Election results and analysis (Nov. 4, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We devote the entire hour to examining the results of the 2026 midterm election here in Greater Houston and across the nation and discuss how it all might affect our region.
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Vikki Goodwin defeats Dan Patrick in Texas lieutenant governor race
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick conceded the race in a statement late Tuesday night.
Democrat Nathan Johnson triumphs in Texas AG race to replace Paxton
Democrat Nathan Johnson won the race for Texas attorney general, riding a blue wave that saw a sweep for Democrats in all the statewide races on the ballot.
Dexter McCoy leads Daniel Wong in the race for Fort Bend County judge
Dexter McCoy, the outgoing Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner, leads in the race for Fort Bend County judge against current judge Daniel Wong, according to unofficial election results as of Tuesday night.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3428: The End of the Password
Episode: 3428 The end of the password. Today, a secret we may no longer need to remember.
Democrat Jon Rosenthal wins Texas Railroad Commissioner race
The three-member Railroad Commission of Texas regulates the state’s massive oil and gas industry, overseeing everything from pipeline safety to natural gas rates.
Incumbent Mark Henry wins Galveston County Judge against Albert Smith
Mark Henry has served four terms as Galveston County Judge, touting his work to decrease property taxes and earning a perfect bond rating in the county.
Former Houston City Councilwoman Letitia Plummer elected Harris County judge
Plummer is the first African American to be elected Harris County judge.
Texas election results: Democrats take early leads in major Texas races as election results roll in
Democrats held early leads in several major Texas races Tuesday night, including U.S. Senate and governor. Here's where statewide contests stand.
Democrat Gina Hinojosa declared winner in Texas gubernatorial race
Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa has taken an early lead over Republican Gov. Greg Abbott as votes are counted in Texas. Abbott is seeking his fourth term in office.
Election Results 2026: Texas, Harris County and regionwide general election
Follow live 2026 Texas general election results for statewide and Harris County races, including the U.S. Senate contest between James Talarico and Ken Paxton and the Texas governor’s race between Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa. See vote totals and election results for Harris County Judge candidates Letitia Plummer and…
Election Results 2026: Texas, Harris County and regionwide general election
Follow live 2026 Texas general election results for statewide and Harris County races, including the U.S. Senate contest between James Talarico and Ken Paxton and the Texas governor’s race between Greg Abbott and Gina Hinojosa. See vote totals and election results for Harris County Judge candidates Letitia Plummer and…
2026 Election Results: Interactives of Harris County, Texas, U.S. Senate and U.S. House
Follow 2026 general election results in Texas, Harris County and across the United States with interactive election maps and real-time vote totals. Explore a precinct-by-precinct map of the Harris County U.S. Senate race, track statewide Texas election results and see how the results are shaping control of the U.S…
Houston pass Prop A, deprioritizing marijuana enforcement, banning no-knock warrants
The measure came after an increase in enforcement of misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Democrat Leticia Gutierrez leads Republican Mealer in the race to represent Texas’ 9th
Gutierrez’s lead could amount to an upset after Texas House Republicans redrew the district to be friendlier to conservative candidates. Republican candidate Alex Mealer, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump, had held a six-point lead in the polls leading up to the election.
Christian Menefee leads Ronald Whitfield in race for TX-18, according to early results
Menefee was first elected to represent the 18th District in a special election in January, held several months after U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's sudden death in March 2025.
Democrat James Talarico wins U.S. Senate seat, ending GOP’s 32-year Texas statewide winning streak
He's the first Democrat to win a Senate seat in Texas since 1988. He led a blue wave that broke GOP dominance of statewide offices for the first time since 1994.
Harris County surpasses 2022 midterm voter turnout with several hours left before polls close
Polls in Harris County and across Texas are open until 7 p.m. Voters who arrive in line before 7 p.m. will be able to remain in line and cast their ballot.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 3, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Hello Houston (November 3, 2026)
Today: We break down Election Day, discuss how to navigate family courts without an attorney, and talk with Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Nicole Zuraitis. Plus, Houston civil attorney and content creator Erika Harrison takes on “Five Simple Questions.”
Tarrant County Young Republican chair resigns, announces vote for Dem in Railroad Commission race
The former Tarrant County Young Republicans chair resigned after announcing she would vote for Democrat Jon Rosenthal over Republican Bo French in the Texas Railroad Commission race.
New restrictions at Texas Tech are changing what professors can teach
The rules have led to changes in course materials, prompted accusations of censorship and fueled pushback from faculty and students, including faculty departures, student protests and a federal lawsuit.
Abbott vs. Hinojosa: What’s at stake in the Texas governor’s race
Texas voters will decide Tuesday whether to give Gov. Greg Abbott a fourth term or elect Democrat Gina Hinojosa. The candidates have different plans for public education, property taxes and making life more affordable.
Election Day in Houston (Nov. 3, 2026)
On Tuesday's show: As voters head to the polls on Election Day, we check in with reporters at polling places around the city, remind you what you should do if you have to file a provisional ballot, and give you a last-minute voter’s guide.
Election Day is here. Here’s what Houston-area voters need to know
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. statewide on Election Day. As long as voters get in line before 7 p.m., they will be allowed to vote.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2763: Steve Jobs, Simplifier
Episode: 2763 The legacy of Steve Jobs, who simplified computers and computing devices. Today, the man who made it simple.
Texas urban counties prepare for legal fights ahead of Election Day
The state’s largest county saw protracted lawsuits and legislation after the last midterm election.
Health care access, ‘woke ideologies’ and property taxes: A pulse of Fort Bend County voter priorities
Over 271,000 Fort Bend County residents cast a ballot in early voting from Oct. 19 through Oct. 30.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (November 2, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Galveston City Council member charged with DWI, resisting arrest following Seawall Boulevard crash
Hardcastle was elected as the District 6 city council member in May to represent the western portion of Galveston Island. His term expires in 2028.
Hello Houston (November 2, 2026)
Today: We discuss the rising cases of misinformation spreading across digital platforms during election cycles, break down the key races in Texas ahead of Election Day, and talk with Houston filmmaker Keyatta Crews. Plus, this week’s “Producer Spotlight.”
Indicted ICE agent surrenders himself in Harris County court
Mario Morales is accused of striking Miguel Parra-Hernandez with his vehicle while on patrol as an ICE agent. A grand jury indicted Morales Friday morning. His lawyer argues the indictment is “political prosecution.”
Paxton and Talarico make final election pitches of U.S. Senate campaign to Houston voters
Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton and Democratic state Rep. James Talarico spoke as more than 1.8 million voters cast ballots early across Greater Houston -- close to a quarter of the early voting total for Texas.
Effective Transparency for Better Decisions
When More Financial Information Isn't Better
Paxton vs. Talarico: Five things to watch in Texas’ tight U.S. Senate race
A swing back among Latino voters, Harris County turnout and Republicans skipping the Senate race are among the trends we’ll be tracking as returns come in.
All 9 people aboard private jet from Austin killed after plane crashes in Florida
The Learjet 60, bound for the Bahamas, crashed in a residential area Sunday afternoon.
ICE agent indicted (Nov. 2, 2026)
On Monday's show: An ICE agent has been indicted for running over a Houston immigrant in October. We learn about the charges and what newly obtained body camera video and reports on the incident reveal.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1651: Specificity and September 11th
Episode: 1651 Specificity and understanding: Coming to grips with September 11th. Today, six weeks later, we think about specificity.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1650: Inherent Stability in 1916
Episode: 1650 Learning about the stability of aeroplanes in 1916. Today, we worry about airplane stability in 1916.
They spent more than a year inside a NASA hangar in Houston simulating life on Mars. Now, they’re finally out
The four crew members of NASA’s CHAPEA mission had spent 378 days inside a 1,700 square foot facility, living and working in Mars-like conditions. Their families welcomed them back to Earth on Saturday.
Texas A&M to open fully automated metallurgy lab, using AI and robotic workers to develop metal alloys
The laboratory, funded by a $2 million grant, is the first of its kind in western academia — touted as democratizing metallurgy while freeing researchers to pursue bigger-picture questions without worrying about the labor of polishing metal alloys.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1649: Fessenden and Radio Sound
Episode: 1649 Reginald Fessenden endows radio with sound. Today, we add sound to radio.
Meet the candidates in the race for Fort Bend County judge
The two candidates vying for the county judge seat bring different backgrounds and visions for the county’s future.
More than $2 million seized in Galveston-area illegal gambling investigation
Law enforcement targeted alleged illegal gambling operations with electronic eight-liner machines in the City of Galveston, Texas City and La Marque.
Galveston community mourns the loss of beloved sea lion Sam, known for ‘famous bark’
Sam, who was 12 years old, passed away while under anesthesia for a medical procedure earlier this month.
Ken Paxton’s political rise, from the Tea Party to Trump’s MAGA movement
Ken Paxton built a loyal conservative following long before Donald Trump entered politics. That support has helped him survive scandals, criminal charges and impeachment. Now he's counting on it to help him win a competitive U.S. Senate race.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 30, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Hello Houston (October 30, 2026)
Today: We get the latest on the demolition of Houston’s historic Kirby Mansion, talk with the Houston-based paranormal investigation team Ghost Hunting Beauties, and discuss breast cancer awareness. Plus, we share a list of Halloween events for “Last Minute Plans.”
ICE says its agent can’t be locally prosecuted for Houston crash. Legal experts disagree
An ICE spokesperson called the indictment a "political stunt" and argued the matter was outside local jurisdiction.
Emails show Trump admin paused part of Big Bend border wall even before a judge’s order blocking construction
Emails shared with Marfa Public Radio show U.S. Customs and Border Protection quietly paused construction on part of the Big Bend border wall a week before a federal judge ordered the work halted. A CBP official wrote that the internal pause stemmed from a lack of access to private land and a federal contractor's…
Houston’s historic Kirby Mansion demolished under new ownership
According to Preservation Houston, the new owners did not have a permit to demolish the building despite beginning to do so.
Tesla’s rocket-shaped Houston service map: The Good, Bad, and Ugly of the week
The Houston Matters panel of non-experts weighs in on stories from the week’s news and decides if they’re good, bad, or ugly.
Grand jury indicts ICE officer for striking Houston immigrant with vehicle
An attorney for the ICE agent said he plans to surrender himself to local authorities.
Could Texas Turn Blue? What to Watch in the 2026 Midterms
Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina delve into the latest news in politics
Texas judges on the state’s highest courts are on the midterm ballot. Here’s what to know
Texas' high court judges make rulings that change state law, shape crucial daily legal processes like child custody and, in the case of the Court of Criminal Appeals, decide matters of life and death.
Democrats ride THC ban backlash in race for lieutenant governor
Vikki Goodwin, the Democrat trying to unseat Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, is drawing support from hemp business owners who've become single-issue voters in the 2026 election.
Live from Meow Wolf (Oct. 30, 2026)
On Friday's show: We broadcast live from Meow Wolf Houston’s Radio Tave as the interactive museum celebrates its two-year anniversary on Saturday. And we break down The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 1648: An American Dirigible
Episode: 1648 Building a dirigible to get to the California gold rush. Today, some thoughts on success, failure, and flying to California.
Republicans in Texas Panhandle seek major change to ballot counting process statewide
The Potter County GOP wants a federal judge to require election administrators all over Texas to hand count every paper ballot cast before finalizing the results.
The Trump administration touts immigration enforcement push in Texas as Election Day nears
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin highlighted thousands of arrests while criticizing Biden-era policies and Democratic-led jurisdictions during a press conference that at times took on a political tone.
Texas parks department will open 2 of 8 oyster harvest areas in Galveston Bay
To open a public oyster harvest area, officials must determine whether there are enough legal-sized oysters, which are three inches or greater, in the area.
Halloween temperatures in Houston have been trending hotter. Here’s what the data shows.
Historic weather data from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration shows the city’s average fall temperatures have increased by about 4.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1970.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 29, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Texas AG’s office sues Harris County Clerk for allegedly running ‘racially discriminatory advertisements’
Paxton, who is currently running as a Republican in the Texas Senate race against Democrat James Talarico, has recused himself from the investigation, according to a statement from his office.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy charged with sexual assault of a minor
Details regarding the allegations against Cowley were not immediately available given the nature of the charge.
Hello Houston (October 29, 2026)
Today: We investigate the mysterious transgender advocacy pamphlets and texts that were sent across Texas, discuss a controversial campaign ad in Fort Bend County, and learn about a mobile health unit designed to provide care to women in rural communities.
Celebrity costume designer says it’s more fun making things for himself
Houston space suit designer Ted Southern talks about his previous life creating costumes for Broadway and celebrites in New York City.
Texas’ next comptroller will control $1 billion school voucher fund – and it could double
Called the state's "chief financial officer," the Texas comptroller will oversee, among other things, the $1 billion Texas Education Freedom Accounts program. The candidates vying for the role differ in how they'd manage it.
Panhandle Republican group wants all Texas ballots hand counted in the Nov. 3 election
The Potter County Republican Party lawsuit argues, without providing proof, that voting machines could be vulnerable. Texas law already requires a portion of paper ballots to be hand counted.
Texas General Land Office race is among the statewide races to tighten
The Texas General Land Office is the oldest statewide office in Texas, dating back to the days of the Republic of Texas.
Senders of mysterious trans advocacy texts and mailers in Texas must reveal themselves, judge rules
A Travis County judge says a telecommunications company and a Wyoming LLC must reveal who sent unauthorized texts and mailers advertising material from an LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Remembering Dolores Huerta (Oct. 29, 2026)
On Thursday's show: We reflect on the life and legacy of labor activist Dolores Huerta. And we discuss the increasingly difficult task of maintaining decorum in politics.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 2646: On Being the Right Size
Episode: 2646 J. B. S. Haldane’s “On Being the Right Size.” Today, on being the right size.
New World screwworm now detected from Texas to Arizona, with dogs and cats among latest cases
The flesh-eating parasite has now been detected in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, with 71 confirmed animal cases since June. Five newly reported cases involve four dogs and a cat.
Court dismisses suit against Texas secretary of state, DPS director regarding voter registration delays
The lawsuit by the NAACP, Texas NAACP, and Texas LULAC follows revelations that more than half a million voter registration applications were delayed in the runup to early voting.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 28, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Texas pumpkin prices rise following lower than average harvest due to drought
Areas around Lubbock, specifically Floyd County, saw moderate to severe drought conditions near the beginning of the pumpkin growing season.
Hello Houston (October 28, 2026)
Today: We discuss the alleged conservative takeover of the University of Texas, learn how University of Houston researchers are fighting antibiotic-resistant superbugs, and talk with the actor playing Dracula in “Drunk Dracula.” Plus, this week’s “On the Marquee.”
HPD says officers called ICE 88 times from July through September
The quarterly accounting is required by the city council, which approved the reporting mandate in April.
Dolores Huerta, influential labor leader, feminist and civil rights icon, dies at 96
Dolores Huerta has died. Her family says the United Farmworkers co-founder, civil rights icons and feminist activists in the United States died Wednesday at the age of 96
Abbott’s appeal freezes Hinojosa’s access to Musk emails
The records dispute comes just days before the Nov. 3 midterm elections. Gov. Greg Abbott is seeking a fourth term against his Democratic challenger, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa of Austin.
