The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi
WAMU 88.5The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi
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.
© 2025 WAMU
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.
© 2025 WAMU
D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson on changes to the emergency rental assistance program and the latest with the investigation into Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White. Plus, Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González weighs in on a controversial zoning change proposal.
Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan on redistricting efforts and Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell talks primaries, Dulles Airport, and Dominion merger. Plus, D.C. Police Union President Gregg Pemberton on one year since the takeover of D.C. police.
Montgomery County At-Large Councilmember Shebra Evans on pausing data center development, D.C.’s Shadow Representative Oye Owolewa on his recent primary win in the D.C. At-Large Council race, and what’s next for aging Rock Creek Tennis Center?
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on House Republicans’ latest attempt to limit the city’s ability to self-govern. Plus, Virginia Congress James Walkinshaw defends Smithsonian’s museums and WAMU’s Jenny Abamu on Maryland communities looking to limit data center development .
The Democratic nominee for D.C. mayor Janeese Lewis George on a new era in city politics, housing, public safety, and working with President Trump
Metro GM Randy Clarke on the big July 4th weekend and how the agency became cool again. Plus, UVA's Center for Politics Larry Sabato on Virginia's primary elections next month.
Presumptive Democratic nominee for Montgomery County Executive Will Jawando talks about his message to voters, dark money, and data centers. Plus, Tara Jackson wins the Democratic nomination for Prince George's County State's Attorney and WAMU's Alex Koma on D.C. lawmakers greenlighting the budget.
We break down D.C. primary elections with Democratic nominee for D.C. Delegate Robert White, At-Large Councilmember-elect Elissa Silverman, and WAMU's D.C. politics reporter Alex Koma. Plus, we preview Maryland's primaries with WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu.
WAMU's Alex Koma and Washington Informer's Sam P.K. Collins get us ready for the D.C. primaries. Plus, Virginia Delegate Vivian Watts weighs in the data center tax breaks stalling budget negotiations.
Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink on how MCPS is navigating cuts and what the council can do to help. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson on the council's first budget vote next week.
We are live from the MLK Library in D.C. with the Democratic candidates running to be the D.C. Delegate to Congress.
City Cast DC’s Michael Schaffer talks a tightening mayor’s race and VA Del. Paul Krizek on why retail cannabis is stalled again in the Commonwealth. Plus, Prince George’s County Councilmember Jolene Ivey.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on the Democrats' last-ditch effort on redistricting and Ward 3 D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin on why homelessness is ticking up.
VA Rep. Suhas Subramanyam reacts to the VA Supreme Court redistricting ruling, WAMU's Alex Koma breaks down the D.C. police scandal, WAMU's MD reporter Jenny Abamu previews MD-5 Congressional race, and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on why he wants a tax hike.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' Clark Mercer on the wide-ranging impact of federal job losses and Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker talks youth curfews and the city's upcoming elections.
U.S. Rep. James Walkinshaw on what's next for Virginia redistricting and Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González pitches her alternative to property tax hikes.
Maryland State Sen. Cheryl Kagan on rising utility costs, immigration enforcement legislation, and election reforms. D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford on the Mayor’s proposed budget.
WAMU's Alex Koma on the D.C. budget, VA Rep. Suhas Subramanyam on the latest on the Iran War, and Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Eric Olson talks anti-ICE legislation
U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin on the Supreme Court case on birthright citizenship. Plus, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on a busy week for lawmakers, including veto overrides and emergency legislation.
Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay on Richmond voting to allow a Tysons casino. Plus, Maryland House Majority Whip Ashanti Martinez on the bills moving forward in the General Assembly.
WAMU’s Alex Koma discusses the latest in D.C.’s big elections, including the mayoral race. And Virginia state Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on the General Assembly failing to make a deal on the budget.
We were live from the Silver Spring Civic Building with Democratic candidates for Montgomery County Executive.
U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman on why he believes the U.S. war with Iran is illegal. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson talks flushable wipes. And Arlington County's Matt de Ferranti on possible tax hikes.
VA State Sen. Jennifer Boysko on eliminating data center tax breaks, WAMU’s Alex Koma on D.C.’s mayor and at-large races, and Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha discusses federal immigration detention centers.
NBC 4's Mark Segraves updates us on the Potomac River sewage spill. Plus, Montgomery County Council's Marilyn Balcombe talks data centers and VA Del. Adele McClure on what will move forward as the General Assembly hits its midpoint.
Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker on a U.S. Senate move that could cause major budget and tax season headaches. Plus, MD Rep. April McClain Delaney and VPM's Jahd Khalil on the redistricting debate.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy on winter storm cleanup challenges and county council upheaval. Plus, Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on the lastest Congressional interference in District affairs.
Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on getting the trains running again after a big winter storm and WAMU's Kayla Hewitt on the latest findings about what led to last year's DCA plane crash.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore on plans to close the state's budget gap. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford and WAMU's Margaret Barthel on the new Virginia governor's first week.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich discusses what federal cuts mean for county spending and Ward 2 D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on demanding answers from MPD about its relationship with ICE.
Maryland's new Speaker of the House Joseline Peña-Melnyk talks federal job losses and the budget crisis. Plus, Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate Vivian Watts on redistricting.
New Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha talks budget priorities, public safety, and data centers. Plus, WAMU’s politics reporters breaks down the year’s top stories and what to watch for in 2026.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on her decision to not run again, her tenure, and who might be the city’s next police chief.
Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George on jumping into the D.C. mayoral race and Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González on her journey to leading the council.
The Politics Hour is live in Fairfax, Virginia at Fair Oaks Mall with U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw and former House Delegate David Ramadan.
U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Chris Van Hollen were on opposite sides of the vote to end the federal shutdown. They join us to discuss. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie discusses his political future.
Virginia Lieutenant Governor-elect Ghazala Hashmi on what’s next after her historic victory and Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on what Democrats’ “trifecta” means for redistricting.
WAMU’s Margaret Barthel and former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis previews next week’s Virginia elections. Plus, Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon talks redistricting and funding SNAP.
Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart explains how the county is dealing with federal cuts an shutdown. Plus, Ward 1 D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau explains why she decided not to run for reelection.
We talk with U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Clark Mercer, head of the regional leadership group known as COG, about how the federal shutdown is threatening the region’s economy.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine talks about the continuing federal shutdown. Plus, D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson talks about D.C. police's continued cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey on the economic fallout of the federal shutdown and Loudoun County Board Chair Phyllis Randall on federal worker anxiety.
Republican candidate for Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Reid talks the campaign, data centers, and school gender policies. Prince George's County Councilmember Wanika Fisher discusses pausing data center development.
Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder on the historic deal to build a football stadium in his ward. Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi on the race for Virginia's number two.
James Walkinshaw, winner of the special election for Virginia’s 11th congressional district, joins us. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on the RFK stadium vote and the latest threat to District autonomy.
Prince George's County's Shawn Joseph and Fairfax County's Michelle Reid on federal funding cuts, cell phone policies, and concerns over immigration enforcement.
7 hrs ago The Politics Hour: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore; plus, two D.C. officials with opposing views on the federal surge Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George on the federal takeover of local police, D.C. Police Union Chair Gregg Pemberton on why he supports the federal law enforcement surge, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore discusses the need for federal funding to rebuild the Key Bridge.
We heard from you about this historic week in D.C.
Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy on what’s next for Northwest Stadium and Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey on challenges ahead for building “missing middle” housing.
We get up-to-the-minute news on the RFK stadium deal vote. Plus, Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on the federal investigations into George Mason University.
The D.C. Council is planning to vote on the revised RFK stadium deal with the Washington Commanders Aug. 1. Also, we speak with Metro General Manager Randy Clarke about the new bus routes.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks Congressional pressure to pass the RFK stadium deal and compromising on tipped minimum wage. WAMU’s new Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu discusses what federal layoffs mean for local residents.
U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04) on the future of the FBI HQ and cuts to the federal workforce. Plus, U.S. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) weighs in on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act and WAMU’s Alex Koma breaks down the D.C. Ward 8 special election.
Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman on the federal government's deep connection to the state's economy and D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto weighs in reforming the city's violence interruption programs. Plus, Montgomery County councilmember Natali Fani-González talks about her Housing N.O.W. bill.
State Senator Ghazala Hashmi on what her win means for Northern Virginia residents. Plus, WAMU's Margaret Barthel breaks down the primary results and what's next in Virginia. Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen talks budget and public safety legislation.
At-Large D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson on this weekend's military parade, and Prince George's new County Executive Aisha Braveboy shares her top priorities.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joins us to discuss the tough choices ahead for the city, why she's betting big on sports, and an update on preparations for President Trump's military parade.
Maryland State Del. Marc Korman weighs in on funding Metro long-term. Plus, WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics Reporter Alex Koma and D.C. Policy Center Executive Director Yesim Sayin dig into D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser's proposed budget.
Former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis remembers Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly. Plus, Virginia State Sen. Dave Marsden reflects on Rep. Connolly’s legacy in Fairfax County, and Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker weighs in on the RFK stadium deal.
Loudoun County Board Vice Chair Michael Turner talks data centers and Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart breaks down funding schools without a tax hike. Plus, we preview Virginia's primaries.
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on the renewed fight over D.C.'s tipped minimum wage and the deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to the District. Prince George's County Council Chair Edward Burroughs on what's next for the county if the Washington Commanders depart its home of the last three decades.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on how a nearly $4 billion stadium deal with the Washington Commanders came together. Plus, what do congressionally-mandated budget cuts mean for city residents?
D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on public financing for a new football stadium. Plus, Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando on the Supreme Court case that would allow families to opt their kids out of lessons involving LGBTQ-themed books.
Metro General Manager Randy Clarke discusses Metro’s future, ridership, federal oversight, and safety concerns over automated trains. Plus, NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves breaks down the reported deal between D.C. and the Washington Commanders to build a new stadium at the RFK site.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins on what a shrinking federal workforce means for the city's economy. Plus, Washington Post columnist Marc Fisher on Alexander Ovechkin's special relationship with the District and Maryland Matters' reporter Will Ford breaks down what happened during the Maryland General Assembly session.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on the Trump administration firing thousands at the National Institutes of Health. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on President Trump's executive order aimed at the District.
Kojo and Tom weighs in on President Trump signing an executive order aimed at reducing crime and increasing immigration enforcement in the District. Maryland Governor Wes Moore on the state budget deal and Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell on what to expect out of budget debates next week. Plus, Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha on the sudden shake-up in county leadership.
Maryland state Sen. Will Smith and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson joined the show.
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine explains why he plans to vote no on the federal spending bill, even if it means a government shutdown. Plus, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson and WAMU’s D.C. politics reporter Alex Koma break down why the legislation could force the District to make a billion dollar in cuts.
Chair of the Virginia Democratic party Susan Swecker on the ups and downs of Virginia politics. Plus, Clark Mercer, head of the regional leadership group known as COG, on the economic fallout of the shrinking of the federal government.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb on President Trump wanting to take over the District and the lawsuits his office has filed against the White House. Plus, Washington Informer's Richard Elliott breaks down the Prince George's County Executive race.
D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto on President Trump wanting the federal government to take over the District. Plus, Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis on how the county is protecting transgender students and Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan talks bridging the state’s $3 billion budget gap.
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on threats to D.C.'s autonomy. Plus, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown on suing the Trump administration, and WAMU's Margaret Barthel discusses the failed Fairfax County casino bill.
A federal judge paused the Trump administration's "deferred resignation" offer hours before the Thursday deadline. What does it mean for the region and what are lawmakers doing to help local federal workers.
U.S. Senator Mark Warner gives the latest updates on the deadly plane crash at National Airport. Plus, Prince George's County Councilmember Wala Blegay on the push to shrink the federal workforce and D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen on what a federal funding freeze could mean for the District.
D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson on President Trump's executive action requiring federal workers to return full time to the office. Plus, Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart on how the county will manage the federal government's threat of mass deportations.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger and D.C. Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Lindsey Appiah on inauguration preparations. Plus, Virginia Rep. Gerry Connolly and Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen on what a second Trump term means for local federal workers.
