Political Breakdown

Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at Vox, dives into the escalating tensions within the conservative movement. He discusses the fractured landscape post-Trump and the fallout from Tucker Carlson's interview with Nick Fuentes, highlighting the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in the right. Beauchamp also examines the Heritage Foundation's internal strife under Kevin Roberts and how populist grievances, like the Epstein files, shape Republican strategies. Insightful contrasts between Jewish voters and Christian Zionists add depth to the conversation.

The 2026 race for governor of California is heating up, with East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell announcing his bid on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” last night. Swalwell enters an increasingly crowded race that billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer also jumped into this week. Plus, Attorney General Rob Bonta told KQED that people are urging him to join, leaving the door open to a possible run. Scott, Marisa and Guy discuss the status of the race as 40% of voters remain undecided.  They also take a look at the contest to fill Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi's seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, as San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan becomes the latest candidate joining state Sen. Scott Wiener and Saikat Chakrabarti, the former chief of staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Check out ⁠Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter⁠, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has filed 46 lawsuits this year against the Trump administration, many of them challenging what Bonta considers the president’s overreach. Almost a year into Trump’s second term, Bonta joins Marisa and Scott in studio to give an update on California's resistance. They also discuss if he's reconsidering a run for governor of California and his campaign spending nearly half a million dollars on legal fees amid a corruption case against the Duong family.  Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After years of controversy and delays by the Trump administration, the House of Representatives voted near-unanimously today to release Department of Justice files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Scott and Marisa are joined by U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, who is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee and helped lead the push to release the files. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following voter approval of Proposition 50 which redraws California's congressional maps, the Department of Justice this week joined a federal lawsuit to block the maps from taking effect. Scott and Guy discuss the suit and which California politicians are launching campaigns in the new congressional districts.  Then, they're joined by KQED's Sydney Johnson to talk about the remarkably short term for San Francisco Supervisor Isabella "Beya" Alcaraz, who resigned last night after just a week of representing the Sunset District. Her resignation comes after a wave of media reports described mice infestations and questionable financial practices at her former business. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Sign up for Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices