XJT. Their IAH base is not going anywhere and is actually growing. CRJ's, -145s and -175s. So I would think you should be able to get it within a year, as pointed out by others.
Mesa... who knows. IAH base may still be there in a year... maybe not.
Also, a bunch of former ExpressJet pilots at Kalitta and currently there is a shortened interview for XJT pilots. So if that is your goal it may help.

Definitely XJT, good chance MESA is losing flying to XJT. Way better training and it's in IAH. Huge potential with the growth they are about to go through.

You are guaranteed IAH as a base with Mesa. I fly for Kalitta, I'd say go to Mesa, get the hours you need asap, and apply, we love military guys and no regional is worth waiting around for. You'll very quickly not care about the QOL you could of had at Xjet vs Mesa when you are at Kalitta.

Don't wait around, however...

XJT has much better stability, now that UAL is owner through a shell company...

Also, if a base has to go for MESA, it's going to be a far east base. XJT is now firmly attached to the strong AND growing UAL presence at IAD. Even if CommutAir does more 145 stuff, the 175s will likely eventually make their way to IAD with XJT.

Just to follow up. Xjt was my first choice anyway due to their future potential and training being in Houston. I decided to go with them.

After my video interview with Mesa, they said they'd be in touch that afternoon with either an offer or a no thanks. I got a call shortly after to check on my availability for class dates and they said expect something within the hour. Well, two weeks after the interview I have yet to hear from them at all. I have reached out to my hr interviewer and the recruiter I dealt with and neither have responded back to me.

Made my choice easy.

Congratulations, and welcome to XJT. I think you'll be happy with your choice.

What if we edited this slightly and said Skywest vs Expressjet for IAH? If we were talking in terms of contract, reserve rules, pay, and time to hold IAH, who would win that fight?

IAH is a pretty small base for Skywest. The money is probably slightly better, but the work rules at XJT are better. My guess is you would hold IAH much faster at XJT as well.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to it. Ready for Feb 18 to get here.

That’s a fair question. I’d say XJT or SKW would be a better option than Mesa.