Joe Rogan begs liberals not to turn Texas blue as bombshell Fox poll hands Democrats a head-turning lead

Joe Rogan has issued a stark warning to liberals hoping to turn Texas into a Democratic stronghold, claiming they risk destroying the very qualities that make the state – and Austin in particular – so attractive.

The podcast host, who famously ditched Los Angeles for Austin in 2020, said the Texas capital thrives because it is a progressive city sitting at the heart of a deeply conservative state, creating what he described as the perfect political balance.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan dismissed what he called stereotypes held by ‘coastal elites’ about Texas.

‘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 argued that Austin is unlike the rest of Texas politically, describing it as ‘one of the most liberal, easygoing, progressive cities,’ before adding that ‘even the progressives here… they’re more reasonable.’

Rogan’s comments drop just as a new Fox News poll suggests Texas could be shaping up for a far more competitive statewide battle in 2026 than it was during the 2024 presidential election, despite the Lone Star State’s long-standing Republican advantage.

A Fox survey showed Democrat James Talarico leading Republican Ken Paxton by a 3-point margin, 51 to 47 percent.

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.