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 Previews05:27 – Sarah Steeby joins: Napolitan Institute polling trends & is Texas turning blue?06:05 – Fundamentals that matter: Economy, immigration, cultural issues07:40 – Democrat exuberance vs. Republican apathy — independent factors?09:01 – Trump base energy, traditional GOP voters, and party unity challenge10:24 – James Talarico effect: Charm vs. policy reality12:32 – Early polling traps & why November changes everything14:54 – California transplants, misunderstood Hispanic voters & strong borders18:02 – Empowering parents: "Who decides?" messaging for Hispanics & beyond20:45 – Top issues for open seats: Economy, personal finances, national security23:30 – Moms of young families as a rising force in Texas politics25:51 – Reaching the 80% in the middle: Common-sense, respectful solutions30:22 – True moderates in politics — can anyone crack the code?34:10 – Why common sense doesn't raise money + media/data misalignment36:04 – Open statewide races, Democrat legislative records exposed44:46 – Prospects for substantive policy debates in 202646:22 – National outlook: Economy, Iran, and midterm risks for Republicans
