Experts in the News

"The influence of Texas will grow, more than that of any other state," said political science fellow Mark Jones. He further stated the Texas GOP will now need to decide how safe or bold to be with the two new seats during the redistricting process.

Rep. Beth Van Duyne, the former mayor of Irving, Texas, has been called the political right’s answer to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Van Duyne is “just reflecting what the Republican base thinks about Donald Trump, and that is that they’re very supportive of him,” said political science fellow Mark Jones.

“There isn’t any evidence of [voter fraud], but the belief is very strong and thereby we have a lot of pressure among [Republicans] for their elected officials to do something about it,” said political science fellow Mark Jones.

The Texas GOP retained its House majority in the last election, and is in a position to draw tailor-made legislative districts that will increase its prospects of retaining control of the Texas Senate and House during the next decade. Political science fellow Mark Jones explained how redistricting works, whether it's transparent and who it affects the most.

Could last week's power crisis prompt a broader reckoning about the limits of Texas' anti-government, low-regulation philosophy? Not if its leaders' political ambitions and desire to differentiate themselves from the Biden administration are factors, said fellow Mark Jones. “Any time that Mr. Biden gives in to the left wing of his party, those will be opportunities for [Gov. Greg] Abbott,” said Jones.