Guest

Rob Stutzman - Fmr. Schwarzenegger Director of Communications

Guest Bio 

Rob Stutzman is a veteran California political strategist, communications expert, and founder of Stutzman Public Affairs. He served as Communications Director for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and has advised numerous political and corporate leaders across the state. Known for his sharp insight and nonpartisan approach, Rob brings a decades-long lens on what’s broken in California politics — and what needs to change.

Show Summary

Is Gavin Newsom’s Prop 50 campaign about saving democracy — or simply positioning for a 2028 presidential run? In this candid episode, Rob Stutzman breaks down California’s growing political dysfunction and the high-stakes fight over redistricting. With a veteran insider’s view, he exposes what Prop 50 really means, why independent commissions matter, and how careerism is shaping everything from Newsom’s pivot to affordability politics.

From broken climate policy to an affordability failure, Rob argues that California is wasting its promise — and only a bold realignment can restore balance. Whether you’re left, right, or independent, this episode challenges the political status quo.

Chapters

00:00 – The Prop 50 Power Grab Debate

01:15 – Why Newsom’s Record Is Hard to Defend

03:05 – Newsom’s Political Pivot: MAGA Podcasts to Democratic Savior

04:45 – What’s Really at Stake with Redistricting

06:10 – The Cost of Political Cynicism

07:45 – Independent Commissions vs. Political Self-Interest

09:15 – California’s Political Realignment

11:10 – Affordability Crisis: Still the #1 Issue

12:45 – Can Democrats Solve Affordability Before 2026?

14:00 – King for a Day: What Needs to Change

15:00 – Misconceptions About California Voters

16:00 – The Pendulum Is Starting to Swing

16:40 – California Is Wasting Itself

Connect with Rob

X: https://x.com/robstutzman

Website: https://stutzmanpa.com/

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-stutzman-136bb85/

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