address altered images in campaigns, Patrick was railing this week against an altered image in a Texas Senate campaign that he said is "satanic." Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Bonus Episode: Why Texas Political Pros Rely on Quorum Report

Quorum Report — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Our publisher, serial entrepreneur Harvey Kronberg recently appeared on the Changing Austin Podcast to talk about where Quorum Report has been and where we're going: "Since joining the Quorum Report in 1989 as a contract writer, Harvey Kronberg has become a trusted voice in Texas politics. In this episode of the Changing Austin podcast, Stacy Armijo sits down with Kronberg for a candid conversation about how Austin has evolved over the past four decades. From its laid-back “slacker” reputation in the 1970s to its transformation into a booming tech and policy hub, Kronberg shares first hand stories from the frontlines of Texas journalism and politics." Check it out.

God and Queso

Quorum Report — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In Texas politics, two things have the unique ability to inspire candidates: God and queso. But if the queso is bland, it might say something about the candidate. And if someone says God told them to run for office, watch out. We now have potentially nasty statewide Democratic primaries shaping up in addition to the GOP primaries that are already heated. As those campaigns got rolling, Democratic activists took to the streets of Texas cities as small as Brenham and as big as Dallas and Houston to protest against President Trump's Administration. And why are some Texas Democrats saying their new state party chairman sounds like Donald Trump? Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

"The Biggest Asshole in the Texas House"

Quorum Report — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Only in Texas politics could you call someone "the biggest asshole" and it's in defense of that person. You'll want to hear what that has to do with a White House call to the Texas GOP this weekend and what Speaker Dustin Burrows' comments to the Republican Party might mean for the operations of the House. Then you'll get the scoop from El Paso, where the redistricting battle that led to a smackdown at the Texas Capitol this summer is now playing out in a federal courtroom. Jen Rice was one of the only reporters to hear all the arguments. She'll check in. Plus: What is Congressman Wes Hunt really doing with his bid for the US Senate? Some newly resurfaced audio of him might provide a clue. And Gov. Abbott's pissed at Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who spent some of the week mocking the Texas National Guard deployment in Chicago and baiting Abbott into a bit of a debate involving hot dogs. Yes, really. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

"Then Shut it Down"

Quorum Report — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

You know, the way a government shutdown was handled in a fictional TV show years ago seemed to be more serious than the way it's being handled by leaders in Washington in real life now. Quorum Report Publisher Harvey Kronberg has the scoop on how the issue at the center of the shutdown could affect competitive elections in Texas next year. But, we start with a disturbing story out of South Texas, where a congressional staffer appears to have committed suicide by setting herself on fire. That was the original reporting of Tony Ortiz at currentrevolt.com, who stopped in with the latest. Plus, the FDA moves forward with approval of another generic abortion pill right as Texas lawmakers crack down on those medications and some women in the Legislature become much more vocal about struggles with infertility. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer, and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

Be For Real

Quorum Report — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

This week: The rumors just won't die about a possible third special session of the Texas Legislature in Austin. But what would even be left for them to tackle this year? You'll get real talk about that. Plus, more finger-pointing after the deadly shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas, where a conservative media star suggested Fox News likely wouldn't even cover the story if it turned out the shooter's politics were right wing. And Quorum Report publisher Harvey Kronberg weighs in on Attorney General Ken Paxton's warnings to colleges and universities in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer, and the original music for the show is by Checkmayne in Houston.

OG Ted Cruz to the Rescue, Sort Of

Quorum Report — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Sen. Ted Cruz surprised his haters this week by going back to his roots as a "rock-ribbed constitutional conservative" arguing the FCC Chairman sounded like a gangster who threatened ABC, pressuring the network to fire Jimmy Kimmel for comments about MAGA and Charlie Kirk. These things don't happen in a vacuum. And even though Kimmel is returning to TV after government threats, the erosions of free speech are everywhere, from the Capitol in Austin to the one in DC. Plus, Quorum Report Publisher Harvey Kronberg says there's plenty of irony to be found in the legislative response following the killing of Kirk. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer, who reminds you to subscribe to the show today and tell three friends about it so they'll each turn around and tell three friends about it. It's part of his scheme to make us number one.

Braddock's Back, Alright

Quorum Report — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700

With the assassination of Charlie Kirk as the backdrop, I got a stark personal reminder of the stakes in the aftermath of last week's shooting in Utah. Returning to the microphone, an open and honest dialogue about this whole issue is warranted and I hope this episode can be a start. Plus, Quorum Report Publisher Harvey Kronberg weighs in on the newest entrant in the race for US Senate, James Talarico. And we visited with our friend Mark Davis about the ongoing battle over THC. Our producer is the famous Evan Sherer and the original music is by Checkmayne in Houston. Check it out.