Political Breakdown

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

It's rare for all eyes to be on an off-year election. This year, however, several state elections have captured national attention — from California's Proposition 50 redistricting measure to governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia, and a closely watched Democratic Senate primary in Maine. Marisa and Scott talk to Erin Covey, editor of Cook Political Report’s coverage of U.S. House races. They discuss the key races to watch and what it means for the broader political landscape heading into 2026. Sign up for Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California is under pressure to build more homes — fast. In response to the state's housing mandates, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is pushing a major plan to upzone parts of the city's north and west sides, allowing for tens of thousands of new homes. But some residents are concerned that housing changes will do more harm than good. Scott and Marisa talk to Jason Elliott, former housing advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom and now president of Versus Solutions, about what's driving the state's housing mandates and how upzoning could reshape San Francisco. Plus, they discuss California's legislation on artificial intelligence and how the government should regulate AI. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gov. Gavin Newsom says President Donald Trump is laying the groundwork to challenge next month’s Proposition 50 special election and undermine future elections, calling the Department of Justice election monitors at California polling places “a preview of things to come.” He joined Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer in studio to discuss why Prop 50 is about more than redistricting, Trump’s decision not to send troops to San Francisco, his controversial stance on trans athletes in sports and why he thinks Democrats are “so damn weak as a party.” Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Alameda County recalled progressive District Attorney Pamela Price last year, the Board of Supervisors appointed Superior Court Judge Ursula Jones Dickson to replace her. Since taking office, Jones Dickson has reversed some of her predecessor’s more liberal policies toward prosecutions. She joins Scott in studio to talk about her approach to criminal justice and public safety and the threat of President Trump's troop deployment to Oakland. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff was once revered for his philanthropy and progressive politics. But last week, he sparked outrage after saying he supports President Donald Trump sending National Guard troops to San Francisco. Soon after, reporting revealed that Salesforce had lobbied to help the federal government hire more immigration agents. City leaders like Mayor Daniel Lurie and tech figures including Benioff’s longtime friend Ron Conway condemned his comments, prompting Benioff to apologize. But questions remain about his relationship with Trump and what it means for San Francisco politics. Marisa and Scott are joined by New York Times San Francisco bureau chief Heather Knight, who broke the story and is tracking the fallout. If you’re a fan of the show, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After facing a wave of criticism for a pair of viral videos, gubernatorial frontrunner and former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter apologized for her behavior in an interview with Marisa at the UC Student and Policy Center in Sacramento. Scott, Marisa and Guy talk about how she handled the public scrutiny and questions about her temperament. Plus, they discuss reports that state Sen. Scott Wiener will run for the congressional seat currently held by Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. If you’re a fan of the show, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court appears ready to overturn the last remaining provision of the Voting Rights Act, the landmark civil rights law designed to dismantle Jim Crow-era policies that disenfranchised Black voters. This week, the court heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case challenging the state's redistricting map. The case was brought by a group of self-described “non-African-American voters” who argue the creation of Louisiana’s second majority-Black congressional district violates the Constitution. Marisa Lagos and Scott Shafer are joined in studio by Lisa Graves, a former senior Justice Department official and executive director of the progressive watchdog group True North Research. Graves' new book, Without Precedent: How Chief Justice Roberts and His Accomplices Rewrote the Constitution and Dismantled Our Rights, connects the roll back of civil rights to the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts. If you're a fan of the show, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The government shutdown has entered its third week, as Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to reopen it until Republicans agree to undo deep cuts to federal health care spending and extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. If these subsidies expire, health insurance costs could double and hundreds of thousands of Californians could be priced out of coverage, according to estimates by KFF, the nonpartisan health research organization. Scott and Marisa talk to Jessica Altman, the executive director of Covered California, which is the agency that oversees the state's implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A video of gubernatorial frontrunner Katie Porter threatening to end an interview preceded other leaks and criticisms of the former congresswoman. Marisa and Guy are joined by The Sacramento Bee reporter Kate Wolffe to discuss what made the video go viral and how it's shaking up the 2026 governor's race. Plus, they discuss Wolffe's recent investigation on Republican Assembly Leader Heath Flora, who she reported has enjoyed the benefits of power and routinely ignored questions about his conduct. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the courts continue to consider the legality of President Trump’s deployment of troops into American cities, Marisa and Scott talk with a retired general who’s been raising concerns about what this push could mean for the public, soldiers, our military and our democracy. Retired Gen. Randy Manner spent 35 years in the armed forces and served as acting vice chief of the National Guard Bureau. He and other retired senior military officers recently filed a brief in support of California's position against the deployment of troops in Los Angeles. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Californians have started receiving their ballots this week for the Nov. 4 special election. Voters will decide on Proposition 50, a measure that would redraw the state’s congressional maps to help Democrats pick up five more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. It’s a move prompted by President Donald Trump’s calls for Republican states to give him more GOP seats in Congress, which Texas and Missouri have already answered.Scott and Marisa discuss the history of gerrymandering with Los Angeles Times writer James Rainey, taking us back to an earlier era a regular part of California’s political landscape. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Portland prepares for the arrival of hundreds of federal troops deployed by President Trump, Scott and Marisa talk with Dirk VanderHart from Oregon Public Broadcasting about how the city is reacting and what they’re expecting this weekend. Then, they're joined by Guy to discuss the federal government shutdown, as Democrats refuse to support funding until Republicans address concerns about health care costs. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

North State Republican Assemblymember James Gallagher has been among the most outspoken opponents of Proposition 50, the ballot measure that would redraw California's congressional districts to give Democrats more seats in Congress. Now, he's proposing to split the state in two. Gallagher joins Marisa and Scott to lay out the argument against Prop. 50 and explain what he calls his "two state solution." Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump’s new $100,000 fee for companies sponsoring skilled immigrant workers with H1-B visas is causing turmoil in Silicon Valley. Companies like Google, Apple and Meta are now reassessing the cost of foreign labor, while students and workers question how stable life in the U.S. will be if they choose to come here. Scott and Marisa are joined by Zehi Yang, senior writer at WIRED, to discuss how companies and workers are responding to the visa changes. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Proposition 50 redistricting campaign is ramping up with new ads featuring New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in support and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in opposition. Marisa and Guy are joined by Politico's senior political reporter Melanie Mason to discuss the money and personalities on both sides of Prop. 50. Plus, they talk about former Vice President Kamala Harris's new book "107 Days" recounting her campaign for president. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Orange County Rep. Katie Porter joins Marisa and Scott in studio to discuss the latest news, including a looming government shutdown, the national redistricting fight, ICE’s implementation of Trump’s deportation policies and Jimmy Kimmel's broadcast return. Porter is running for governor of California in 2026. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Democrats pushing to build more housing by removing barriers to development have had major victories this year. Now, Governor Newsom will decide whether to sign a controversial bill that would increase housing near bus stops and transit lines. Scott and Marisa discuss the housing debate in Sacramento with CalMatters reporter Ben Christopher. Then, they're joined by one of the founders of California YIMBY to talk about what the latest changes in housing mean for the Yes In My Backyard movement. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters in San Francisco’s Sunset District overwhelmingly recalled Supervisor Joel Engardio this week over his support for closing the Great Highway and turning it into a new park. Scott, Marisa, Guy and KQED's Sydney Johnson talk about what the recall says about local politics, the city's rezoning battle and how it could make elected officials think twice before crossing their constituents. Read more: Supervisor Joel Engardio Is Out. What’s Next for San Francisco’s Sunset District? Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump's administration has shifted its campaign against elite universities to the University of California system. They are demanding changes that would remake universities in a conservative image and insisted the UC hand over a list of students, faculty and staff as part of an investigation into alleged antisemitism. While the standoff continues, labor unions, faculties and students are suing the administration to prevent the government from using financial threats that they say undermine academic freedom. Marisa and Scott discuss all this with the Los Angeles Times education reporter Jaweed Kaleem. Then, they're joined by UC Berkeley law professor Christopher Kutz, who has been part of a faculty effort to insist the UC not negotiate with the Trump administration. Read more: UC Labor Groups Sue Trump Over ‘Coercive’ Antisemitism Investigations and Demands Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is testing political leaders, as some meet the moment with calls for unity and others call for a fight. Scott talks with Brian Levin, the founder of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at CSU San Bernardino, about the rise of political violence and where we go from here. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the clock ticks down on this last day of the state legislative session, a significant deal on climate and energy programs comes together at the 11th hour. The package includes an extension of the cap-and-trade program, which raises billions of dollars for environmentally friendly projects and eases the way for California to participate in a regional clean energy market. Plus, Scott Marisa and Guy discuss the latest attempt at regulating artificial intelligence that's now on its way to the governor for approval. Read more: California Lawmakers Reach Last-Minute Deals on Climate, Energy Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vaccines were a political issue long before COVID-19, but the pandemic intensified the debate, making them a flashpoint in American politics and trust in government. Marisa and Scott talk with physician and writer Rachael Bedard about what she thinks Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement gets right — and what it gets wrong. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

