
The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast
521 episodes — Page 1 of 11
Trump eases marijuana rules as Arizona considers crackdown
Why Andy Biggs wants to be Arizona's next Governor
Democrats want Maricopa County. Here's their challenge.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' web of half-truths
Why Trump is visiting Phoenix so early in the 2026 midterm cycle
Adrian Fontes wants you to know your mail-in ballot is safe

Inside Maricopa County's elections feud
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and County Recorder Justin Heap have been in a bitter legal battle for months on who is in charge of what parts of the election process. They continue to fight over minute details that could have a major impact come November. The 2026 election in Maricopa County will help decide control of Congress, the state Legislature and the outcome of a very competitive governor's race. This week on The Gaggle, we discussed the county's readiness for the elections with Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Kate Brophy McGee, a Republican. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Kate Brophy McGee Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The reality of data centers on Arizona's economy
The polarization over data center expansion is one of the best examples of the new business climate in Arizona. Some want the state to be on the forefront of the "AI revolution" while others aren't sold on it's economic benefits. Arizona is one of the fastest growing hubs for data centers, with more on the way. This has people questioning what it means for not only the state's resources, but also its tax dollars and impact on its job market. This week on The Gaggle, we're joined by two experts to discuss how the Valley and the country are being economically impacted by the growth of data centers. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Corina Vanek, Michael Hicks Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You can now bet on politics, but is it legal?
These days you can bet on just about anything from the palm of your hand: pocket cash on the outcome of an Arizona Diamondbacks game or the Super Bowl. But now, you can also win money betting on politics. Gamblers can wager the outcome of the war with Iran, the winner of the Arizona governor's race and how long Karoline Leavitt's White House press conferences will last. The new gambling landscape has created a regulatory headache for Arizona, the federal government and the fast-growing prediction market companies fueling all these wagers. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with a gaming law and sports betting attorney who is tracking prediction market legal battles across the country. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Daniel Wallach Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why Trump is dipping back into 2020 ballots
The 2020 election is apparently still not over. President Donald Trump has two states that he hasn't gotten over losing, Arizona and Georgia, under his conspiratorial microscope again. Tusli Gabbard, the FBI and the US Justice Department are hunting for proof the 2020 election was stolen. And Arizona's Senate President, Warren Petersen, gave the FBI full access to voting records. This week on The Gaggle, we talk about the political fallout of the situation and why the Trump administration is dipping back into this well. Email us: [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Subscribe to the Arizona Election's Memo, our Tuesday elections newsletter Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacey Barchenger Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona and the Epstein files
Jeffery Epstein has dominated attention seven years after his death. His wealth, social circles and varied interests ensured the digital trail of his life would lead in many directions. But not many could have guessed that he would posthumously delay the seating of an Arizona congresswoman or that his email threads would catch the University of Arizona in an uncomfortable lie. Among shocking photos and ghastly electronic interactions, these are some of the ongoing surprises from the Epstein files. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, we break down which Arizonans are in the Epstein files, what politicians are and are not saying about the files, and how the Epstein files are creating shockwaves throughout Arizona, Washington, D.C., and the world. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rare Arizona program lets non-lawyers own law firms
Lawyers are there with guaranteed expertise to help sort out your issues, even when time and money can be scarce. But the guaranteed expertise doesn't necessarily go all the way to the top. At least not in Arizona. Now there is a stream of complaints from customers being misled, mistreated and scammed, and the Arizona Supreme Court might be rethinking its oversight. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with an Arizona Republic reporter about her recent investigation into the Arizona Supreme Court's decision to loosen ownership rules for law firms. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Laura Gersony Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ICE raids lead to questions about Arizona's employment law
In late January, Homeland Security agents raided 15 locations of Valley sports bar Zipps after receiving a tip 11 months beforehand that they were employing undocumented immigrants. E-Verify was set up in 2008 to bar the demand for illegal workers, but in 2025, the Arizona Republic found that no state law enforcement agency is routinely looking for violations. Employers often ignored it. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we talk with someone from the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank that examines all layers of America's immigration system. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh Hosts: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Scottsdale's city government soap opera continues
There's a bitter feud between two city leaders. The mayor's top staffer is under a mysterious investigation and is being confined to his house during work hours. And the biggest controversy at the center of it all is a parking garage. What sounds like a made-for-TV political drama is real life for Scottsdale and it's tearing the conservative-majority city government apart. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with The Republic's Scottsdale city reporter for an update on the drama happening in the West's most western town. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Shawn Raymundo Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What 2026 midterm political donations in Arizona show us
