Max Politics

Mara Gay, a staff writer for New York Times Opinion, joined the show to discuss her experiences interviewing voters around the country in the lead up to the 2026 elections, takeaways from the election results in New York and nationally, what's next for a Democratic majorities in Congress, and more.

Congressman Pat Ryan, representative of New York's 18th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley and a rising Democratic star, joined the show to discuss his party's big 2026 wins in New York and across the country, and what comes next as Democrats have House and Senate majorities beginning in January 2027. Ryan discussed his brand of "patriotic populism," where Democrats need to focus their political capital, holding the Trump administration accountable, his political future, and more.

As the 2026 elections come to a close in New York and we await the results, three political experts joined the show to each give their '5 Things to Watch.' Republican strategist Chapin Fay, Democratic strategist Basil Smikle Jr., and progressive analyst Michael Lange joined the show to discuss what they're watching as Election Day hits and New York's 2026 elections conclude.

Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat seeking reelection, joined the show to discuss her record, respond to critiques of Democratic governance of New York, outline what's at the top of her agenda if she wins another term, and address key issues facing the state and the city. Hochul is facing Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman in the 2026 election, seeking to win her second full term after ascending to the governor's office in 2021.

City Council Member Sandy Nurse, a Brooklyn Democrat, joined the show to discuss Council passage of the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), which gives qualified nonprofits the first chance to buy certain housing properties when they are put up for sale. Mayor Mamdani has promised to sign the bill, which Nurse is the lead sponsor of, into law, with the promise that it will lead to more community-focused ownership of apartment buildings that have been in physical distress or part of city affordability programs.