Texas vs. California: a history of their struggle for the future of America

In: Oxford scholarship online

Abstract

Texas and California have become leaders of Red and Blue America. Exploring why these two powerful states have joined the rival camps, this title then describes how they have used competing red and blue policy models to create sharply contrasting policies across a broad range of issue areas. Texas and California have also mobilised coalitions of red and blue states to influence federal policy. The book concludes by assessing the two models' strengths, vulnerabilities, and future prospects. The rivalry between these states and their allies will likely continue for the foreseeable future; the challenge for the nation is turn the competition to productive ends.