Political candidates just filed their quarterly campaign finance reports, one of the few times that the public can peek inside political campaigns to see who is giving money to politicians and what those candidates are doing with the cash. The reports for hotly contested races like Governor, Congressional District 1 and more give us an insight into how they might do in the primaries. So as the saying goes, this week, we follow the money. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Brendan Glavin Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two sides on deadly ICE actions and protests
EFor the second time this month, a U.S. citizen has been shot and killed by federal agents during a surge in immigration enforcement in Minneapolis. The raids, protests and the new dimension of Second Amendment rights has gotten the attention of Arizonans as the presence of national agents has increased in the state. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with guests on both sides of the issue as it expands in Phoenix and across the state. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Erica Connell, Art Del Cueto Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Supervisor Galvin talks Heap, housing & hockey
Being the largest county in the state, Maricopa County will play an immense role in settling Arizona's biggest races in the 2026 midterms this year. Over the last few years, the county has done relatively well ensuring the process is safe, efficient and without major hiccups. But that doesn't mean there haven't been problems, nor differing opinions on how to handle them. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Supervisor Thomas Galvin, a Republican member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors to talk about the county's litigious relations with Republican County Recorder Justin Heap, the future of election security, data centers and his personal advocacy for bringing hockey back to the desert. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Gov. Hobbs did (and didn't) cover in her 2026 State of the State
For the fourth time, Gov. Katie Hobbs offered her vision for Arizona's legislative priorities for 2026. She touched on affordability and political violence, but noticeably left out some key topics. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Republic reporters who cover the Governor's Office and the Arizona Legislature to walk us through what Hobbs covered in her speech and what it all means. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacey Barchenger, Ray Stern Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where the fake electors case stands in Arizona
In January 2021, President Donald Trump leaned on Arizona officials to disregard the state's certified 2020 election results to present an alternative selection of electors. These Republican "fake electors" tried to deem Trump the winner in Arizona, although the state went to Joe Biden. Years later, Democrat Kris Mayes' office got indictments of the 11 Republican electors and 7 others, but has yet to go to trial for most of the defendants. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger. She brings us up to date on the ongoing fake electors' case, the importance it has to Mayes' bid for reelection, and if it can be closed this year. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacey Barchenger Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What we're watching for in 2026 politics
Goodbye 2025 and hello 2026! Another packed election year is among us and races for Governor, Attorney General and more are expected to be noteworthy. The legislature will be working across the aisle (maybe) with an even tighter budget, Turning Point USA figures out who they are without Charlie Kirk and the weight of a Trump endorsement will be debated. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by members of the Arizona Republic politics team. In a roundtable discussion, they describe what they are watching for in Arizona politics in 2026. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacey Barchenger, Ray Stern, Laura Gersony, Stephanie Murray Host: Ron Hansen Producers: Amanda Luberto, Madison Knutson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Holidays from The Gaggle!
We are taking some time off for the holiday this week and we hope you are too! We'll be back next week, but for now, enjoy a break. Thanks for listening to us all year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How fewer Canadian tourists are affecting Arizona economy
This is normally a time when Canadians take a break from the cold and spend their time — and money — here in the desert for some sunshine. But this year, we have plenty of sunshine but a lack of Canadians. The friendly neighbors to the north are feeling insulted and economically punished by President Donald Trump. He implemented and raised tariffs on Canadian goods and has stated that he would like to see it become the 51st state in the union. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by two experts to discuss the impact a lack of Canadian visitors is having on Arizona. Read Michael's story here Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Michael Salerno, Miles Zimbaluk Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's brewing at the Arizona Capitol for 2026
In just a few short weeks, Arizona lawmakers will return to the Capitol to work through another year's budget, consider any legislative needs and take up oversight of Gov. Katie Hobbs' administration as they see appropriate. But lawmakers are working with a tighter purse than usual, and the looming midterm election will have a lot of influence over the decisions made and the laws that get passed. This week on The Gaggle, we're joined by The Republic's state politics reporter Ray Stern. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Ray Stern Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Artificial intelligence in Arizona's universities
Artificial intelligence is making its way into everything in American life: the stock market, journalism, medicine and more. Now major universities like Arizona State are buying into the future of AI by combining it with their offered education. This week on The Gaggle, we explore the role AI has at ASU, the future of AI in universities and how the concerns are being met. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Helen Rummel Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Thanksgiving from The Gaggle!
We are off this week to enjoy the holiday and we hope you are too. Have a safe and lovely holiday, Gaggle listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The future of Turning Point USA
Since Charlie Kirk's death, Turning Point USA and its supporters have completed the tour he began, recently making the final stop at the University of California, Berkeley, which resulted in protests and arrests. In some ways, the chaotic setting underscored the early turbulence for Turning Point after Kirk's death. The organization, so strongly connected to his persona, faces not only grief but pressure to reboot itself. But the unifying power of Kirk feels missing. So, what is the future of Turning Point in the conservative ecosystem? This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by a Republic reporter who has been covering Turning Point since Kirk's death and was in Berkeley for the last stop of that college tour. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stephanie Murray Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with Adelita Grijalva
Adelita Grijalva is best known for not getting to start her job in an unprecedented act by Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson. After a seven-week delay, the Speaker has set a time to formally swear in Rep.-elect Grijalva for Nov 12. She holds the key to potentially forcing a vote in the House of Representatives to release files on an investigation into Donald Trump and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. But she is also looking forward to getting to work for her constituents. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva to discuss the delay in her swearing-in, the longest government shutdown in history and what she wants to accomplish on Capitol Hill. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Adelita Grijalva Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats struggle to register disgruntled voters
As of Nov. 3, President Donald Trump has the lowest approval rating of his second term at 37%. This is usually a good sign for the party out of power, but disapproval in Trump isn't the whole picture. The Democratic Party is having a hard time translating criticism into support. Through July, Republicans have gained 9 times as many new registered voters than Democrats since the November 2024 election. This week on The Gaggle, we're joined by Democratic strategist and CNN commentator, Maria Cardona, to look at how her party is faring one year before the midterm elections. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Maria Cardona Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why migrants are heading away from the US border
In August 2023, authorities reported 82,000 migrants crossed through the Darién Gap, the jungles that separate Panama and Columbia, on their way to the United States. In August 2025, there were seven. In that corridor these days, more migrants are heading southward, away from the U.S. border. This unprecedented event of reverse migration is in direct response to the Trump administration's push for border and immigration crackdowns. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by two reporters who recently traveled to Mexico and Panama to document these voyages. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Daniel Gonzalez, Omar Ornelas Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with Senator Ruben Gallego
It's been about a year since Sen. Ruben Gallego made history becoming the first Latino elected to the U.S. Senate from Arizona. He is mostly known for lighting into President Donald Trump, Republican leadership and even his former opponent Kari Lake. This week, we sit down with the senator to discuss some of what has transpired since he was elected to the Senate, what he thinks Democrats need to do next and what comes after the Trump era ends. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Senator Ruben Gallego Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next big political fight is already shaping up in Arizona
In less than a year, Arizonans will have a chance to decide who to send to Washington for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second administration. David Schweikert stepping away from CD1 makes his open seat a hot competition for Republicans to keep and Democrats to flip. In CD6, candidates are already lined up to take the district for the Dems away from Rep. Juan Ciscomani. This week, we talk with a House races expert about how the races are shaping up so far, what each party has to do to win and what it would mean for the political atmosphere. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Erin Covey Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broken AC can be deadly. How Arizona leaders can fix it
Most Arizonans see the end of summer as a reprieve. But for some, it's a sign of survival. Since 2020, at least 270 people in Maricopa County have died at home when their cooling systems failed or were shut off completely. The Arizona Republic dug into the records of these quiet casualties of extreme heat. Read that report here. This week on The Gaggle, an Arizona politics podcast, we ask an expert what can be done to fix this and what policies could be put into place. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: David Konisky Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health insurance tax cut could end unless Congress acts
A key hang up causing the government shutdown involves a pandemic-era provision for Americans impacting health insurance and medical bills. Currently, about 300,000 Arizonans earn too much to receive Medicaid help, but don't have affordable insurance options through work. This group has qualified for subsidies that cut their insurance costs from the Affordable Care Act insurers since 2021. This relief stops at the end of the year unless Congress moves to extend it, and if aid ends, Arizonans face premium hikes that could jump by nearly $500 per month. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with Will Humble, former state health director. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Will Humble Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new Grijalva and the future of the Epstein files
On September 23, Congressional District 7 elected Democrat Adelita Grijalva to Congress and the narrow Republican majority in the United States House of Representatives is about to be slightly thinner. Adelita's win serves as no surprise in Arizona, but it still matters on the national scale. With her win, the GOP edge over Democrats will effectively shrink to two votes separating any measure from passing the House. Her role could become crucial in Congress' anticipated votes over the Jeffery Epstein files, government funding and more. This week on The Gaggle, we talk with a Republic reporter covering the race and Norman Ornstein of The American Enterprise Institute. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Laura Gersony, Norman Ornstein Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie Kirk's legacy and where Gen Z gets their news
A vigil was held at Arizona State University for Charlie Kirk, conservative influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, after his assassination on September 10th. His career was kickstarted and his identity as a fierce debater was solidified on the ASU campus, and his message resonated with many young people. Charlie Kirk is not the only news personality connecting with a younger generation. According to research by the nonpartisan Pew Research Center, nearly 40% of adults under 30 get their news from content creators. This week on The Gaggle, we hear from Gen Z about what Charlie Kirk meant to them, the legacy he's leaving behind and research on where young people turn to for their news. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Katerina Matsa Host: Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Politics roundup + a farewell to Mary Jo Pitzl
It's nine months into 2025 and there may have been some Arizona politics stories you bookmarked for later but haven't just yet read them. There's a lot to keep up with, and The Gaggle gets that. This week on The Gaggle, we run through the top stories in Arizona politics so far this year and discuss their long-term impact on Arizona. Plus, a farewell to Mary Jo Pitzl, an icon of Arizona news! Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Host, producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's job growth boom hits snooze button
Arizona has been a reliable and long-standing national leader in job growth. But so far this year, the state has taken a big step backwards. Through the first seven months, Arizona has ranked 46th in bringing in new jobs. Despite the steep drop, it doesn't indicate yet that the state is spiraling toward a recession. But it does surprise economic experts and signal a bit of a slowdown. This week on The Gaggle, we're joined by The Republic's business reporter to analyze his annual jobs report and what it means for Arizona's economy. Read the article here Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Russ Wiles Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Partisan passion in local government
There’s a conservative wave washing over some local governments in the Valley’s suburbs. Some point to Donald Trump’s aggressive efforts to erase DEI policies in city businesses. Others contend it’s a natural swing of the pendulum to correct governing bodies that they say have leaned too far left. This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by an associate professor of public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. Together we discuss why this phenomenon is happening and what the consequences of knowing the political allegiances of local councils are. Read the article here Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Justin de Benedictis-Kessner Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kari Lake was right about ASU's collusion. What now?
It's been three years since the 2022 gubernatorial debate went from a discussion to a debacle and the Arizona Republic just received the public records. The reports show behind-the-scenes deliberations involving ASU President Michael Crow and some of his top aides over how to handle known election denier Kari Lake. Since reporting has come out, ASU, Kari Lake and even Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen have commented on the complicated situation and on what comes next. And it raises complex journalistic questions, too. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, a Republic reporter joins us to discuss her story about the 2022 debate and what happens now that it's been exposed. Then, an attorney who advocates for free expression on college campuses, talks about whether ethical and even legal lines were crossed, and where journalists, politicos and the public all go from here. Read Stacey Barchenger's article here Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacey Barchenger, Robert Corn-Revere Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Conservative judge heeds warning for his party
Anxieties you might assume are from a liberal law professor against President Donald Trump and his administration are coming from an unexpected source: Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick. Appointed by Republican Governor Doug Ducey and a described "rockstar of the right" Bolick is no lefty, but he can't help but worry about the way the President is disregarding court decisions. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we are joined by an Arizona Republic reporter who spoke candidly with Bolick about why he sees the current moment as so perilous and how people on both sides of the aisle have responded to his call-out. Read Taylor Seely's article here Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Taylor Seely Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari
Rep. Yassamin Ansari has spent her freshman year in Congress making national headlines. She made national headlines for her travel to El Salvador where she tried, unsuccessfully, to meet with a man who was deported to that country as part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation effort. At the same time, she’s thinking about her political party – from who will run for president in 2028 to who is signing up new voters. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we are joined by Rep. Ansari to break down her first year in Congress and her attempts to work across the aisle. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ron Hansen Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remembering migrants-rights activist Alfredo Gutierrez
Alfredo Gutierrez, a nationally known migrants-rights activist and prominent politician, has died. At 79 years old, he succumbed to esophageal cancer on Tuesday, July 29. Through his long service in the state, Gutierrez exhibited an activist's DNA despite his role inside the government. He sought social justice with his dual passions of civil rights and educational access, especially for immigrants. This week on a special episode of The Gaggle, an Arizona political podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Mary Jo Pitzl takes you through the notable life of Alfredo Gutierrez. Rather than us talking about Gutierrez, you'll hear from the man himself along with former state House minority leader Art Hamilton, former Phoenix mayor Terry Goddard, former state Senate President Pete Rios and notable friends. Read Alfredo Gutierrez's obituary. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Hosts: Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona Democrats are in crisis
Arizona Democrats have held the spotlight this month with two very different votes. One elected legacy politician Adelita Grijalva for the party's representation in the CD 7 race to fill her late father's seat in Congress. The other was to oust their state party chair, Robert Branscomb II. Arizona Democrats are riddled with political infighting after losing the presidential election in 2024, and soon the party will need to come together for midterm campaigns, including the re-election of Gov. Katie Hobbs. This week on The Gaggle, we joined by Stacy Pearson, a Democratic political strategist and co-founder of Lumen Strategies. Pearson joins the show to give a status update on the party, what these two votes indicate for the future and what she thinks the Democrats need in order to get it together. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stacy Pearson, political strategist Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What Sen. Gallego's trip to Iowa could mean
While the rest of the U.S. Senate will go on its annual break in August, Arizona freshman Ruben Gallego is heading to Des Moines to meet with middle America to potentially gauge his chances in what is expected to be a crowded field of Democratic contenders. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl are joined by Des Moines Register politics reporter Brianne Pfannensteil. She joins the podcast to talk through what this trip means, if stopping at the Iowa State Fair is still a strong indicator of who is interested in the White House spot and how voters outside of Arizona view the senator. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Brianne Pfannensteil Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How Trump's Big Beautiful Bill will change Arizona
President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in a Fourth of July ceremony, making tax cuts he passed during his first term permanent. It offsets those revenue losses to the government with steep cuts to services like the Medicaid program, requiring states to be responsible for funding food stamp programs and delivering tax cuts to the wealthiest taxpayers. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, our hosts are joined by Republic reporter Stephanie Murray. Together they discuss the key points out of the Big Beautiful Bill, how Arizona politicians showed up and how the new law will impact Arizonans daily. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok Guest: Stephanie Murray Hosts: Ron Hansen, Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Government can be a force for good' An interview with Governor Katie Hobbs
When Hobbs was elected in 2022, she pledged to bring sanity over chaos. But the Democratic governor has tried to navigate working opposite a Republican-controlled Legislature over the last three years. This year's session was no exception. Hobbs vetoed 174 bills this year, a new single-year record that surpasses her 143 vetoes in 2023. But her vetoes aren't the full story, even if they are record-breaking. She also signed 265 bills into law this year. This week on The Gaggle, a weekly politics podcast, host Mary Jo Pitzl and guest host Stacey Barchenger are joined by Gov. Hobbs in-studio for a sit-down interview. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Governor Katie Hobbs Host: Mary Jo Pitzl, Stacey Barchenger Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Republic reads the Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776, 56 men signed a document declaring the newly formed 13 colonies as one United States of America. By this charter, they formed a new country, one free from Britain's rule. The Declaration of Independence showcased the rights and beliefs of the new country. It was a written record of what America would stand for, and it was signed by the nation's founding fathers. Today, to honor the country's sovereignty, the gaggle presents a reading of the Declaration of independence. Here to read the country founding document are reporters and staff of the Arizona Republic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Arizona Budget Battle
This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Ron Hansen and Mary Jo Pitzl speak with Republic reporters Stacey Barchenger and Ray Stern to explore the politics of this unusual Arizona Legislature budget cycle. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Ray Stern, Stacey Barchenger Host: Mary Jo Pitzl, Ronald J. Hansen Producers: Abby Bessinger, Maritza Dominguez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet the candidates looking to replace Rep. Raúl Grijalva
Early voting begins June 18 in the only federal race this year in Arizona. An election to fill the seat of the late U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva is underway in Arizona's Congressional District 7. The race in southern Arizona has produced competitive primaries on both the Republican and Democratic sides, but most of the attention has been focused on three of the five Democrats seeking their party’s nod. This week on The Gaggle, a weekly politics podcast, we break down the pros and cons of all the candidates on the ballot and explore how the race is shaping up so far. Email us! [email protected] Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on X, Instagram and Tik Tok. Guests: Laura Gersony Host: Mary Jo Pitzl Producer: Amanda Luberto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Same-sex marriage in AZ: The road to legalization and what’s next
June 2025 marks a decade since the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. The landmark 5-4 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges resolved a long-standing national debate and brought together a conflicting patchwork of state laws. Eight months before the SCOTUS decision, the Republican-dominated state of Arizona legalized same sex marriages, though the road to get there was rocky. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, host Mary Jo Pitzl is joined by Republic editor Shaun McKinnon and LGBTQ+ rights advocate Sheila Kloefkorn to look back at the events that led to Arizona in 2014 joining the states that legally recognize gay marriage, and cast forward on what challenges remain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices