Political Breakdown

Now that Washington Democrats have secured the U.S. House and Senate, they face a key question: How do they balance investigating and holding the Trump administration accountable while delivering on their campaign promise to lower the cost of living for American families? 

Marisa and Scott discuss what that balance could look like with New York Times Magazine staff writer Emily Bazelon. 

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Following extensive Republican losses in the state Legislature this election, the first to pay the price is Corrin Rankin, chair of the California Republican Party. Rankin announced she will not seek reelection next year. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss where the state’s GOP goes from here. 

Then, what are the takeaways from the defeat of the billionaire tax measure? The campaign divided Democrats and their allies in organized labor and underscored the growing power of tech money in our elections. But was it a total loss for supporters of Prop. 40? 

Plus, the “era of voter vitriol” in the Bay Area is over, as incumbents and their ballot measures get solid votes of approval.

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After last week’s election, Democrats are poised to hold a staggering 97 out of 120 legislative seats in Sacramento. One of the seats that flipped is Assembly District 36, which stretches from the Mexican border near Calexico and Imperial up to the Coachella Valley. 

Marisa sits down with nurse practitioner and Imperial Mayor Ida Obeso-Martinez in El Centro to discuss her victory in the race against Republican incumbent Asm. Jeff Gonzalez.

Follow the latest results with ⁠⁠⁠KQED’s election tracker⁠⁠⁠.

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California voters cast their ballots on Tuesday and the results are starting to take shape. Governor-elect Xavier Becerra held his first press conference this week but offered few details of his agenda for next year. Jane Kim declared victory in the insurance commissioner race, although her opponent has not yet conceded. 

Candidates backed by Silicon Valley are leading most of their Assembly and Senate contests, while several Democrat-versus-Democrat congressional races produced surprising outcomes. Locally, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee scored big wins. The politics team digs into all of it.

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On the heels of a massive blue wave that swept more progressives and moderates into Congress, what’s next for the Democratic Party? How will the president respond to an emboldened Democratic majority on Capitol Hill? How will Hakeem Jeffries, who announced his run for speaker, keep his big tent together? 

Marisa, Scott, Guy and Politico’s California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason chew over national and statewide results. 

Plus, they discuss democratic socialist Nithya Raman’s victory over incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement today that he will commute the death sentences of all death row inmates in California.

Follow the latest results with ⁠KQED’s election tracker⁠.

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Democrat Xavier Becerra will be the next governor, the billionaire tax and voter ID measures are headed for defeat and nationally Democrats appear to have pulled off more of a blue tsunami than wave. Marisa, Scott and Guy break down early results for the statewide propositions and offices, competitive congressional races and local legislative races.

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Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. 

Since June, Becerra has had an easy sprint to the Nov. 3 election, with recent polls showing him at least 25 points ahead of his opponent, Republican Steve Hilton.

Becerra joins Marisa and Scott in studio to discuss his plan for the state if he is elected next week.

Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot!

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Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of American voters over the past decade. As a result, the former Republican strategist, who left the party after President Trump was elected in 2016, has become one of the nation’s preeminent experts on voter sentiment. Less than a week before election day, Longwell joins Marisa to discuss the state of U.S. politics in 2026. 

Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time," publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast. 

Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot!

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Election Day is around the corner, and if polls are right, Democrats are slated to get big wins across the country. But, some House Races in California are still up for grabs. 

Scott, Marisa and Guy assess the state of those key races. Plus, they dig into the state ballot measures that have gained widespread attention this election season, like Propositions 40 and 45.

Then, they discuss their predictions for the midterm election outcomes. 

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Governor Newsom is facing a big decision before he leaves office — whether to commute the death sentences of more than 500 condemned inmates and convert them to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His choice could gain national attention. 

Scott and Marisa sit down with Melanie Mason, California Bureau Chief at POLITICO. They discuss the political implications of Newsom’s decision as he prepares for a likely run for president in 2028. 

Plus, they talk about Proposition 40, the so-called billionaire tax, opposed by Newsom and the candidates hoping to succeed him as governor: Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton. 

Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot!

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