Texas Monthly was once a well-regarded publication with a solid reputation for in-depth journalism and a keen understanding of Texas culture.
However, under Rhonda Williamson’s leadership, what was once a respected left-leaning magazine has drifted far from its roots, embracing an even farther left editorial stance that alienates much of its traditional readership.
Prior to Williamson’s tenure, her political contributions painted a clear picture of her alignment with conservative values. OpenSecrets.org records show that between 2002 and 2018, she supported figures such as Greg Abbott and donated to the Enterprise Products Partners Political Action Committee, which backed Senator Ted Cruz and Congressman Craig Goldman.
But her support of conservative causes abruptly ended in 2018—just a year before she acquired Texas Monthly—raising suspicions about her long-term intentions for the magazine.
The Dallas Express first reported on this dramatic shift, noting, “Texas Monthly’s owner, Houston heiress Randa Duncan Williams, was a consistent donor to Republican causes until she wasn’t. And when she wasn’t, it came right around the time she bought the magazine.”
Local Republican leaders have expressed their disappointment.
Tarrant County Republican Party Chairman Bo French told the Dallas Express, “I haven’t bought one in years because every time I pick one up, it is filled with radical left-wing opinion. It has totally lost what was once a pretty good magazine.”
Williamson’s tenure has steered the magazine into editorial waters far removed from its past.
For example, Texas Monthly has recently published articles such as “Why Alyssa Edwards Is Forever a Texan,” celebrating a drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race star, and “Who’s in God’s Army?” which delves into so called ‘Christian nationalist’ rhetoric at Texas border rallies.
The latter article states, “Christian nationalist rhetoric was on display at ‘Take Our Border Back’ rallies in Texas. But not all who followed along are equally devout,” a line some interpret as an attack on conservative faith.
The Dallas Express previously reported that Editor-in-Chief Dan Goodgame participated in a 2022 DEI-focused conference in Austin, likely signaling the magazine’s support for divisive racial and gender politics and further fueling concerns about a far left editorial push.
This trend continued with a March 2024 Texas Monthly article, “The Billionaire Who Almost Single-Handedly Shapes Texas Politics,” which the magazine re-promoted on X in March 2025.
The piece scrutinizes oil magnate Tim Dunn’s financial support of conservative candidates, portraying his influence as outsized and problematic—a stark contrast to the magazine’s previous, more balanced approach to political coverage.
Critics question why Texas Monthly would revive a year-old story in 2025, suggesting an attempt to reignite controversy around conservative political figures at a strategically significant time.
The organization Media Bias/Fact Check now rates Texas Monthly as “Left-Center biased,” while Allsides reports that readers rate Texas Monthly with a notable “Lean Left” rating. These assessments reinforce the perception that Williamson has presided over a transformation that distances the magazine from its original audience.
Ms. Williamson’s tenure reflects that shift in editorial stance, one that appears to have abandoned the balanced reporting that once made it a staple for Texans across the political spectrum.
Whether this trajectory will cost the magazine its remaining credibility and readership remains to be seen, but for now, the Dallas Express will continue to monitor the evolution of this once proud publication closely.