Houston to require better wages, health benefits for businesses receiving tax breaks
The tax abatement program is intended to spur economic development. The new requirements improve benefits for workers. The city has approved 20 tax breaks, including for Chevron, Kroger, Memorial Hermann, Halliburton and UPS.
Texas Nonprofit Hospitals Must Offer Charity Care, But Many Patients Never Realize They Can Apply
Thousands of Texans turn to outside help to navigate an often confusing application process for financial assistance. Many say their hospital did little to inform them.
Greg Abbott, Gina Hinojosa each post biggest fundraising hauls yet in final leg of Texas governor’s race
The third-term GOP governor’s burst of fundraising and spending was especially notable, signaling how seriously he is taking the once-overlooked race.
This Witte Museum exhibit leads visitors on a Texas culinary tour through time
The exhibit "Gather 'Round The Table: Texas Food Traditions" uses video, photographs and interactive tools to take us from 700 A.D. to 2026.
The week in politics (Oct. 28, 2026)
On Wednesday's show: We discuss the latest developments in politics in our weekly roundup and discuss local Halloween festivities.
The Engines of Our Ingenuity 3427: The Battery That Rusts
Episode: 3427 Batteries which can use iron oxidation to store and discharge electricity. Today, we examine how a process of nature can be harnessed to store energy in the modern world.
Hello Houston – The Commuter Cut (October 27, 2026)
For our busy Houston commuters, we have – The Commuter Cut – a special 40-minute version of our show to listen to during your journey home.
Former Texas health official resigns from top CDC leadership role just months after joining
Dr. Jennifer Shuford was tapped by President Trump to serve as the agency's deputy director and chief medical officer.
‘Behind closed doors’: The secret SpaceX deal and the lawsuit challenging it
Residents are suing Vermilion Parish, alleging that officials violated Louisiana Open Meetings Law to keep the details of the SpaceX deal from public view.
What to know about the candidates vying to replace Ken Paxton as Texas attorney general
With Ken Paxton stepping down after over a decade as Texas attorney general to run for U.S. senator, Republican candidate Mayes Middleton and Democratic candidate Nathan Johnson have been on the campaign trail since early 2025. Libertarian candidate Tom Oxford is also in the race.
Fort Bend County Judge Daniel Wong faces backlash over AI-generated video of Black voters
The judge's campaign took down the video after it sparked controversy online.
U.S. Supreme Court review likely in case denying bond to undocumented immigrants facing deportation
The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued its decision in the case last Friday. Most other U.S. circuit courts have ruled undocumented immigrants do enjoy the right to a bond hearing.
Hello Houston (October 27, 2026)
Today: We receive an update on the current state of the U.S. economy, discuss transparency over the use of Flock cameras, and learn about how humanitarian aid organizations are navigating current world crises. Plus, this week’s “Five Simple Questions.”
Harris County rolls out new ankle monitoring policy, promising 24/7 surveillance
Garcia said the new initiative is funded by $1.5 million appropriated by the Harris County Commissioners Court earlier this year.
Trump visits Lubbock and Corpus Christi as Republicans fight to hold Texas’ U.S. Senate seat
With just a week until Election Day, President Donald Trump is making his fourth trip to Texas this campaign season. At rallies in Lubbock and Corpus Christi, the president aims to boost Republican voter turnout and shore up support for U.S. Senate nominee Ken Paxton.
Gina Hinojosa wins court order to review Abbott-Musk emails, Gov. Abbott appeals
A judge has ordered the governor to let his Democratic opponent inspect unredacted communications with billionaire Elon Musk.
Texas early voting rate is slightly behind 2018, when Beto O’Rourke challenged Ted Cruz
The first seven days of the 2026 midterm election fuel Democratic hopes but leave Republicans cautiously optimistic.
‘Absolutely ridiculous’: Dallas still hasn’t received Republican midterm convention reimbursement
Dallas paid $800,000 to host the Republican midterm convention in September.
Election Challenge
What Happens if the Result of an Election is Challenged