Comment your guess on how long the government shutdown will last! Closest comment will get:

1. The Latino Vote Podcast T-Shirt
2. 'Tío Bernie' book signed by Chuck Rocha: https://www.tioberniebook.com/
3. 'The Latino Century' book signed by Mike Madrid: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Latino-Century/Mike-Madrid/9781668015278

*Must comment before notice of end of government shutdown.
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Chuck and Mike dive into the government shutdown now entering its second week, debating whether it will last a month or wrap up sooner. They break down the explosive Virginia AG race where text messages about violence have upended the Democratic campaign, discuss New Jersey's tight Senate race, and explore why working-class Latinos are feeling disconnected from both parties.

Our hosts analyze major fundraising numbers and the rise of new progressive candidates, including Jon Ossoff's $12 million haul and a Texas state rep who raised $6 million in just 31 days. They examine David Hogg's new PAC backing challengers to Democratic incumbents, the California governor's race after Katie Porter's viral meltdown, and why Prop 50's opposition is running out of money.

Plus: Chuck shares insights from canvassing Latino voters in Paterson, NJ, discusses why Democrats need to reconnect with faith communities, and reveals his newfound obsession with "The Chosen" TV series. Mike breaks down the Tennessee special elections that could shift House control and why authentic candidates like the Maine oyster farmer are resonating with voters.

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News from this episode:

• Politico - 'Jay Jones texting scandal breathes new life into GOP push in Virginia': https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/08/jones-fallout-00596731
• CBS Evening News - 'Katie Porter has fiery exchange with reporter': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJOhyFViMac
• Axios  - 'Activist David Hogg struggles in push for new generation of Dem leaders': https://www.axios.com/2025/10/02/david-hogg-pac-democrats-struggles
• AP - 'Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff raises $12 million for 2026 reelection': https://apnews.com/article/georgia-democrat-2026-senate-jon-ossoff-fundraising-74b9232ae5779f34d96f852db7eeb455

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Recorded on October 8, 2025.

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