How Dems are Setting 2026 Priorities in the States

In this week's episode, host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan welcomes Oregon House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Florida House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Vin Gopal, and Kansas House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard for our 2026 state legislative preview. These NewDEAL Leaders set the stage for the year ahead and discuss their top priorities for the 2026 sessions, emphasizing their determination to pursue an agenda focused on affordability, even as they navigate the many challenges created by decisions made in Washington, D.C. Policy proposals include renters relief, as well as support for homeowners and homebuyers, pursuing universal free school lunch, and stopping predatory lending. The legislators also reflect on lessons from Democrats' wins in 2025 and discuss strategies to grow support in red states.Tune in to learn more about their reflection on bipartisan collaboration, planning for the unknown, and addressing constituent concerns.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:04] Positioning this episode and the legislative year while introducing today's four guests.

• [03:37] How Oregon aims to look across sectors to lower costs during the upcoming session.

• [05:46] Florida's focus on alleviating inaffordability during the upcoming legislative session.

• [08:21] Leader Woodard's focus on implementing Kansas's Affordability Plan and renter relief program.

• [10:15] Battling corporate interests to prioritise affordability in New Jersey.

• [12:23] How decisions at the federal level are impacting affordability in states like Oregon.

• [13:43] The opportunity that Florida's Democrats have to leverage real action for votes.

• [15:11] What led to Governor Mikie Sherrill's majority win and what comes next.

• [16:50] How Kansas Democrats are working to make sure that the Republican supermajority is shattered in November.

• [18:40] Effective communication in leadership in a complex media environment.

• [24:00] The state of bipartisan collaboration in each of our leaders' states.

• [28:25] Planning for the unknown as state legislators.

• [33:00] What constituents are most worried about at the moment, and what the Senate can do to meet these needs.

• [36:57] Concerns and hope for the coming election.