Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is warning residents that a realignment of the federal workforce and cuts to federal agency could have <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/11/06/fears-of-trump-driven-federal-agency-cuts-spur-talk-of-tax-increases-in-montgomery-county/">dire consequences for the county</a>. He joined the show to talk about what a second Trump presidency could mean for the county.Plus, Elrich spoke about how <a href="https://moco360.media/2024/11/21/if-i-dont-have-to-do-something-im-not-doing-it-elrich-says-of-trumps-mass-deportation-proposal/">he is preparing</a> if Trump follows through on his promise of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He said while the county can’t stop the federal government from acting, they won’t assist.“We can’t be deputized and it’s not our job to cooperate with immigration, so if they want to do raids, they are going to do raids. But they can’t compel the county government to provide police support," Elrich said.He also talked about what he hopes to accomplish in <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/11/06/montgomery-county-term-limits/">his final two years as county executive</a> and what <a href="https://moco360.media/2024/11/18/elrich-will-reportedly-run-for-county-council/">his political future</a> might be.Justin Wilson's time as mayor of Alexandria ends next month, after nearly two decades serving on the council, as vice mayor, and mayor. Kojo and Tom talked with him about <a href="https://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2018-12-06/kojo-roadshow-a-town-hall-on-amazons-arrival-in-crystal-city/">bringing Amazon HQ2 to the region</a>, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/29/virginia-arena-politics-caps-wizards-alexandria/">collapse of the arena deal</a>, and what the future will look like for the city of Alexandria.He also spoke about the city's efforts to increase housing supply, including by <a href="https://dcist.com/story/23/11/29/alexandria-lawmakers-unanimously-eliminate-single-family-only-zoning/">eliminating single-family-only zoning</a>. Wilson said <a href="https://virginiamercury.com/2024/12/05/why-sen-sturtevant-wants-to-stop-big-investment-firms-from-buying-homes-in-virginia/">proposed legislation</a> from Virginia lawmakers that would prohibit large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes is only "small ball." What the region really needs are more houses. "When you reallocate the same limited supply, that doesn’t lower prices for folks. It doesn’t make housing more accessible. You have to create additional supply," Wilson said.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepoliticshour">facebook.com/thepoliticshour</a>

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is warning residents that a realignment of the federal workforce and cuts to federal agency could have dire consequences for the county. He joined the show to talk about what a second Trump presidency could mean for the county.
Plus, Elrich spoke about how he is preparing if Trump follows through on his promise of mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. He said while the county can’t stop the federal government from acting, they won’t assist.
“We can’t be deputized and it’s not our job to cooperate with immigration, so if they want to do raids, they are going to do raids. But they can’t compel the county government to provide police support," Elrich said.
He also talked about what he hopes to accomplish in his final two years as county executive and what his political future might be.
Justin Wilson's time as mayor of Alexandria ends next month, after nearly two decades serving on the council, as vice mayor, and mayor. Kojo and Tom talked with him about bringing Amazon HQ2 to the region, the collapse of the arena deal, and what the future will look like for the city of Alexandria.
He also spoke about the city's efforts to increase housing supply, including by eliminating single-family-only zoning. Wilson said proposed legislation from Virginia lawmakers that would prohibit large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes is only "small ball." What the region really needs are more houses. 
"When you reallocate the same limited supply, that doesn’t lower prices for folks. It doesn’t make housing more accessible. You have to create additional supply," Wilson said.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on why cutting federal agencies could mean a tax increase for county residents. Plus, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson talks about what he hopes is his lasting legacy.

The Politics Hour: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson

President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear he wants the FBI headquarters <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4651037-trump-new-fbi-headquarters-dc-maryland/">to stay in the District</a>. There's a possibility he could <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2024/11/06/trump-harris-election-fbi-headquarters-greenbelt.html">reverse the decision</a> made last year <a href="https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-11-national-capital/buildings-and-facilities/development-projects/fbi-headquarters-consolidation">to move the FBI to Prince George's County</a>. Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey joined us to discuss.Plus, a Senate committee moved legislation forward that would give D.C. control of the R-F-K Stadium site at no cost for the use of the land. It’s a step towards building a new football stadium and luring the team back to D.C.from Prince George’s County. That’s concerning for Council Chair Ivey, who’d like to keep the team where it is. She said she's recently talked with the team about staying put, touting the potential for development and noted the team already owns the land where the current stadium sits."But of course, that was before Congress put their thumb on the scale, and right now, it looks possible they could be getting the land for free. And that’s really not fair," Ivey said.Army veteran Eugene Vindman won his race earlier this month to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Congressman-elect Vindman joined the show to talk about his victory, legislative priorities, and navigating a Republican-controlled House. And as someone who had <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/army-vet-reported-phone-call-led-trump-impeachment-runs-congress-rcna125529">run-ins with Trump</a>, does he have concerns about possible retribution?Plus, President-Elect Donald Trump announced that he tapped tech billionaire Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to head a Department of Government Efficiency.The goal is to cut federal spending, which would leave many federal workers in our region wondering what will become of their  jobs under the incoming Trump administration.Vindman aid he recognizes a need to trim the federal budget but that there are certain areas where he will not compromise."There are gonna be some realities that those appointed to conduct these activities are gonna run into. They're related to national security realties, economic realities, political realities. And so, where we can work together we will and where we can't I'm gonna fight for Virginia families," Vindman said.  Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepoliticshour">facebook.com/thepoliticshour</a>

President-elect Donald Trump has made it clear he wants the FBI headquarters to stay in the District. There's a possibility he could reverse the decision made last year to move the FBI to Prince George's County. Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey joined us to discuss.
Plus, a Senate committee moved legislation forward that would give D.C. control of the R-F-K Stadium site at no cost for the use of the land. It’s a step towards building a new football stadium and luring the team back to D.C.from Prince George’s County. That’s concerning for Council Chair Ivey, who’d like to keep the team where it is. 
She said she's recently talked with the team about staying put, touting the potential for development and noted the team already owns the land where the current stadium sits.
"But of course, that was before Congress put their thumb on the scale, and right now, it looks possible they could be getting the land for free. And that’s really not fair," Ivey said.
Army veteran Eugene Vindman won his race earlier this month to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Congressman-elect Vindman joined the show to talk about his victory, legislative priorities, and navigating a Republican-controlled House. And as someone who had run-ins with Trump, does he have concerns about possible retribution?
Plus, President-Elect Donald Trump announced that he tapped tech billionaire Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to head a Department of Government Efficiency.
The goal is to cut federal spending, which would leave many federal workers in our region wondering what will become of their  jobs under the incoming Trump administration.
Vindman aid he recognizes a need to trim the federal budget but that there are certain areas where he will not compromise.
"There are gonna be some realities that those appointed to conduct these activities are gonna run into. They're related to national security realties, economic realities, political realities. And so, where we can work together we will and where we can't I'm gonna fight for Virginia families," Vindman said.  
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

Prince George's County Council Chair Jolene Ivey on the future of the new FBI headquarters and the candidates who could replace Senator-elect Angela Alsobrooks as county executive. Plus, Virginia Congressman-elect Eugene Vindman on his victory earlier this month and navigating a Republican-controlled House.

The Politics Hour: Prince George County's Jolene Ivey and Congressman-elect Eugene Vindman

While many District residents are concerned a Republican-led Congress could <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/heres-what-a-second-trump-presidency-could-mean-for-dc/3762595/">rescind the city's autonomy</a>, not everyone sees doom and gloom. The chair of the Republican Party of D.C. Patrick Mara got behind the mic to explain why a Trump presidency will be good for the District of Columbia.Mara said public safety and concerns over crime could lead the federal government to assert more control of the city. He said he's heard from both Republicans and Democrats who blame the D.C. Council for not taking enough action."The council has to do a much better job on public safety....the Council is not seen in a good light on either side of the Hill," Mara said, who made clear he's a "staunch advocate" of D.C. Home Rule.He also weighed in on why <a href="https://electionresults.dcboe.org/election_results/2024-General-Election">more District residents voted Republican</a> than in 2020 and 2016.Someone <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/vandalism-of-dc-kosher-restaurant-not-investigated-as-hate-crime/3765984/">vandalized a kosher restaurant</a> in D.C. this week in what may have been a hate crime. We asked Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin to weigh in. Plus, we discussed how city officials are preparing for a second Trump administration.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepoliticshour">facebook.com/thepoliticshour</a>

While many District residents are concerned a Republican-led Congress could rescind the city's autonomy, not everyone sees doom and gloom. The chair of the Republican Party of D.C. Patrick Mara got behind the mic to explain why a Trump presidency will be good for the District of Columbia.
Mara said public safety and concerns over crime could lead the federal government to assert more control of the city. He said he's heard from both Republicans and Democrats who blame the D.C. Council for not taking enough action.
"The council has to do a much better job on public safety....the Council is not seen in a good light on either side of the Hill," Mara said, who made clear he's a "staunch advocate" of D.C. Home Rule.
He also weighed in on why more District residents voted Republican than in 2020 and 2016.
Someone vandalized a kosher restaurant in D.C. this week in what may have been a hate crime. We asked Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin to weigh in. Plus, we discussed how city officials are preparing for a second Trump administration.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour

D.C. GOP Chairman Patrick Mara on why a Trump presidency will be a good thing for the District. Plus, Ward 3 Councilmember Matt Frumin discusses on how city officials are preparing for another Trump adminstration.

The Politics Hour: D.C. GOP Chair Patrick Mara on why Trump will be good for D.C.

The Politics Hour, November 8, 2024

Nov. 8, 2024

11-08-2024

Kojo and Tom Sherwood brought listeners results, analysis, and context from across the region. They were joined by reporters stationed at watch parties across the region to discuss the local races in <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/28/your-voter-guide-for-the-districts-2024-elections/">D.C.</a>, <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/25/maryland-senate-race-2024/">Maryland</a>, and <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/09/26/meet-the-candidates-in-virginias-most-competitive-congressional-district/">Virginia</a>. Guests:Jahd Khalil, VPM reporterKayla Hewitt, WAMU producer/reporter Ginny Bixby, MoCo 360 reporterAlex Koma, Loose Lips reporter for Washington City PaperSam P.K. Collins, Washington Informer reporterJosh Kurtz, founding editor for Maryland Matters

Kojo and Tom Sherwood brought listeners results, analysis, and context from across the region. They were joined by reporters stationed at watch parties across the region to discuss the local races in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. 
Guests:
Jahd Khalil, VPM reporter
Kayla Hewitt, WAMU producer/reporter 
Ginny Bixby, MoCo 360 reporter
Alex Koma, Loose Lips reporter for Washington City Paper
Sam P.K. Collins, Washington Informer reporter
Josh Kurtz, founding editor for Maryland Matters

Kojo and Tom were joined by by reporters from across the region providing context about the biggest local races

WAMU's Election Night Special

Voters are flocking to the polls to vote early across the region. In the meantime, city leaders are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/29/election-security-dc-police/">preparing ahead of Election Day and the inauguration</a>, aiming to be ready in case of <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/decision-2024/dc-bracing-for-possible-riots-and-civil-unrest-around-election/3753468/">massive crowds, protests, or unrest</a>. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the show to discuss what measures the District is putting in place to keep residents safe. Plus, we asked Mayor Bowser to weigh in <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/28/your-voter-guide-for-the-districts-2024-elections/">on ranked choice voting</a> and the D.C. Council's <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/29/dc-council-protest-bill-residential-first-amendment/">emergency legislation</a> restricting protesting in residential neighborhoods.On Wednesday, the <a href="https://www.vpm.org/elections/2024-10-29/barbara-comstock-glenn-youngkin-us-supreme-court-voter-purge-case">U.S. Supreme Court ruled</a> Virginia could resume purging suspected noncitizens from voter rolls. The decision overturns a <a href="https://www.vpm.org/news/2024-10-25/glenn-youngkin-patricia-giles-jason-miyares-susan-beals-lawsuit">previous ruling</a> made by a federal judge days earlier to reinstate some 1,600 voters. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel explained what exactly is going on, how it could affect election results, and why this is good news for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>

Voters are flocking to the polls to vote early across the region. In the meantime, city leaders are preparing ahead of Election Day and the inauguration, aiming to be ready in case of massive crowds, protests, or unrest. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined the show to discuss what measures the District is putting in place to keep residents safe. Plus, we asked Mayor Bowser to weigh in on ranked choice voting and the D.C. Council's emergency legislation restricting protesting in residential neighborhoods.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Virginia could resume purging suspected noncitizens from voter rolls. The decision overturns a previous ruling made by a federal judge days earlier to reinstate some 1,600 voters. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel explained what exactly is going on, how it could affect election results, and why this is good news for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on the District's preparations ahead of election day and the inauguration Plus, the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in on Virginia purging suspected noncitizens from the voter rolls.

The Politics Hour: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on election night preparations and ranked choice voting

The race for <a href="https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd116/cd_based/ST24/CD116_MD06.pdf">Maryland's 6th congressional district</a> seat appears to be <a href="https://wtop.com/congressional-elections/2024/10/why-is-marylands-6th-congressional-district-race-so-competitive/">a tossup,</a> making it the most competitive U.S. House race in the state. A <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/10/07/6th-district-candidate-forum-erupts-in-anger/">fiery forum</a> spotlighted the divide between candidates on immigration, the economy, and <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/11/delaney-parrott-election-abortion/">abortion rights</a>. The race takes center stage this week, with Democrat April McClain Delaney and Republican Neil Parrott each got behind the mic and made their pitch to voters. On the show Friday, they put forward different priorities on things like gun control.On Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi Friday, McClain Delaney said she’d support tougher restrictions.“Common sense gun legislation, I think, includes bans on military assault weapons and universal background checks. And with so many spiraling depression, mental health, anxiety issues, red flag laws," said Delaney. Congress banned assault weapons in 1994, but the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/04/01/1167467835/school-shooting-assault-weapons-ban-history">ban lapsed a decade later</a>.Republican Neil Parrot, however, says he would not vote for a ban.“We have a second amendment. We need to make sure people have the right to bear arms. Of course, they need to be reasonable.. which we have, so I think we are okay there.”When it comes to curbing gun violence, Parrott said he’d prefer to find quote “other solutions.”.Virginia's 7th congressional district race is also <a href="https://virginiamercury.com/2024/10/10/tight-race-in-virginias-7th-congressional-district-as-derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-face-off/">tight</a>, with Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Eugene Vindman vying to replace Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who's running for governor. Last week, <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/18/the-politics-hour-tune-live-at-noon-for-marylands-democratic-u-s-senate-candidate-angela-alsobrooks/">Vindman joined the show</a>, and now, it was Anderson's turn to discuss his campaign with Kojo and Tom. We will talked about his military service, congressional control, and reproductive rights.He restated his position on abortion."I do not support a national ban. I support IVF and I do support over the counter contraceptives," Anderson said.When asked, he would not say whether he would support a federal law protecting abortion. Anderson says the issue should be left to states to decide.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>

The race for Maryland's 6th congressional district seat appears to be a tossup, making it the most competitive U.S. House race in the state. A fiery forum spotlighted the divide between candidates on immigration, the economy, and abortion rights. The race takes center stage this week, with Democrat April McClain Delaney and Republican Neil Parrott each got behind the mic and made their pitch to voters. 
On the show Friday, they put forward different priorities on things like gun control.
On Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi Friday, McClain Delaney said she’d support tougher restrictions.
“Common sense gun legislation, I think, includes bans on military assault weapons and universal background checks. And with so many spiraling depression, mental health, anxiety issues, red flag laws," said Delaney. Congress banned assault weapons in 1994, but the ban lapsed a decade later.
Republican Neil Parrot, however, says he would not vote for a ban.
“We have a second amendment. We need to make sure people have the right to bear arms. Of course, they need to be reasonable.. which we have, so I think we are okay there.”
When it comes to curbing gun violence, Parrott said he’d prefer to find quote “other solutions.”.
Virginia's 7th congressional district race is also tight, with Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Eugene Vindman vying to replace Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who's running for governor. Last week, Vindman joined the show, and now, it was Anderson's turn to discuss his campaign with Kojo and Tom. We will talked about his military service, congressional control, and reproductive rights.
He restated his position on abortion.
"I do not support a national ban. I support IVF and I do support over the counter contraceptives," Anderson said.
When asked, he would not say whether he would support a federal law protecting abortion. Anderson says the issue should be left to states to decide.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

We put a spotlight on Maryland's 6th congressional district race with both Democrat April McClain Delaney and Republican Neil Parrott joining the show. Plus, Virginia's 7th congressional district Republican candidate Derrick Anderson makes his pitch to voters.

The Politics Hour: Maryland's 6th congressional district candidates talk abortion rights, gun control, and the economy

Kojo and a panel of local reporters took your comments and answered your election-related questions on-air during our primetime call-in special. We discussed races across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, as well as how the outcome of the presidential race might affect our region.There were questions about the <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/11/angela-alsobrooks-and-larry-hogan-square-off-in-sole-maryland-senate-race-debate/">close Maryland Senate race</a>. And how <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/18/the-politics-hour-tune-live-at-noon-for-marylands-democratic-u-s-senate-candidate-angela-alsobrooks/">Initiative 83</a> and ranked choice voting might impact future elections in the District. We also discussed how the presidential race could affect the tens of thousands of <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/10/13/virginia-candidates-weigh-in-on-federal-workers-policy/">federal workers</a> across the region.Teo Armus from the Washington Post, Sam P.K. Collins from the Washington Informer, and Maryland Matters' Will Ford joined Kojo to answer your calls, emails, and messages.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>

Kojo and a panel of local reporters took your comments and answered your election-related questions on-air during our primetime call-in special. 
We discussed races across Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, as well as how the outcome of the presidential race might affect our region.
There were questions about the close Maryland Senate race. And how Initiative 83 and ranked choice voting might impact future elections in the District. We also discussed how the presidential race could affect the tens of thousands of federal workers across the region.
Teo Armus from the Washington Post, Sam P.K. Collins from the Washington Informer, and Maryland Matters' Will Ford joined Kojo to answer your calls, emails, and messages.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Listeners joined Kojo and a panel of reporters for a election call-in special

WAMU’s 2024 election call-in special with Kojo Nnamdi

The closely watched Maryland Senate race remains <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/09/poll-alsobrooks-keeps-ahead-hogan-costly-maryland-senate-race/">tight</a>. Tens of <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2024/10/16/tens-of-millions-pour-into-maryland-senate-race-in-past-three-months-alone/">millions of dollars</a> continue to pour into the race as each candidate looks to hammer home their message with voters. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks cites the danger of the race <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=398401063104139">giving Republicans control of the U.S. Senate</a>. Republican candidate Larry Hogan wants to convince voters he’s a moderate who will <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1433472574199046">pick country over party</a>. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks joined us to discuss where the race stands now and what she would bring to the role.   Eyes are also on <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/09/26/meet-the-candidates-in-virginias-most-competitive-congressional-district/">Virginia’s 7th congressional district race</a>, where Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are in a tight race for the seat to replace Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor. The future of federal workers, abortion rights, and the economy are among the <a href="https://wamu.org/story/24/09/26/meet-the-candidates-in-virginias-most-competitive-congressional-district/">top issues</a> in the race. Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman joined the show to make his pitch to voters.In D.C., the most intense political fight coming into November 5 is over a ballot initiative that would bring <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/13/dc-initiative-83-ranked-choice-primaries-democratic-party/">ranked choice voting and semi-open primaries</a> to the District. Alex Koma of the Washington City Paper explained why Initiative 83 has become <a href="https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/750734/if-initiative-83-passes-it-needs-money-to-take-effect-but-the-council-isnt-guaranteed-to-fund-it/">so divisive</a>.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>

The closely watched Maryland Senate race remains tight. Tens of millions of dollars continue to pour into the race as each candidate looks to hammer home their message with voters. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks cites the danger of the race giving Republicans control of the U.S. Senate. Republican candidate Larry Hogan wants to convince voters he’s a moderate who will pick country over party. Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks joined us to discuss where the race stands now and what she would bring to the role.   
Eyes are also on Virginia’s 7th congressional district race, where Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson are in a tight race for the seat to replace Abigail Spanberger, who is running for governor. The future of federal workers, abortion rights, and the economy are among the top issues in the race. Democratic candidate Eugene Vindman joined the show to make his pitch to voters.
In D.C., the most intense political fight coming into November 5 is over a ballot initiative that would bring ranked choice voting and semi-open primaries to the District. Alex Koma of the Washington City Paper explained why Initiative 83 has become so divisive.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885

Maryland U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks on what’s at stake in the race. Plus, Democratic candidate for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District Eugene Vindman and Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma on the possibility of ranked choice voting in the District.

The Politics Hour: Maryland's Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Angela Alsobrooks

Approximately 70% of Metro bus riders <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/08/metro-bus-dc-fare-evasion/">do not pay their fare</a>. Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke joins to the show to weigh in on why so many people are not paying and how the agency is adapting.Metro is also considering dramatically changing its funding model. We ask Clarke what it might mean and how it could lead a more financially healthy transportation system.By the end of the year, Metro will begin a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/09/24/metro-automatic-train-operations/">return to self-driving trains</a> 15 years after a fatal Red Line crash. Clarke explains why they are making this move now and what it might mean for your morning commute.Plus, Clarke talks crime, the Circulator, ridership, and a potentially <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/08/09/metro-financial-crisis/">looming financial crisis</a>.Become a member of WAMU: <a href="https://donate.wamu.org/page/15696/donate/1">wamu.org/donate</a>Send us questions and comments for guests: <a href="mailto:kojo@wamu.org">kojo@wamu.org</a>Follow us on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wamu885/">instagram.com/wamu885</a>Follow us on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thepoliticshour">facebook.com/thepoliticshour</a>

Approximately 70% of Metro bus riders do not pay their fare. Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke joins to the show to weigh in on why so many people are not paying and how the agency is adapting.
Metro is also considering dramatically changing its funding model. We ask Clarke what it might mean and how it could lead a more financially healthy transportation system.
By the end of the year, Metro will begin a return to self-driving trains 15 years after a fatal Red Line crash. Clarke explains why they are making this move now and what it might mean for your morning commute.
Plus, Clarke talks crime, the Circulator, ridership, and a potentially looming financial crisis.
Become a member of WAMU: wamu.org/donate
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/thepoliticshour