The Electorette Podcast

Why women candidates are winning—and changing what “electable” means For years, politics has been shaped by assumptions about who is “electable”—assumptions that often sideline women candidates. But those assumptions are starting to fail. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Jessica Mackler, President of EMILYs List⁠, about what that shift looks like in real time, starting with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton’s recent primary win. Despite being outspent and underestimated, Stratton’s victory reflects a broader pattern: women candidates, including women of color, are winning competitive races—and doing so without the traditional advantages long seen as necessary. They discuss how the idea of electability shapes funding, media coverage, and political strategy—and what happens when candidates succeed without fitting that mold. This conversation examines how power is built, who gets backed, and how those dynamics are beginning to change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How flipped seats are shaping the response to federal immigration enforcement — A conversation with Sarah Curmi of ⁠States Win⁠ From lawsuits to new legislation, states are beginning to push back on federal immigration enforcement in ways that were once unthinkable. This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. Since the last election, Democrats have flipped 30 state legislative seats—changing who holds power in key chambers across the country. In this episode, Sarah Curmi of States Win explains how those gains are translating into policy—and why state legislatures may be the most important political battleground right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ICE at airports, a weeks-long shutdown, and why the DHS Secretary may not be in charge The Department of Homeland Security has been partially shut down for weeks. At the same time, ICE agents are showing up in airports, and Markwayne Mullin has just been confirmed as DHS Secretary. So what’s actually going on—and who’s really in charge? In this conversation, I’m joined by Andrea Flores, former DHS and White House official, attorney, and immigration policy expert, to break down the reality behind the headlines. We talk about why this leadership change may be more symbolic than substantive, how immigration enforcement is expanding in ways most people aren’t noticing, and why this moment may be less about policy—and more about power. We also dig into what Democrats should be doing right now, what’s at stake heading into the midterms, and why it’s important to understand just how far outside the norm this moment really is. From this episode: A New DHS Secretary Won’t Change Trump’s Immigration Agenda Securing America's Promise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Hall on how lawmakers are quietly dismantling ballot initiatives—and how voters are fighting back. Ballot measures have become one of the most powerful tools voters have to bypass politicians and pass policy directly—from raising the minimum wage to expanding Medicaid to protecting reproductive rights. But according to Kelly Hall of The Fairness Project, that power is under coordinated attack. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner talks with Hall about the organization’s new report, Direct Democracy Under Assault, and the accelerating effort to weaken the ballot initiative process across the country. They discuss how lawmakers are changing the rules to make ballot measures harder to qualify, harder to pass, and easier for politicians to manipulate after voters have already spoken. They also explore why these attacks are not just procedural—they’re a warning sign. Rights are often lost gradually, through technical changes and bureaucratic barriers that seem small on their own but add up over time. If voting rights are eroded drip by drip, Hall argues, direct democracy can disappear the same way. This is a conversation about ballot measures, yes—but also about power, representation, and what it means when politicians decide they no longer need to listen to voters. READ THE REPORT: ATTACKS ON DIRECT DEMOCRACY DOUBLED IN 2025 EPISODE CHAPTERS: 00:00 — What ballot measures are and why they matter Kelly explains the ballot initiative process and why it has become such an important democratic tool in an era of political dysfunction. 04:15 — The Fairness Project’s new report: Direct Democracy Under Assault Kelly breaks down the report’s central finding: attacks on ballot measures are accelerating fast. 08:20 — The numbers behind the backlash Jen and Kelly discuss the scale of the legislative assault, including the dramatic rise in anti-ballot-measure bills. 09:30 — Why the backlash is happening now Kelly connects the attacks to recent ballot measure victories, especially on reproductive rights. 11:15 — Why this isn’t just about abortion The conversation widens to include wages, Medicaid, voting protections, gerrymandering, and other policies voters can pursue through ballot initiatives. 12:00 — Who is behind these attacks? Kelly draws an important distinction between Republican voters and a small group of extremist Republican lawmakers attacking direct democracy. 14:45 — What it means when politicians refuse to listen to voters Jen and Kelly discuss the deeper democratic crisis revealed by these efforts. 