San Francisco political legend John Burton died over the weekend at age 92. During a decades-long career in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., Burton was known for his blunt, plain-spoken style — often laced with trademark obscenities — as he fought for labor unions and the working class. Scott and Marisa revisit conversations with Burton and with some of the people who knew him best, including former Gov. Jerry Brown, Rep. Nancy Pelosi and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown. Read more: John Burton, Architect of California Democratic Machine, Dies at 92 Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Upheaval at the Centers for Disease Control and the Food And Drug Administration have thrown the nation’s vaccination system into chaos. In response, California and other western states announced an alliance this week to make unified vaccine recommendations. Scott, Marisa and Guy analyze how both Democrats and Republicans grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a Senate hearing yesterday. Plus, they discuss how President Trump's use of the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. continues to rumble across the political landscape. Check out 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 36 last year to increase criminal penalties for certain drug and theft offenses. But less than a year in, is the measure helping decrease crime? Marisa and Scott are joined by San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe to discuss the measure's promises and outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su is calling President Donald Trump’s actions on federal employees a “war on workers.” Those actions include mass firings of the federal workforce and stripping many of the remaining staff of their union protections. Marisa and Scott talk with Su about the impact of Trump’s anti-labor policies and how organized labor is fighting back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senator Alex Padilla this week left open the possibility of a run for California governor during an interview at POLITICO’s “The California Agenda: Sacramento Summit." Plus, a new poll shows former Rep. Katie Porter leading the race. Marisa and Guy are joined by Politico California Editorial Director Chris Cadelago to discuss the state of the 2026 governor's race and the latest news about current Governor Gavin Newsom. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President Donald Trump threatens to send armed military troops to American cities beyond Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, critics are raising questions about the racial politics of the president’s deployment. Marisa is joined by Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University and co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hospitals are pausing or ending gender-affirming care for transgender youth, even in blue states like California. Stanford and Kaiser have both halted gender-related surgeries for minors, and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles shut down its venerated Center for Transyouth Health and Development earlier this summer. Marisa is joined by the San Francisco Chronicle's Erin Allday to discuss the current state of trans youth healthcare and how families in the Bay Area are responding. For more political analysis, sign up for Political Breakdown’s newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republican Congressman Kevin Kiley’s district currently covers a wide swath of eastern California, running from the Lassen National Forest through the Lake Tahoe region and down to Death Valley in the south. But under a new proposed congressional map approved by Democrats in the state Legislature this week, Kiley’s district would shrink significantly and its constituency would become much more Democratic. Marisa is joined by Kiley to discuss the map’s threat to his reelection prospects and his bill to ban mid-decade redistricting nationally. For more political analysis, sign up for Political Breakdown’s newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California lawmakers today approved a special election on newly drawn congressional districts that would help elect more Democrats to the House of Representatives. Voters will have the final say on approving or refusing the map in November. The state's gerrymander is to counter a similar Republican-driven effort in Texas at the request of President Trump. Marisa and Guy discuss the latest drama in the ongoing redistricting wars with Blaise Gainey, the KUT Texas Capitol reporter. For more political analysis, sign up for Political Breakdown’s newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

State lawmakers are negotiating the renewal of California’s landmark climate program known as cap-and-trade. But after the closure of two oil refineries, how are they balancing climate progress with affordability? Guy discusses that challenge with State Senator Monique Limón and later, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, who are both working on plans to renew the cap-and-trade program. For more political analysis, sign up for Political Breakdown’s newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Democrats today released their proposed map to redraw the state's congressional districts, revealing the Republican seats they're targeting in next year's midterm elections. The map comes in response to the Texas redistricting plan to pick up more House seats for Republicans. Scott and Guy talk with Paul Mitchell, the man drawing these new lines in California in collaboration with Governor Newsom and the state legislature. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting with the Gold Rush, San Francisco has always been a boom and bust town. The latest boom is being driven by artificial intelligence, as AI companies and startups scoop up venture capital, real estate, office space and tech talent in the city. Scott talks with the Los Angeles Times technology reporter Queenie Wong about how the AI boom is affecting San Francisco's culture and economy. Then, he's joined by Jake Lahut, senior writer for WIRED, to discuss Silicon Valley's fluctuating influence in D.C. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump took federal control of the police force in Washington D.C. this week, deploying 800 National Guard troops. The president claims the city is plagued by violent crime despite data showing it at a 30-year low. This comes amid the three-day trial in San Francisco over Trump’s deployment of troops to Los Angeles earlier this year in response to ICE protests. Scott is joined first by Jessica Levinson, a professor at Loyola Law School and host of the podcast "Passing Judgment" to discuss Trump's authority to militarize the nation's capital. Then, he's joined by D.C. Senator Ankit Jain. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump’s push for Texas to redraw congressional districts to help Republicans in next year's midterm elections has mobilized Democratic governors, including Gavin Newsom, to do the same. But will California voters agree to let politicians draw their own lines when they put a stop to that practice years ago? Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump Administration has suspended half a billion dollars in federal research funds from UCLA, alleging the school has ignored anti-semitism on campus. The school’s chancellor says the cuts would kill scientific research at UCLA. Now, the university will negotiate with the administration, just as Ivy Leagues like Columbia and Brown University have done. Scott is joined by the Los Angeles Times education reporter Jaweed Kaleem. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week marks 30 years since the death of Grateful Dead frontman and San Francisco native Jerry Garcia. Despite Garcia's disdain for government and politics, he navigated his band through the counterculture revolution of the 1960s and had a remarkable influence on American culture. In a new biography of Garcia, writer and former Los Angeles Times journalist Jim Newton describes how Garcia did his best to shun politics even as the band performed in support of political causes. Scott talks with Newton about his book, “Here Beside the Rising Tide: Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead and an American Awakening." Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New unemployment numbers show that California is tied with Nevada for the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Experts point to uncertainty over tariffs and trade policy, immigration raids and the rise of Artificial Intelligence as some of the main contributors. So what does a high unemployment rate mean for one of the world’s largest economies? Scott talks with economist Christopher Thornberg, founding partner of Beacon Economics, an independent research and consulting firm. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After months of speculation, Kamala Harris announced that she will not run for governor of California, which keeps her options open for a potential campaign for president in 2028. The decision has created a political earthquake throughout the state, as Democrats already running for governor step on the gas for campaign operations now that the biggest threat to their candidacy is removed. Scott and Guy are joined by Politico's senior political reporter Melanie Mason to discuss what's ahead for the 2026 California governor's race. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Texas Republicans move ahead on plans to redraw their congressional districts to boost GOP candidates for the House of Representatives, Governor Gavin Newsom is fighting back, saying California will follow suit. But can Newsom really overcome the legal obstacles to putting political gerrymandering back into practice? Scott is joined by Paul Mitchell, the vice president at Political Data Inc, which uses polling and other data to help Democratic campaigns. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new poll shows that six months into San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s term, voters are very happy with his overall performance. But are his social media posts a little too positive given the city’s issues with ICE arrests and a budget deficit? Scott, Guy and KQED's Sydney Johnson discuss the mayor's popularity. Plus, they talk about a plan for "geographic equity" of shelter placement throughout the city. Read more: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie Is All Over Instagram. Is He Saying Enough? Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City's Democrat primary for mayor has energized the left while shaking up establishment Democrats. Scott is joined by Vox politics reporter Christian Paz to discuss the split within the party, the potential for a Democratic Tea Party moment and what Mamdani's victory means for the party's future. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bilal Mahmood became the first Muslim American elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors last year. Now, Mahmood is proposing controversial legislation to put homeless shelters in each supervisorial district throughout the city. Scott is joined in studio by Mahmood, who represents the city's fifth district including the Haight-Ashbury, Fillmore, Western Addition and Tenderloin neighborhoods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump is pressuring Texas to redraw its political map to try and gain a few more Republican congressional seats. In response, Governor Newsom has threatened to gerrymander California’s political lines to help Democrats win more House seats in next year's midterm election. Plus, both parties are already shaping the narrative around Trump's huge domestic policy bill that, among other things, slashes health care funding. Scott and Guy are joined by the San Francisco Chronicle politics reporter Sophia Bollag. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Supreme Court this week cleared the way for President Trump to fast track the dismantling of the Department of Education. Plus, California and 23 other states are suing the Trump administration over nearly $6 billion in education funds they say are owed to them. Scott is joined by Politico education reporter Juan Perez Jr. to discuss who will be affected by the massive cuts underway and how it could play out politically. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump's massive domestic policy bill allocates an unprecedented amount of money to Immigration and Customs Enforcement's budget, significantly expanding their ability to carry out Trump's aggressive deportation agenda. Already, weeks of intensified raids by federal immigration agents have generated fear and panic among many immigrant communities in California. Scott is joined by the Los Angeles Times immigration reporter Rachel Uranga to discuss the legal status of the raids and their impact on workers, their families and their employers. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In November, Orange County Congressman Derek Tran became the first Vietnamese American to represent Little Saigon in Washington, D.C. Tran barely defeated Republican incumbent Michelle Steel, helping Democrats flip three California House seats from red to blue. We revisit a conversation from May, when Scott and Marisa talked with Tran about representing a very purple district and his father’s harrowing story as a refugee after the Vietnam War. Check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices