Political Breakdown

California voters cast their ballots on Tuesday and the results are starting to take shape. Governor-elect Xavier Becerra held his first press conference this week but offered few details of his agenda for next year. Jane Kim declared victory in the insurance commissioner race, although her opponent has not yet conceded.  Candidates backed by Silicon Valley are leading most of their Assembly and Senate contests, while several Democrat-versus-Democrat congressional races produced surprising outcomes. Locally, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie and Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee scored big wins. The politics team digs into all of it. Follow the latest results with ⁠⁠KQED’s election tracker⁠⁠. Plus, check out ⁠Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter⁠, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the heels of a massive blue wave that swept more progressives and moderates into Congress, what’s next for the Democratic Party? How will the president respond to an emboldened Democratic majority on Capitol Hill? How will Hakeem Jeffries, who announced his run for speaker, keep his big tent together?  Marisa, Scott, Guy and Politico’s California Bureau Chief Melanie Mason chew over national and statewide results.  Plus, they discuss democratic socialist Nithya Raman’s victory over incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles and Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement today that he will commute the death sentences of all death row inmates in California. Follow the latest results with ⁠KQED’s election tracker⁠. Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrat Xavier Becerra will be the next governor, the billionaire tax and voter ID measures are headed for defeat and nationally Democrats appear to have pulled off more of a blue tsunami than wave. Marisa, Scott and Guy break down early results for the statewide propositions and offices, competitive congressional races and local legislative races. Follow the latest results with KQED's election tracker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Xavier Becerra is poised to become California’s next governor. The former Health and Human Services Secretary emerged victorious from a messy primary that pitted him against a long list of fellow Democrats. He was stuck in single digits but surged after former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.  Since June, Becerra has had an easy sprint to the Nov. 3 election, with recent polls showing him at least 25 points ahead of his opponent, Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra joins Marisa and Scott in studio to discuss his plan for the state if he is elected next week. Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Longwell has conducted hundreds of focus groups and spoken with thousands of American voters over the past decade. As a result, the former Republican strategist, who left the party after President Trump was elected in 2016, has become one of the nation’s preeminent experts on voter sentiment. Less than a week before election day, Longwell joins Marisa to discuss the state of U.S. politics in 2026.  Longwell is also the New York Times bestselling author of "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time," publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast.  Don’t forget to use KQED’s voter guide when filling out your ballot! Plus, check out Political Breakdown’s weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices