The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

The Politics Hour: A tightening D.C. Mayor’s race and Virginia Governor Spanberger’s vetoes

May 22, 2026·50 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

The first public poll in the D.C. mayoral race is out, showing Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George with a slight lead over former At-Large D.C Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. However, ranked-choice voting could play a huge role in the tightening race. The poll, from City Cast DC, is a fascinating deep dive glimpse into how age, race, geography, and even being a D.C. sports fan shape residents' political leanings. City Cast host and executive editor Michael Schaffer joins us to break down what they found and also what polling says about the D.C. Delegate race.The Prince George's County planning board is in turmoil following the resignation of chair Darryl Barnes amid allegations of misconduct. The change comes weeks after Maryland lawmakers added language to the state budget to curtail the department's spending. Prince George's County Councilmember Jolene Ivey gets behind the mic to discuss what's going on and why the council's role is in overseeing the planning board. Plus, we talk to her about  budget negotiations and a new tax on certain businesses in the county.Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week surprisingly vetoed legislation that would have finally established a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth. The veto once again stalls an effort that's been years in the making. Virginia House Delegate Paul Krizek, who represents portions of Fairfax County, is a co-sponsor of the now-dead bill and has pushed for legal sales for more than five years. He joins the show to tell us what happened, why the Governor said no, and why he's hoping to get it into the still unsettled budget. We also ask why the Governor's recent vetoes have put her at odds with some in her own party. Guest Host Kayla HewittSend us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.orgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

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