OPB Politics Now

Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt sailed into office four years ago with what looked like a mandate from voters. Four years later he’s in a dogfight for his political life with one of his top deputies, Nathan Vasquez. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll walk you through Portland’s hottest race in the May 21 primary. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.

Governor Tina Kotek apologized this week and said she would not create an office of the first spouse . But what does that actually mean, and did Kotek answer all the questions? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we delve deep into that story and more.. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Should politics be a family affair? One Oregon community will put that issue to voters. I’m Lauren Dake. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we talk about a ballot proposal in Redmond plus how drug recriminalization may look in rural Oregon. We also address Gov. Kotek’s recent trip to Boardman to discuss nitrates. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

The OPB politics team is working hard on stories ahead of next month’s Oregon primary election. We’re going to have all sorts of coverage on this podcast, on OPB.org and on the radio in the coming days and weeks. That's a long way of saying - we're taking a break this week. But we’re not leaving you hanging. In case you missed it, here' a Think Out Loud debate featuring three of the candidates for Oregon’s Third Congressional Seat – that’s the one held by Earl Blumenauer for decades. This episode features Maxine Dexter, Susheela Jayapal and Eddy Morales.

Right 2 Dream Too used to dominate headlines in Portland, but the homeless community is largely overlooked these days. Also, one of the city’s newest outdoor shelters is nearing the one-year mark but finding housing remains a challenge. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Alex Zielinski and Bryce Dole discuss Right 2 Dream Too and the Clinton Triangle. Find the show anywhere you5 get your podcasts

Last year, Portland’s city council passed a new ban on unsanctioned homeless camping within the city during daytime hours. Almost a year later, it’s stalled and now Mayor Ted Wheeler has a new plan. On this week’s OPB Politics Now we walk you through the latest on Portland’s push and pull with addressing camps. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts. 

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s wife Aimee wants a larger role in state politics. What should Oregonians think of that? Does it matter? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss why several top staffers left Kotek’s office and what other state’s do when it comes to first spouses. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers accomplished many things during the short session, but environmental policies were not at the top of the docket. But that doesn’t mean nothing passed the legislative finish line. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Alejandro Figueroa and April Ehrlich discuss what passed, what didn’t and what it means. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Rene Gonzalez wants to be mayor of Portland. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now we took a look at Gonzalez’s first year. Plus, will the latest plan to solve homelessness work or is it more of the same?  Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Oregon lawmakers finished their short session this week - with big bipartisan bills crossing the finish line and a surprise or two. I’m Andrew Theen. On the next episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss the biggest takeaways from the session. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.