On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Crowley made history as the youngest and first Black county executive in the country. He discussed his priorities for affordability, economic growth, as well as his work in supporting small businesses in Milwaukee County. We also talked about his vision for bipartisan collaboration, campaign strategy in engaging with Madison students, and his view on national politics and how federal policies will impact Wisconsin. 

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed Secretary Missy Hughes; lawyer, business executive, and Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin. Hughes previously served as Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and before that spent 17 years at Organic Valley. We discussed her plans to expand affordable healthcare and housing, strengthen public education and childcare, and mitigate the rising cost-of-living for Wisconsinites. She also shared some lessons she’s learned from her business experience, and her vision for bipartisan progress in a divided government.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, who is running for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. Godlewski has held multiple statewide offices, including State Treasurer, where she led the effort to save the office from its elimination. We discussed her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, her priorities around housing affordability, healthcare access, and student engagement on campus. We also talked about Wisconsin in light of the federal government shutdown, as well as what gives her hope in Wisconsin politics today.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, and the second episode of The Gubernatorial Race Series, we welcomed State Representative Francesca Hong, who is running for Wisconsin Governor in the 2026 election. Representing Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, Hong discusses her experience as a chef, bartender, and community organizer in her work. Our conversation covered her ideas for affordable housing in Madison, university funding, and her vision for economic justice in Wisconsin. She also discussed being the only candidate in the race who identifies as a socialist, along with her plan to excite Wisconsin voters.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed State Representative Renuka Mayadev, who represents Wisconsin’s 77th Assembly District, covering much of campus. We discussed highlights from her first year in the Assembly, how her background in maternal and child health led her to politics, and her work championing student issues in the Capitol.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it live at wsum.org

THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE SERIES: This week on The La Follette Line, we kicked off our Gubernatorial Race Series with State Senator Kelda Roys, who’s running in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor in 2026. Representing Wisconsin’s 26th Senate District, Roys is known for her strong advocacy in women’s rights, affordable healthcare, and environmental protection. Our conversation covered the future of reproductive rights in Wisconsin following Planned Parenthood’s funding cuts, Roys’ vision for affordable housing and childcare, and her plans to restore university funding. We also discussed how she would work across party lines in a divided legislature, address the state’s budget gap, and support working families and small businesses. Finally, we touched on her 2018 campaign lessons, her response to attacks on unions and higher education, her new “SWIFTIE Act,” and her message to young voters as Wisconsin heads toward the 2026 election.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for the second time. Rhodes-Conway currently serves as the 58th Mayor of Madison, known for her focus on affordable housing, public services, and equitable economic growth. We discussed new developments in public transportation, services for housing, and Madison’s state and federal budget. We also talked about her life as Mayor and her accomplishments during her tenure. 

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Madison District 8 Alder and Common Council Vice President Muralidharan (MGR) Govindarajan. Representing the UW-Madison campus, MGR focuses on affordable student housing and better public health transportation. We discussed his priorities as alder, his experience as the youngest member of the council, and his role as Vice President. We also talked about his involvement in the Finance Committee and balancing Madison’s deficit through new local developments.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org

On Friday, November 22nd, 2025, The La Follette Line hosted Executive Editor of The Nation Magazine John Nichols and University of Wisconsin-Madison Communication Arts Professor Sarah Jedd. We discussed the rhetoric of the 2024 presidential election, the contrasting communication strategies of the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns, the use of social media in the election, and the broader impact of rhetorical choices on students and the electorate at large.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org.

This week on The La Follette Line, we were joined for the first show of the semester by Managing Editor of The Badger Herald Zoe Klein and Managing Editor of The Daily Cardinal Nick Bumgardner. Together, they discussed the emerging challenges and unique benefits of student journalism, the process of reporting state and campus politics at UW-Madison, and the issues dominating student conversations right now.

Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at 7 PM on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison, or stream it online at wsum.org.