In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Sarah Steeby, Executive Director of the Napolitan Institute, to unpack the massive Democratic primary turnout surge in Texas, the hype around Rep. James Talarico’s U.S. Senate bid, Republican challenges uniting the base, and whether Texas is really “turning blue” in 2026.
Sarah shares unbiased polling insights on the economy, immigration, Hispanic voters, transgender issues in sports/bathrooms, the “10-10-80” voter split, and why fundamentals — not vibes — win elections. We also cover open statewide seats, school choice, border security, moms as a key demographic, and national trends like Iran and the economy heading into November.
01:13 – Hot Take: March Madness VERY Early Previews
05:27 – Sarah Steeby joins: Napolitan Institute polling trends & is Texas turning blue?
06:05 – Fundamentals that matter: Economy, immigration, cultural issues
07:40 – Democrat exuberance vs. Republican apathy — independent factors?
09:01 – Trump base energy, traditional GOP voters, and party unity challenge
10:24 – James Talarico effect: Charm vs. policy reality
12:32 – Early polling traps & why November changes everything
14:54 – California transplants, misunderstood Hispanic voters & strong borders
18:02 – Empowering parents: “Who decides?” messaging for Hispanics & beyond
20:45 – Top issues for open seats: Economy, personal finances, national security
23:30 – Moms of young families as a rising force in Texas politics
25:51 – Reaching the 80% in the middle: Common-sense, respectful solutions
30:22 – True moderates in politics — can anyone crack the code?
34:10 – Why common sense doesn’t raise money + media/data misalignment
36:04 – Open statewide races, Democrat legislative records exposed
44:46 – Prospects for substantive policy debates in 2026
46:22 – National outlook: Economy, Iran, and midterm risks for Republicans