Political Breakdown

Former San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim discusses her campaign for California Insurance Commissioner, arguing that the current private insurance…

California Attorney General Rob Bonta discusses his 92nd lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a new rule that restricts immigrants' access to public benefits.

This episode analyzes the contentious Democratic primary for Nancy Pelosi’s open congressional seat, featuring hosts Marisa Lagos and Scott Schaefer.

State Senator Ben Allen discusses his campaign for California Insurance Commissioner, emphasizing his legislative experience in environmental and education policy.

David Dayen discusses AIPAC’s record-breaking $100 million midterm spending, noting its shift from bipartisan lobbying to aggressive electoral intervention.

Host Marisa Lagos and KQED’s Guy Marerati discuss Gov.

KQED’s Marisa Lagos interviews Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton, who discusses his pragmatic approach to breaking California’s Democratic stronghold.

Stanford finance professor Joshua Rauh argues that California’s proposed one-time 5% billionaire wealth tax would raise far less than projected while driving capital and jobs out of the state.

Host Marisa Lagos and guest Guy Marerati discuss Governor Gavin Newsom’s final legislative push to shift wildfire liability from utilities to…

Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor, discusses AI regulation, framing job loss as a political choice akin to NAFTA rather than inevitable progress.

KQED’s Political Breakdown examines the Los Angeles mayoral runoff between incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman.

Host Marisa Lagos discusses the special election in California’s 15th District with Guy Marzarrati and Joe Garofoli.

Host Marisa Lagos and guest Howard Bryant examine how sports leagues like the WNBA and MLB have become flashpoints in America’s culture wars.

Host Marisa Lagos interviews Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association president John Kupal about Proposition 43, a measure requiring a two-thirds vote for local tax increases.

Host Marisa Lagos and Politico’s Melanie Mason analyze California politics, focusing on the uncertain billionaire wealth tax and Governor Gavin Newsom’s cautious stance.

KQED’s Marisa Lagos interviews journalist Gil Duran about his book, *The Nerd Reich*, which argues that Silicon Valley elites are funding authoritarianism to dismantle democracy.

KQED’s Political Breakdown hosts David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation and Research to assess election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Host Guy Marzarotti and guest Joe Garofoli discuss California’s Proposition 40, a billionaire wealth tax gaining support from the state Democratic…

KQED’s Marisa Lagos interviews San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria about his six-year tenure, mixed-race upbringing, and role as U.

KQED’s Political Breakdown examines election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms with NPR’s Shannon Bond.

Host Guy Marzarati discusses California’s end-of-session climate and energy politics with Politico reporters Kami Van Canel and Noah Boston.

KQED’s Marisa Lagos interviews SEIU-UHW President Dave Reagan about his controversial billionaire wealth tax initiative on California’s November ballot.

Host Marisa Lagos interviews historian Carol Anderson to explore the history of voter suppression in the U.