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Political Breakdown: Daily Summaries Delivered
by KQED
Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the day in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago32 min
California Election Results Take Shape
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. Follow the latest results with KQED’s election tracker. Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 days ago31 min
America Swings Left. Now What?
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. Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 4 days ago30 min
Election Night Breakdown
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. Follow the latest results with KQED's election tracker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago33 min
Governor Becerra? What the Democrat Would Prioritize If Elected
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! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago43 min
The 2026 Midterms Cheat Sheet: Lessons from Voter Focus Groups
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! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 1 weeks ago31 min
Some Key California Races Remain Toss Ups Ahead of Midterms
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. Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago24 min
Governor Newsom Weighs Commuting the Death Sentences of Over 500 Inmates
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! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 2 weeks ago31 min
Randy Villegas Has a Theory of How to Win in the Central Valley
Can a progressive Democrat win in the Central Valley? Marisa sits down with Randy Villegas in Bakersfield as the community college professor attempts to unseat Republican Congressman David Valadao in California’s 22nd Congressional District. Democrats hold a registration advantage here, but the seat has been stubbornly difficult for them to win. Villegas is running a very different campaign than past unsuccessful Democrats. Political Breakdown also extended multiple invitations to have Valadao on the show, but he has not responded. Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About Political Breakdown
Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the day in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.
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