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Texas vs. California: A History of Their Struggle for the Future of America
Texas and California are the leaders of Red and Blue America. As the nation has polarized, its most populous and economically powerful states have taken charge of the opposing camps. These states now advance sharply contrasting political and policy agendas and view themselves as competitors for control of the nation's future. Kenneth P. Miller provides a detailed account of the rivalry's emergence, present state, and possible future. First, he explores why, despite their many similarities, the two states have become so deeply divided. As he shows, they experienced critical differences in their origins and in their later demographic, economic, cultural, and political development. Second, he describes how Texas and California have constructed opposing, comprehensive policy models--one conservative, the other progressive. Miller highlights the states' contrasting policies in five areas--tax, labor, energy and environment, poverty, and social issues--and also shows how Texas and
California have led the red and blue state blocs in seeking to influence federal policy in these areas. The book concludes by assessing two models' strengths, vulnerabilities, and future prospects. The rivalry between the two states will likely continue for the foreseeable future, because California will surely stay blue and Texas will likely remain red. The challenge for the two states, and for the nation as a whole, is to view the competition in a positive light and turn it to productive ends. Exploring one of the primary rifts in American politics, Texas vs. California sheds light on virtually every aspect of the country's political system.
California have led the red and blue state blocs in seeking to influence federal policy in these areas. The book concludes by assessing two models' strengths, vulnerabilities, and future prospects. The rivalry between the two states will likely continue for the foreseeable future, because California will surely stay blue and Texas will likely remain red. The challenge for the two states, and for the nation as a whole, is to view the competition in a positive light and turn it to productive ends. Exploring one of the primary rifts in American politics, Texas vs. California sheds light on virtually every aspect of the country's political system.
384 pages, Paperback
Published August 12, 2020
24 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 19, 2021
I was expecting a dry academic tome, but was delighted to find just the opposite. Author Kenneth Miller compares Texas vs. California across many dimensions, historical, cultural, economic and political. His analysis is concise, well documented, well organized and readable. I am a native Texan, and I assumed a California professor would display the expected bias of his profession and state of residence. But Miller was so well balanced, I couldn't pin a label on him as he laid out the competing models and policies of the two states. He was like a loving parent, declining to pick a favorite between two rival sons. I'll leave it to the reader to discover what Kenneth Miller's crystal ball predicts for the future of Texas, California and their super-sized impact on the nation.
January 25, 2021
Fabulous book on the two states powering the U.S.
This is a fabulous book, very much grounded in Justice Brandeis’ famous description of the United States as a compilation of state “laboratories.” Miller captures the many similarities between the two states’ origins but then meticulously describes how each evolved into stereotype that exists today. As a Native Texan, I can attest that Miller understands our evolution well (and puts together a few pieces of the political puzzle that I had missed), but it was absolutely fascinating to learn how California became the blue state it is today — and why it is far more likely to stay blue as opposed to the hints of “purple” now showing up in Texas.
Further, the energy industry is watching Silicon Valley no longer merely content with providing it tools to be more effective, but now instead becoming its greatest competitor. There are many stories we Texans can tell ourselves about why or how this is happening, but without a thorough understanding of our new competitor, it is unlikely that we can learn, adapt, and thrive in the future. This is true for Texans, but it is equally true for our new found colleagues from the West. Texas is far “greener’ than most people realize, a fact that Miller articulates well, but our approach could not be more different than California’s. If we can cut through the mistrust and instead view our roles in the Energy Transition as complementary and each necessary, the industry would be far better placed to meet both the energy and Enviornmental needs of our planet.
Miller exquisitely captures the fundamental challenge facing the country: the creative tension from the competing Texas and California models can be an incredible propelling force for our country (and indeed the world) in the 21st Century — or it can add fuel to fire of the divisions that are currently tearing at the fabric of our country. Insight and understanding are critical first steps to avoid this meltdown scenario. Miller’s book lays an excellent foundation for those seeking to keep this competition healthy and beneficial for all.
This is a fabulous book, very much grounded in Justice Brandeis’ famous description of the United States as a compilation of state “laboratories.” Miller captures the many similarities between the two states’ origins but then meticulously describes how each evolved into stereotype that exists today. As a Native Texan, I can attest that Miller understands our evolution well (and puts together a few pieces of the political puzzle that I had missed), but it was absolutely fascinating to learn how California became the blue state it is today — and why it is far more likely to stay blue as opposed to the hints of “purple” now showing up in Texas.
Further, the energy industry is watching Silicon Valley no longer merely content with providing it tools to be more effective, but now instead becoming its greatest competitor. There are many stories we Texans can tell ourselves about why or how this is happening, but without a thorough understanding of our new competitor, it is unlikely that we can learn, adapt, and thrive in the future. This is true for Texans, but it is equally true for our new found colleagues from the West. Texas is far “greener’ than most people realize, a fact that Miller articulates well, but our approach could not be more different than California’s. If we can cut through the mistrust and instead view our roles in the Energy Transition as complementary and each necessary, the industry would be far better placed to meet both the energy and Enviornmental needs of our planet.
Miller exquisitely captures the fundamental challenge facing the country: the creative tension from the competing Texas and California models can be an incredible propelling force for our country (and indeed the world) in the 21st Century — or it can add fuel to fire of the divisions that are currently tearing at the fabric of our country. Insight and understanding are critical first steps to avoid this meltdown scenario. Miller’s book lays an excellent foundation for those seeking to keep this competition healthy and beneficial for all.
September 24, 2024
Texas and California offer two opposing possibilities for the political, economic and cultural life of the nation and Miller does an excellent job of laying out the details. As a native Californian, as well as a long-term resident of Texas, I can certainly appreciate both sides of this ongoing debate about the direction the nation’s future might take—and especially the discussion of the many fronts on which California has led the way (well, the “blue way”).
I have written two books about California myself and have found, as has Miller, that the ways in which California has routinely broken new ground in the life of the nation continue to be intriguing, if not always popular (like with Texans, for example). I have uncovered many California firsts in my own studies of the state, and Miller, in the course of discussing politics, economics and culture in California and Texas, draws the reader’s attention to many more. Well worth the read.
I have written two books about California myself and have found, as has Miller, that the ways in which California has routinely broken new ground in the life of the nation continue to be intriguing, if not always popular (like with Texans, for example). I have uncovered many California firsts in my own studies of the state, and Miller, in the course of discussing politics, economics and culture in California and Texas, draws the reader’s attention to many more. Well worth the read.
October 9, 2023
had to read for govt20 and I thought it was really clear and easy to follow + I liked the policy areas he focused on
also cool bc the author is my govt20 prof so when we talked in class ab the reading it was super in depth
I also didn't even read at the pace of a snail which is new so big dub
Overall I liked this and I would have liked it more probably if I didn't have to read it for a class
also cool bc the author is my govt20 prof so when we talked in class ab the reading it was super in depth
I also didn't even read at the pace of a snail which is new so big dub
Overall I liked this and I would have liked it more probably if I didn't have to read it for a class
March 22, 2022
A very fair minded read about the current polarization of America and the two leaders behind it. Even though the author leans conservative (and it shows in some instances), he does deliver a fair account the positives and negatives of each state's plan for the future vision of America. It's worth a read to truly understand what's happening in this country.
March 23, 2023
Interesting comparison of two states that have similar backgrounds and demographics, yet have served as the leaders of the blue and red states, respectfully. Author is from California and wife is from Texas. I found it a little too left leaning.
January 10, 2023
Very interesting. As a fairly new US citizen, I found the comparison between the two states very educational. I’m sorry it didn’t find a wider audience. Perhaps it still will!
August 29, 2023
Grounded and well-researched account of important political trends
May 17, 2023
This is a wonderful book. I devoured it in a few days. Miller sees Texas and California as sibling rivals. He shows how Texas and California weren't always on the polar opposite side of things but also how they evolved to be. The book goes back and forth, juxtaposing the two states' origins, people, economies, and cultures before exploring how Texas turned deep red and California deep blue. The second half of the book contrasts their "rival models" on everything from taxes, labor, energy, the environment to poverty and other social issues. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a proud Californian who happens to live in Texas. I'll always feel this way. But there were points where I can see how the Texas model is right for Texas (e.g. taxes) or at least understand why Texas approaches things as they do (e.g. energy). There were moments when I thought California could learn from Texas (e.g. affordable housing). But overall, I came away homesick for California mostly when reading about social issues where my values are far more Californian than Texan regarding things like embracing LGBTQIA+ peoples, welcoming immigrants, and promoting a woman's right to her bodily autonomy (a.k.a. pro-choice), etc.
July 27, 2025
Let me start my saying that I appreciated his organized writing style that would make just about every legal writing professor proud and law student comfortable. Having a legal background isn’t a prerequisite to this book, but it certainly helps.
Overall, I learned way more about my neighbor, Texas, and realized that there’s something to be said for pragmatism, even when trying to push progressive agendas. But even hard work won’t bring about better social and health outcomes without broader government intervention.
With the world’s fifth largest economy, California’s well-positioned to fund its public programming, but at what cost? Burdened by high taxes and an inability to acquire low- and mid-skill jobs that pay living wages, folks are looking to other states for more affordable options.
I’m hopeful that Miller’s assessment of the “Texas and California Models” will afford the country examples of how we might innovate a solution that blends both models, such that we might see meaningful social progress and economic growth within the next decade.
Overall, I learned way more about my neighbor, Texas, and realized that there’s something to be said for pragmatism, even when trying to push progressive agendas. But even hard work won’t bring about better social and health outcomes without broader government intervention.
With the world’s fifth largest economy, California’s well-positioned to fund its public programming, but at what cost? Burdened by high taxes and an inability to acquire low- and mid-skill jobs that pay living wages, folks are looking to other states for more affordable options.
I’m hopeful that Miller’s assessment of the “Texas and California Models” will afford the country examples of how we might innovate a solution that blends both models, such that we might see meaningful social progress and economic growth within the next decade.
March 13, 2023
An excellent overview of the politics of Texas and California
This is an excellent and unbiased overview of the history and present state of politics and government in California and Texas. There is a wealth of information and each chapter and in the footnotes, and the book has a comprehensive index that will help the serious student of politics and government.
This is an excellent and unbiased overview of the history and present state of politics and government in California and Texas. There is a wealth of information and each chapter and in the footnotes, and the book has a comprehensive index that will help the serious student of politics and government.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews