The Daily Inside the Texas Legislature
Jun 3, 2021
Manny Fernandez, the Los Angeles bureau chief for The New York Times and former Houston bureau chief, shares insights on the tumultuous Texas Legislature. The conversation highlights a dramatic walkout by Democratic lawmakers protesting voter suppression efforts. Fernandez examines the disconnect between Texas's changing demographics — becoming younger and less white — and the ultra-conservative policies being enacted. He offers a perspective on the ideological rifts within the Republican Party and the growing influence of figures like Beto O'Rourke.
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The Walkout
- Texas Democrats walked out of the state capitol to prevent a vote on a restrictive voting bill.
- This effectively shut down the legislative session, highlighting the extent of Republican control.
Texas's Shift Right
- Texas politics shifted dramatically during the Obama years, moving from a moderate stance to a more conservative one.
- This shift was driven by a reaction to Obama's progressive agenda and the rise of the Tea Party.
Joe Strauss and the Bathroom Bill
- Joe Strauss, a moderate Republican Speaker of the House, effectively blocked far-right legislation in Texas.
- His opposition to the "bathroom bill" exemplifies his pragmatic approach and concern for Texas's image.