New book explores Texas' hidden history of economic populism
New analysis reveals Texas' deep history of radical democratic movements and labor organizing, challenging its conservative image.
(Photo via NPR)
A recent segment on NPR examined the historical roots of economic populism in Texas, challenging the common perception that the state has always been a stronghold of conservative politics.
The discussion featured Austin-based political commentator David Griscom, who authored the 2026 book The Myth of Red Texas: Cowboys, Populism, and Class War in the Radical South. In an interview with NPR international correspondent Rob Schmitz, published on Nov. 7, 2026, Griscom argued that Texas possesses a deep-seated tradition of radical democratic movements and labor organizing.
Griscom’s work highlights several overlooked historical episodes to support his thesis, including the barbed wire fence-cutting wars, early Populist encampments, and the influence of Christian socialism in the region. He suggests these events represent a legacy of collectivist class struggle that has been largely omitted from the modern narrative of the state.
The book serves as an argument for reconsidering the political identity of the South, encouraging readers to draw lessons from the socialist and populist movements of the past. The analysis aims to provide a broader perspective on the historical forces that have shaped Texas, moving beyond the binary view of its political landscape.