Maryland House Majority Leader David Moon on the projected $3 billion budget gap. Plus, Virginia Senate Majority Whip Barbara Favola talks tax cuts, a Tysons Corner casino, and constitutional amendments.
D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie on recommending to expel Ward 8 councilmember Trayon White and what's next for the RFK Stadium site. Plus, a panel of local politics reporters talks 2024's top stories and what to expect in 2025.
Metro General Manager Randy Clarke on the need to expand service, how automating trains saves money, and what a return-to-office mandate for federal workers could mean for Metro.
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.
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.
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.
Nov. 8, 2024
Kojo and Tom were joined by by reporters from across the region providing context about the biggest local races
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.
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.
Listeners joined Kojo and a panel of reporters for a election call-in special
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.
Metro General Manager Randy Clarke explains what self-driving trains means for your morning commute and the Circulator’s demise means for Metro.
The chairs of Virginia’s Republican and Democratic parties, Rich Anderson and Susan Swecker, talk early voting and congressional races. Plus, Maryland Matters reporter Will Ford on the Maryland Senate race.
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Matthew Graves on violent crime, the investigation into D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, and January 6th indictments. Plus, WAMU reporter Margaret Barthel is live from the polls in Northern Virginia.
Sen. Tim Kaine talks possible federal shutdown and his re-election campagin. Plus, pollster Mileah Kromer on the Maryland Senate race and D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau weighs in on D.C.’s troubled 911 call center.
DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee talks school renovations, fentanyl, and cell phone policies. Plus, PGCPS Superintendent Millard House weighs in on late buses and student safety.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich on the schools’ new cell phone policy and the competitive Maryland’s 6th Congressional District race. Plus, Washington City Paper’s Alex Koma on the political fallout of Councilmember Trayon White’s arrest.
D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson reacts to the arrest of Trayon White. Plus, Prince William County Board Chair Deshundra Jefferson takes us behind-the-scenes at the Democratic National Convention.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay talks data center regulations, schools, crime, and Metro. Plus, Washington Informer’s Richard Elliott breaks down next week’s special election in Prince George’s County.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Biden bowing out and Harris jumping into the presidential race. Plus, what a second Trump presidency could mean for the District and Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia Susan Swecker on if Virginia is truly a swing state.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's gives us his take on the presidential race. Plus, Prince George's County Councilmember Wala Blegay talks rent stabilization legislation and VA-10 Republican nominee Mike Clancy.
MD Congressman Jamie Raskin on Project 2025, President Biden, and the Maryland Senate race. Plus, Democratic nominee for Alexandria mayor Alyia Gaskins and D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto weighs in on declining carjacking rates.
The Politics Hour: D.C. Councilmembers Christina Henderson and Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González
October 4, 202449min 26sec
The D.C. Council approved emergency legislation this week tightening rules around its emergency rental assistance program that also rolls back some pandemic-era renter protections and making it easier to evict people who aren’t paying their rent. Councilmembers say they did it to prevent catastrophe.It's a move tenant advocates are criticizing. At-Large D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson sat down with Kojo and Tom to discussed why the council gave the green light to the measure.
Under the new rules, residents will no longer be able to self-certify their eligibility for the city’s Emergency Rental Protection Program. She said hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid rent are leaving landlords who provide affordable housing unable to pay their building’s underlying mortgages. T
"We would have a bigger housing crisis on our hands if we saw a number of our housing providers go out of business," Henderson said.
Plus, she provided insight into what the city is doing to help laid-off Circulator employees, as well as the latest with the council's investigation into Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White.
Like other local jurisdictions, Montgomery County is also weighing controversial zoning changes in an effort to ease the housing crisis. District 6 Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González weighed in on a proposal the county executive is calling "misleading."
She said the county executive's concerns such a plan would just add more market-rate units rather than affordable homes are valid, but also premature. There's currently no legislation on the table for the Council to consider, only a series of options recommended by the Planning Board.
Fani-González did say the Council will have a role if and when any zoning changes do get approved.
“If we are talking about duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, the government is going to have to step in to make sure some of those units are affordable for people," the councilmember said.
Plus, Fani-González addressed what the county is doing to protect schools and houses of worship as the number of antisemitic incidents continues to rise.
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