As Trump Targets Elections, California Will Pick Its Next Secretary of State
Sep 24, 2026 · 31m
Summary
This episode of Political Breakdown features a debate between California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner regarding the upcoming election. Weber defends her administration’s efforts to protect voting rights against federal interference, opposing Proposition 39’s voter ID requirements and citing her family’s history of fleeing Jim Crow. Wagner argues that the state must address "ghost voters" and restore public confidence by allowing pre-election ballot processing, restricting mail-in voting, and accepting federal assistance to clean voter rolls. The d…
Topics discussed
Sponsorships and show introduction
Introduction of Secretary of State Shirley Weber
Weber's campaign pitch and defense of voting rights
Handling election deniers and legal challenges in counties
Preparations for federal interference and polling place security
Refusing to release sensitive voter roll data to federal gov
Investigating whistleblower claims of voter impersonation
Advice on voting early and mail ballot logistics
Discussion on speeding up ballot counting processes
Weber's stance on pre-election day ballot processing
Weber's opposition to Proposition 39 voter ID measure
Weber's personal history and connection to voting rights
Transition and introduction of candidate Don Wagner
Wagner's pitch: election integrity and confidence issues
Discussion on 'ghost voters' and voter roll cleanup
Clarifying the 2020 election outcome and voter eligibility
Wagner's proposals for faster counting and legislative support
Wagner's views on mail-in voting and ballot harvesting
Wagner's stance on sharing voter data with federal agencies
Addressing voter anxiety and trust in the election system
Wagner's professional background and closing remarks
Show credits and final sponsorship
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