The week before Labor Day is normally a relatively quiet one in the world of politics. Congress is out of session. On the years the state legislature is in session, its work is usually long since over. And local officials, like so many of us, try to take vacations around this time of year.
But not in 2023. Not when there are hundreds of new laws taking effect, an impeachment trial for a suspended attorney general and another arraignment for our former president both scheduled for next week. And, oh yeah, an election for mayor, controller, and city council a little more than two months away.
It is, in fact, an uncharacteristically busy week. In the audio above, on our regular Wednesday political roundup, we seek clarity and context from University of Houston political science lecturer Nancy Sims, and UH Associate Professor of Political Science, Beth Simas.
Topics include: new state laws being challenged in court, how the Paxton impeachment trial continues to impact the Houston mayor’s race, reaction to Houston being selected to host the 2028 Republican National Convention, the GOP presidential race, and a push by the House Freedom Caucus to pressure House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Plus: a discussion about political campaigns and music, and how past ppoliticresidents have responded to natural disasters.