Joe Rogan is cautioning liberals who want to make Texas a Democratic stronghold, arguing that a political shift too far left could undermine the qualities that have made the state — especially Austin — such a magnet for newcomers.
The podcast host, who left Los Angeles for Austin in 2020, said the Texas capital works because it blends progressive local culture with the influence of a largely conservative state, a contrast he suggested creates an unusually appealing balance.
During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan pushed back on what he described as outdated assumptions about Texas among “coastal elites.”
“They have this idea of it being filled with rednecks and ignorant people and foolish people,” he said. “It’s not that way at all.”
Rogan said Austin stands apart from much of the state politically, calling it “one of the most liberal, easygoing, progressive cities,” while adding that “even the progressives here… they’re more reasonable.”
His remarks come as a new Fox News poll indicates Texas may be headed for a more competitive statewide contest in 2026 than it saw in the 2024 presidential race, even as Republicans continue to hold a long-running advantage in the Lone Star State.
According to the Fox survey, Democrat James Talarico leads Republican Ken Paxton by three points, 51 percent to 47 percent.
Joe Rogan warned liberal Texas voters on The Joe Rogan Experience not to turn Texas blue, saying they would “ruin it.”
A Fox News poll shows that while 89 percent of Republicans back Paxton, Democratic challenger James Talarico enjoys near-unanimous support from his party, with 98 percent of Democrats lining up behind him
Fox News’ poll also showed Trump’s popularity has declined among Texans compared to a 2024 Texan election survey, now with 45 percent favorable and 54 percent unfavorable
Rogan contrasted Austin with liberal strongholds such as Los Angeles and New York, suggesting progressives in those cities have become increasingly ideological.
Rogan said he enjoys living in a liberal city that is surrounded by a predominantly Republican state because it creates ‘a balance.’
But he had a blunt message for Democrats hoping to win statewide power in Texas.
‘The liberals that want to turn Texas blue… don’t,’ Rogan said. ‘You’re gonna ruin it. You’re gonna ruin it for you too. You don’t get it.’
According to Rogan, Austin’s progressive culture only works because it exists within the wider framework of conservative Texas, arguing that changing the state’s political makeup would fundamentally alter that balance.
Rogan relocated from Los Angeles to Austin during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing California’s congestion, soaring cost of living and political climate as key reasons for the move.
The relocation also coincided with his exclusive licensing deal with Spotify, with The Joe Rogan Experience moving production to Texas.
His latest comments are the latest example of Rogan’s evolving political outlook.
The comedian and UFC commentator endorsed Bernie Sanders during the 2020 Democratic presidential primary before later praising Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
More recently, Rogan has described himself as politically independent while criticizing both Democrats and Republicans on a range of issues.
Austin’s liberal reputation is also reflected in the election results. According to figures from the Texas Secretary of State, the state capital is one of the bluest major cities in Texas.
The Fox survey points to potential warning signs for Republicans, with Paxton failing to fully consolidate support within his own party despite securing President Donald Trump’s coveted endorsement.
While 89 percent of Republicans back Paxton, Democratic challenger James Talarico enjoys near-unanimous support from his party, with 98 percent of Democrats lining up behind him.
The cracks in Republican unity are even more apparent among GOP voters who do not identify with the MAGA movement.
Nearly one in four non-MAGA Republicans said they would cross party lines to vote for Talarico, highlighting potential vulnerabilities for Paxton heading into the race.
The poll also indicates Democrats currently have an enthusiasm advantage. Democratic voters reported being more motivated and more interested in casting a ballot than their Republican counterparts.
The survey also points to a slide in President Donald Trump’s standing in Texas since the 2024 election. During last year’s campaign, Trump posted a 55 percent favorable to 44 percent unfavorable rating in Fox News polling.
In the latest survey, that has shifted to 45 percent favorable and 54 percent unfavorable, marking a notable decline in his approval among Texans.