19:20 — What would a healthy balance look like? A discussion about how ballot measures and legislatures might work together in a better-functioning democracy. 22:10 — Why voters split their tickets but support progressive ballot measuresKelly talks through the complexity and nuance of how people vote. 26:20 — How rights erode “drip by drip”One of the most powerful parts of the conversation: how democratic rights are lost gradually, through cumulative procedural attacks. 28:50 — The Florida exampleKelly explains how Florida has become a case study in making ballot measures harder to use. 32:20 — The Missouri exampleA look at how politicians use delay tactics and bureaucratic obstruction to interfere with the process. 36:50 — Fighting back: ballot measures to protect ballot measuresKelly explains how some states are going on offense by using ballot initiatives to strengthen direct democracy itself. 39:20 — Can there be federal protection for ballot measures?A discussion about the limits of federal intervention and why this remains a state-level fight. 40:20 — What people can do right nowKelly shares where the front lines are and how listeners can support this work. 42:20 — Why this matters even if you don’t live in a ballot-measure state The episode closes with a reminder that these fights affect all of us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, about growing concerns around voter intimidation and the potential role of federal agencies like ICE at or near polling places. They discuss how proposed laws like the SAVE Act could change voter registration requirements, the broader strategy behind voter suppression efforts, and why some Americans are increasingly anxious about voting. Caruthers also puts this moment into historical perspective, reminding us that the fight over voting rights is not new—and that Americans have defended the ballot through some of the most difficult periods in the nation’s history. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 — The State of American Democracy Jen and Rebekah begin by taking the temperature of democracy in the United States, discussing how current political rhetoric and policy decisions are shaping the country’s democratic institutions. 02:30 — A Long History of Fighting for Voting Rights Rebekah reflects on historical struggles for democracy, including the work of Ida B. Wells and the civil rights movement, and explains why understanding this history is essential to navigating today’s challenges. 06:00 — ICE, Voter Intimidation, and the Politics of Fear The conversation turns to concerns about federal law enforcement being deployed near polling places and how intimidation—real or perceived—can discourage people from exercising their right to vote. 07:30 — The SAVE Act and New Voting Restrictions Rebekah breaks down the SAVE Act and similar legislation, explaining how proof-of-citizenship requirements and stricter ID laws could make voter registration significantly harder for millions of Americans. 11:30 — Barriers to Registration and Voting Access From criminal penalties for election workers to reduced early voting and limited ballot drop boxes, the discussion explores how multiple layers of policy changes can collectively restrict access to the ballot. 17:00 — What Voters Can Do Right Now Rebekah offers practical advice for voters, including checking registration regularly, voting early when possible, and ensuring ballots are properly received and counted. 20:00 — Disinformation and Targeting Black Voters The episode examines how misinformation campaigns often target Black communities and why voter suppression historically focuses on communities whose turnout can shift political outcomes. 24:00 — Elections in Times of Crisis Rebekah puts current fears about voting into historical perspective, reminding listeners that the United States has successfully held elections through wars, national crises, and economic collapse. 27:00 — Hope, Resistance, and the Future of the Vote The conversation closes with reflections on hope, civic participation, and why Americans continue to fight for their right to vote—even in difficult political moments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democracy Is Not Passive: Chris Melody Fields Figueredo on Ballot Power in 2026 When we think about elections, we think about candidates. But some of the most consequential fights in 2026 won’t be about who’s on the ballot — they’ll be about what’s on it. Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, joins me to break down the 24 democracy-related ballot measures already approved for November — and the wave of defensive measures, voter suppression tactics, and anti-trans initiatives emerging across the country. We discuss Missouri lawmakers overturning voter-approved minimum wage and paid leave, how supermajority thresholds weaken majority rule, and why ballot initiatives remain one of the most powerful tools for multiracial democracy — even in red states. Democracy cannot be passive. And this year, it’s on the ballot. From this Episode: Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC) BALLOT MEASURE HUB LUCHA AZ —Living United for Change in Arizona is an organization led by changemakers fighting for social, racial, and economic transformation. Missouri Jobs With Justice: A place for people who want to stop the wealthy few from mistreating and dividing us - and who want to start getting the dignity we deserve. Voices of Florida: Voices of Florida is a Florida-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit formerly known as Women's Voices of Southwest Florida Fund dedicated to defending reproductive freedoms and human rights, and empowering our communities through education, outreach and direct action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Librarians: Censorship Comes for DemocracyInside the fight over books, schools, and power: A conversation with Kim Snyder, director of The Librarians Award-winning filmmaker Kim Snyder joins The Electorette to discuss her latest documentary, The Librarians, which examines the nationwide rise in book bans and the political targeting of librarians. The film follows librarians across the country as they navigate harassment, threats, and mounting political pressure—all while defending access to information in their communities. In this conversation, Snyder breaks down how these censorship efforts are organized, who benefits from them, and why they pose a serious threat to democratic institutions. The Librarians premieres on February 9th on PBS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Suzanne Jimenez, Chief of Staff at SEIU-UHW, about the looming healthcare crisis facing California — and the ballot measure designed to stop it. Their conversation begins with the fallout from the federal budget reconciliation bill (HR 1), which delivered historic tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans while triggering over $100 billion in healthcare cuts to California over the next several years. Jimenez explains how those cuts are already showing up across the state: rising insurance premiums, hospital layoffs, threats to Medi-Cal, nursing homes, community clinics, and serious risks to maternal care and children’s health. From there, Jimenez lays out California’s proposed solution: a one-time emergency 5% tax on billionaires, affecting just over 200 individuals. The measure would generate more than $100 billion to stabilize the healthcare system, protect Medi-Cal, support K–14 education, and fund emergency food assistance. She breaks down how the tax works, why claims of billionaire flight are largely a distraction, and how healthcare workers themselves are leading this effort after elected leaders failed to offer a viable alternative. The episode also explores why ballot initiatives have become one of the most effective tools for protecting public goods, how this proposal could serve as a model for other states facing similar cuts, and what Californians stand to lose if the measure does not pass. This is a clear, urgent conversation about who pays when government priorities shift — and how voters can intervene when the safety net is at risk. 🔗 Learn more about the California Billionaire Tax Act:https://www.cabillionairetax.org/ 🔗 See how healthcare workers are supporting the measure:https://www.seiu-uhw.org/ca-billionaire-tax-act/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The American middle class didn’t disappear by accident—it was dismantled by design. In this episode of The Electorette, host Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Professor A. Mechele Dickerson, author of Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream, for a clear-eyed conversation about how deliberate public policy once built a strong middle class—and how decades of political neglect slowly unraveled it. Dickerson explains why the middle class exists at all, how housing policy, labor protections, education, and debt once worked together to create upward mobility, and what changed beginning in the 1980s. We also discuss why conversations about the middle class so often erase race—and how ignoring systemic inequality ultimately weakens the entire economy. There’s a personal thread woven throughout this conversation as well: both Dickerson and Taylor-Skinner grew up in Memphis and even attended the same middle school, a shared history that mirrors many of the book’s core themes around affordable housing, public education, and economic opportunity. This is a grounded, urgent conversation about what Americans have lost—and the open question of whether a new middle-class deal is still possible if the collective political will can be summoned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After users discovered they could use Grok, the AI tool embedded in X, to generate nonconsensual nude images of women and girls, the backlash was swift. And the story raised a deeper question: are these harms a failure of artificial intelligence itself, or a reflection of the people, power structures, and incentives behind it? In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Tazin Khan, CEO of Cyber Collective, for an important conversation about feminist AI, technology-facilitated gender-based violence, and the limits of blaming “innovation” for harms that are deeply human. From deepfakes and data exploitation to capitalism, surveillance, and platform responsibility, this discussion challenges the idea that technology is neutral—and asks who is protected, who is exposed, and why accountability so often stops at the code. This is a conversation about AI, yes—but even more so about power, responsibility, and the systems we continue to build without reckoning with their consequences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As The Electorette returns with a new season, there was only one place to start: the front lines of civil liberties. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political & Advocacy Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union, for a wide-ranging and urgent conversation about what Trump’s second term really represents—not chaos, but a calculated “shock and awe” strategy designed to overwhelm the law, the courts, and the public. They discuss the ACLU’s unprecedented legal response, the escalating attacks on immigrant communities, and why the Supreme Court’s upcoming birthright citizenship case could fundamentally redefine what it means to be American. Deirdre also explains how coordinated legal and civic pressure can slow executive overreach, why public engagement still matters in moments like this, and what people can do right now to meaningfully defend civil liberties and the rule of law. Mentioned in this episode: Firewall For Freedom: States Must Safeguard Our Rights Stop ICE's Attack On Our Communities Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 — Season Return & Why the ACLU Now Jen kicks off the new season of The Electorette and explains why beginning with the ACLU is both urgent and necessary. 02:00 — “Shock and Awe” as a Governing Strategy Deirdre Schifeling explains why the current moment isn’t chaos, but a deliberate strategy designed to overwhelm the law and civil society. 06:30 — The Scale of the ACLU’s Legal Response How the ACLU mobilized immediately—and what it means to file hundreds of legal actions in a single year. 09:30 — Immigration Enforcement, Due Process, and Escalation A look at aggressive immigration tactics, racial profiling, and why conditions may intensify as new funding takes effect. 14:30 — Public Backlash and the Limits of Fear Politics Why demonizing immigrant communities has consequences—and where public resistance is already visible. 18:30 — Are the Courts Holding Up? An assessment of how the judicial system is responding, where it’s working, and where the risks remain. 22:30 — Birthright Citizenship and the Supreme Court Test Why the birthright citizenship case is so consequential—and what’s at stake for the Constitution if it fails. 28:30 — What Birthright Citizenship Really Means Historical context on why birthright citizenship exists and how it defines American equality. 33:30 — Executive Power and the Role of the Courts How recent court decisions have expanded executive authority—and where guardrails are most needed. 38:30 — What Comes Next for Civil Liberties Looking ahead: where pressure points are likely to emerge and how rights are most vulnerable. 42:30 — Civic Engagement Beyond the Courts How public participation, organizing, and legal advocacy intersect outside electoral politics. 46:30 — The ACLU’s “Firewall for Freedom” Strategy How state and local governments can act as safeguards—and what that looks like in practice. 51:30 — What Individuals Can Do Right Now Concrete ways people can support civil liberties, engage locally, and stay involved. 55:30 — Final Thoughts & The Work Ahead Closing reflections on this moment, the long view, and why sustained engagement matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Washington stalls, governors are governing. How Democratic governors became the nation’s problem-solvers—and why this year’s races could redefine Democratic momentum heading into 2026. In this episode, Ofirah Yheskel of the Democratic Governors Association joins Jen Taylor-Skinner to break down the critical gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey—where Democratic women candidates could flip key seats and make history. They discuss why governors have become the front line in protecting healthcare, reproductive rights, and democracy itself, and how this election could set the tone for Democrats heading into 2026. Episode Chapters (00:00) Democratic Governors and the 2021 Election Democratic governors are stepping up to protect reproductive rights, accessible healthcare, and counteract Trump's policies in critical races. (08:41) Democratic Governors Democratic governors' impact on key issues, contrast with Republican counterparts, upcoming elections, and call to action for involvement with Democratic Governors Association. #GovernorsRace #VirginiaElection #NewJerseyElection #AbortionAccess #EconomicJustice #LeadershipMatters #TheElectorette #ElectorettePodcast #WomenInPolitics #DemocraticGovernors #OfirahYheskel #DGA #JenTaylorSkinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 Test Run: Inside the state races that will signal where power—and reproductive rights—are headed next. The next election cycle is not business as usual. With reproductive rights hanging in the balance and pro-choice women candidates facing historic headwinds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with Jessica Mackler, president of EMILYs List, about the crucial upcoming contests—from deeply vulnerable states in the South to a pivotal race in New Jersey. Together, they explore how these elections shape the future of power, policy, and progress for women, families, and democracy itself. Episode Chapters (00:00) The Electorate Virginia's upcoming elections hold critical stakes for reproductive rights, with a focus on the gubernatorial race and EMILY's List-endorsed candidates. (09:18) Women Candidates Addressing Economic Hardship Protecting rights in elections, women candidates' leadership, economic concerns for women voters, and Emily's List's support. (19:34) Reproductive Rights and Virginia Elections Reproductive rights, cost of living, and electing pro-choice women are crucial in upcoming elections for restoring power to the people. (25:34) Virginia Campaigning and Election Strategies Campaign contributions and voter participation are crucial in the Virginia state Senate race, supporting Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. #AbigailSpanberger #MikieSherrill #WinsomeEarlSears #VirginiaElections #NewJerseyElections #VAElection2025 #NJElection2025 #VirginiaVotes #NewJerseyVotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Women have been shaping American politics since its beginning — organizing movements, expanding rights, and redefining leadership at every turn. But over the past decade, that long struggle has collided with a new wave of visibility and backlash. ⁠Emerge is now recruiting the class of 2026⁠ From the raw sexism of 2016, to the record-breaking “pink wave” of 2018, to the post-2024 debate over whether women are even electable, the story of women in politics reveals how deeply gender still defines power in America. In this episode, A’shanti Gholar, President and CEO of Emerge, traces that arc — and explains why women aren’t stepping back. She calls it the Kamala Effect: the surge of women still running, organizing, and leading despite unprecedented hostility. We talk about what that resilience looks like — from local campaigns and judicial races to the national fight for representation — and what it means to “lock in” as we head into the next wave of elections. Emerge came directly out of Kamala Harris' first run for office in the early 2000s. Watch ⁠here⁠. If you’ve ever wondered whether women can still change the direction of American democracy, this episode is both a roadmap and a signal to lock in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s really keeping Americans from the ballot box? In this urgent conversation, Rebekah Caruthers, President and CEO of the Fair Elections Center, breaks down the invisible “friction” that pushes voters out of the process—confusing and state-by-state registration rules, ID and signature hurdles (especially for Gen Z without DMV records), voter roll purges, and a rising climate of fear fed by mis- and disinformation. We go inside states like Georgia, Florida, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Tennessee to see how policy choices—and lawsuits—shape who gets to participate. Caruthers reframes “voter apathy,” argues that democracy requires both contestation and participation, and offers clear, immediate steps: check your registration often, learn your state’s rules, and show up in every election—not just the big ones. If you’ve ever wondered whether we can still have free and fair elections, this episode is a master class in how to protect them. Conversation takeaways Why registration is harder than it looks (AVR/online systems still hinge on DMV signatures). How roll purges and mid-decade redistricting depress participation. The role of fear, misinformation, and new criminal penalties around helping voters. Why local races (school boards, utilities, county commissions) impact daily life the most. Practical steps to safeguard your vote—and your community’s. Chapters (00:00) Barriers to Voting Registration and Turnout Voter suppression, civic participation, and innovative approaches to voter registration discussed in relation to fair elections. (11:37) Defending and Facilitating Voting Rights Participating in every election strengthens democracy, but challenges like voter purges and misconceptions persist. (21:22) Importance of Voting in Local Elections Understanding voter apathy, the power of local elections, and the urgency of political engagement in shaping democracy. (27:45) Challenges in Voting Rights Legislation Voting rights in the US, civic education, state laws, barriers for returning citizens, and the need for action. (43:41) Importance of Physical Document Ownership Having a physical copy of the Constitution allows for direct engagement with primary sources and avoids potential misinformation from digital versions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophia Lin Lakin on How the Supreme Court Could Dismantle the Law Protecting Voters The U.S. Supreme Court is once again preparing to rule on a case that could further dismantle the Voting Rights Act — Callais v. Landry. At the center of this case is Section 2, one of the last remaining protections against racial discrimination in voting. After Louisiana courts ruled that the state’s congressional map illegally diluted Black voting power, a new map was drawn to include a second majority-Black district. But now, a group of white voters — and the state of Louisiana itself — are asking the Court to go even further, claiming that Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is unconstitutional. If the Court agrees, it could strip away the very protections that ensure voters of color can participate equally in our democracy. To unpack the case and its sweeping implications, Jen Taylor Skinner speaks with Sophia Lin Lakin, Director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, whose team represents Black voters in this landmark case. They discuss the history behind Section 2, the chilling parallels to Shelby County v. Holder, and what this moment could mean for the future of voting rights in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices