Political Breakdown

This week, Governor Gavin Newsom is at the COP30 United Nations climate summit in Brazil while the Trump Administration boycotts the global conference. During the conference, Newsom argued Democrats need to reframe climate change mitigation as an affordability issue. Marisa and Scott are joined by Guy to discuss the politics of energy and how the soaring cost of utilities is becoming a political cudgel. 

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Representative Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she plans to retire after her term ends in 2027. Her announcement comes after spending nearly four decades representing San Francisco in Congress. Pelosi, the first and only woman elected House speaker, will leave her imprint in California politics as a tough yet honorable adversary for Republicans. "When you go on the floor, you welcome the vitality of differences of opinion and debate, and hopefully you can find your common ground," Pelosi told KQED's Political Breakdown in 2023.

Marisa, Scott and Guy reflect on Pelosi’s legacy, the race to fill her seat and what her retirement means for California Democrats heading into the 2026 gubernatorial race and midterm elections.

Watch Political Breakdown's previous live interview with Nancy Pelosi.

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It's the end of an era in San Francisco politics. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced she'll retire from Congress after nearly four decades, marking the end of a remarkable career.

Marisa and Scott talk with Shane Goldmacher, a national political correspondent for The New York Times, about Pelosi's legacy and what her departure means for California's political power in Washington. They also break down Democrats' strong showing in Tuesday's elections and what those results signal heading into the 2026 midterms.

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California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure that could give Democrats as many as five new House seats next year. In Santa Clara County, early returns show Measure A leading with 57% of the vote. The sales tax increase to fund county hospitals amidst federal Medicaid cuts appeared headed for victory.

Marisa, Scott and Guy break down the results from election night and what these victories mean for Democrats heading into 2026. They also discuss the night's other big wins for Democrats in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City.

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The countdown to Election Day is on. Tuesday, Nov. 4 is the last day for Californians to cast their votes on Proposition 50, a measure that would replace current congressional lines drawn by a nonpartisan citizens commission with a map favoring Democrats. Recent polls suggest it’s likely to pass, a change that could reshape California's congressional map and potentially help Democrats in their bid to retake the House next year.

Marisa, Scott and Guy break down the strategy driving Prop. 50 toward the finish line, and the national ripple effects it could have. Plus, they discuss the political fallout from the ongoing government shutdown.

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It's rare for all eyes to be on an off-year election. This year, however, several state elections have captured national attention — from California's Proposition 50 redistricting measure to governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia, and a closely watched Democratic Senate primary in Maine.

Marisa and Scott talk to Erin Covey, editor of Cook Political Report’s coverage of U.S. House races. They discuss the key races to watch and what it means for the broader political landscape heading into 2026.

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California is under pressure to build more homes — fast. In response to the state's housing mandates, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is pushing a major plan to upzone parts of the city's north and west sides, allowing for tens of thousands of new homes. But some residents are concerned that housing changes will do more harm than good.

Scott and Marisa talk to Jason Elliott, former housing advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and now president of Versus Solutions, about what's driving the state's housing mandates and how upzoning could reshape San Francisco.

Plus, they discuss California's legislation on artificial intelligence and how the government should regulate AI.

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Gov. Gavin Newsom says President Donald Trump is laying the groundwork to challenge next month’s Proposition 50 special election and undermine future elections, calling the Department of Justice election monitors at California polling places “a preview of things to come.” 

He joined Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer in studio to discuss why Prop 50 is about more than redistricting, Trump’s decision not to send troops to San Francisco, his controversial stance on trans athletes in sports and why he thinks Democrats are “so damn weak as a party.”

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After Alameda County recalled progressive District Attorney Pamela Price last year, the Board of Supervisors appointed Superior Court Judge Ursula Jones Dickson to replace her. Since taking office, Jones Dickson has reversed some of her predecessor’s more liberal policies toward prosecutions. She joins Scott in studio to talk about her approach to criminal justice and public safety and the threat of President Trump's troop deployment to Oakland. 

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Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff was once revered for his philanthropy and progressive politics. But last week, he sparked outrage after saying he supports President Donald Trump sending National Guard troops to San Francisco.

Soon after, reporting revealed that Salesforce had lobbied to help the federal government hire more immigration agents. City leaders like Mayor Daniel Lurie and tech figures including Benioff’s longtime friend Ron Conway condemned his comments, prompting Benioff to apologize. But questions remain about his relationship with Trump and what it means for San Francisco politics.

Marisa and Scott are joined by New York Times San Francisco bureau chief Heather Knight, who broke the story and is tracking the fallout.

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