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The State Fair of Texas, described as a celebration of all things Texan, is currently running through October 18 at Fair Park in the city of Dallas, where it's been held nearly every year since 1886.

However, while this massive annual state fair is known for being Dallas's signature event, the first official state fair in the state of Texas wasn’t held in Dallas, but rather in the city of Houston, on the north side of Buffalo Bayou.

In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, explains why the first state fair was organized in Houston, why the state fair eventually disappeared from the Bayou City, and how Dallas became the home of the state fair we know today.

Also, Rottinghaus speaks with a former journalist and long-time Dallas resident, who's been documenting the story of Fair Park and the State Fair of Texas, to get her perspective on the current challenges facing Fair Park and what's happening to address the problematic parts of its history.

Featured Guest: Myra Moore, president of Restore Fair Park

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Houston is a city that proves that if you dream big enough, reality will eventually catch up.

In this episode, Brandon Rottinghaus, a University of Houston political science professor and co-host of Houston Public Media's Party Politics, celebrates Houston's 190th birthday (August 30, 2026) by exploring the history of its city seal and what the train at the center of it represents.

Also, we hear him talk with a nationally recognized vexillologist and retired Houston judge, who explains the history and symbolism behind the city of Houston’s flag, why cities even have their own flag, and why some city flags become a part of a person’s cultural identity.

Featured Guest: Charles Spain, Former Justice on the Texas 14th District Court of Appeals and Vexillologist

You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org

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Who watches the people wearing the black robes?

Texas has more elected judges than almost any state in the entire United States, and with that much power comes the occasional scandal — From questionable gifts to courtroom outbursts and even judges claiming divine guidance.

In this episode, University of Houston political science professor and Party Politics co-host, Brandon Rottinghaus, dives into how the state of Texas disciplines its judges and how ordinary Texans can keep an eye on them before their bad behavior spirals out of control.

Featured Guest: Justice Ken Wise, Place 7 on the Texas 14th Court of Appeals

You can find more Texperts at texperts.org and houstonpublicmedia.org