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.

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill to block D.C. from uncoupling the city's tax code from the federal code. It's a move that will cost <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/05/with-federal-tax-cuts-ahead-d-c-lawmakers-make-changes-to-preserve-revenue-and-fund-new-tax-credits/">the District nearly $700 million in revenue</a> and will almost certainly lead the city to ax the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/05/child-tax-credit-dc-council/">first-of-its-kind local child tax credit</a>. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker joined the show to discuss what Congress's interference means for the District.Parker said the change could also create tax season chaos. 360,000 District residents file personal income returns. The tax code shift might force the city to push back its tax filing deadline to the fall. "We don't fully have a picture of what that might mean, but it would certainly impact not only our cash on hand, but how we deal with tax season," he said. Parker also noted the Council is exploring its legal options.Plus, he talked about the Potomac River sewage spill, which now may be <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5736277-dc-water-sewage-overflow/">the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history</a>.Virginia Democrats approved <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/10/virginia-redistricting-spanberger-trump-map/">new congressional maps</a> this week that could give the party a 10-to-1 seat advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Several steps remain before the maps could take effect, including a statewide referendum on April 21. VPM State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil joined us from Richmond to break down the news that the <a href="https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2026-02-13/scova-redistricting-virginia-federal-elections-tazewell-scott-jones-kilgore">Virginia Supreme Court will allow the referendum to proceed.</a>Rep. April McClain Delaney, who represents a portion of Montgomery County and western Maryland, introduced legislation this week to <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/congress-ice-immigration-detention-center-washington-county-maryland/">block the opening of an ICE facility in her district</a>. She joined the show to explain why she's pushing against it, despite local officials <a href="https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/washington-county-ice-detention-warehouse-GSRO5VIOKFHSFHSBIFBTDXY6IA/">voting in favor</a> of bringing the facility to the county.Delaney said she spoke directly to John Barr, president of the county commission, about the planned detention center."I said, "Listen, I've been in Minnesota at a field hearing and have seen the horrific state of what is happening there. I was at the Baltimore ICE facility.'... It’s unconstitutional, and I think a violation of human rights," she said.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

The U.S. Senate on Thursday approved a bill to block D.C. from uncoupling the city's tax code from the federal code. It's a move that will cost the District nearly $700 million in revenue and will almost certainly lead the city to ax the first-of-its-kind local child tax credit. Ward 5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker joined the show to discuss what Congress's interference means for the District.
Parker said the change could also create tax season chaos. 360,000 District residents file personal income returns. The tax code shift might force the city to push back its tax filing deadline to the fall. "We don't fully have a picture of what that might mean, but it would certainly impact not only our cash on hand, but how we deal with tax season," he said. Parker also noted the Council is exploring its legal options.
Plus, he talked about the Potomac River sewage spill, which now may be the largest wastewater spill in U.S. history.
Virginia Democrats approved new congressional maps this week that could give the party a 10-to-1 seat advantage in the upcoming midterm elections. Several steps remain before the maps could take effect, including a statewide referendum on April 21. VPM State Politics reporter Jahd Khalil joined us from Richmond to break down the news that the Virginia Supreme Court will allow the referendum to proceed.
Rep. April McClain Delaney, who represents a portion of Montgomery County and western Maryland, introduced legislation this week to block the opening of an ICE facility in her district. She joined the show to explain why she's pushing against it, despite local officials voting in favor of bringing the facility to the county.
Delaney said she spoke directly to John Barr, president of the county commission, about the planned detention center.
"I said, "Listen, I've been in Minnesota at a field hearing and have seen the horrific state of what is happening there. I was at the Baltimore ICE facility.'... It’s unconstitutional, and I think a violation of human rights," she said.
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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.

The Politics Hour: Redistricting update in Virginia and Maryland plus D.C.'s budget chaos

Last month's winter storm continues to pose <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2026/02/03/dc-schools-winter-storm-reopening/">challenges</a> for counties and cities across the region. In Prince George's County, some side streets are <a href="https://www.fox5dc.com/news/some-prince-georges-county-residents-still-snowed-plows-fail-clear-side-streets">still snow- and ice-covered</a>, and schools only <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/pgcps-will-open-wednesday-on-delay-after-7-days-closed/4053910/">reopened</a> on Wednesday of this week. Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy joined Kojo and Tom to explain why the county is <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/weather/cleanup-drags-on-prince-georges-county-nearly-a-week-after-snow-ice-storm/65-ed6519f3-5e17-4ace-9384-b8cff0c2e836">struggling with cleanup.</a> Plus, we asked County Executive Braveboy why she supports some Maryland lawmakers' efforts <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2026/02/03/redistricting-bill-sails-through-house-faces-troubled-waters-in-the-senate/">to redraw Congressional maps</a>.The bill allows Democrats to re-work the congressional map in their favor, with the goal of ousting the state’s lone Republican representative. \But the legislation is expected to stall in the state Senate, where Democratic leadership says it’s political and legally risky. County Executive Aisha Braveboy said she supports redistricting because of the outsized effect it could have on her county.“Politics, unfortunately, and especially at the federal level, really impacts Maryland disproportionately," she said. "We have about 65,000 federal workers in Prince George’s County. About 5,000 of them have lost their jobs over the past few months."She said the bill should receive an up-or-down vote since state delegates and Governor Wes Moore favor the new maps.The U.S. House of Representatives voted <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/02/04/dc-tax-changes-vote/">Wednesday</a> to block D.C.'s tax plan, which, if approved by the Senate, would cost D.C. $600 million in revenue. Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen got behind the mic to explain why this would be a significant blow to the District's budget.If the District is forced to mirror federal tax cuts at the local level, it could cost the city $600 million in revenue. Beyond blowing a hole in the city’s budget, it also could lead to a massive administrative headache. Federal taxes would still be due in the spring, but the local filing deadline would be pushed to account for the change.“Every single person, every business, and every resident in the district will now have their entire tax filing upended by six or eight months," said Allen. "You're gonna be filing your taxes for D.C. in the fall. It's a mess."A vote in the Senate on the measure is expected in the coming weeks.Plus, we discussed the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2026/02/04/nx-s1-5699328/washington-post-layoffs-jobs-bezos">significant layoffs at the Washington Post</a> this week.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

Last month's winter storm continues to pose challenges for counties and cities across the region. In Prince George's County, some side streets are still snow- and ice-covered, and schools only reopened on Wednesday of this week. Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy joined Kojo and Tom to explain why the county is struggling with cleanup. Plus, we asked County Executive Braveboy why she supports some Maryland lawmakers' efforts to redraw Congressional maps.
The bill allows Democrats to re-work the congressional map in their favor, with the goal of ousting the state’s lone Republican representative. \But the legislation is expected to stall in the state Senate, where Democratic leadership says it’s political and legally risky. County Executive Aisha Braveboy said she supports redistricting because of the outsized effect it could have on her county.
“Politics, unfortunately, and especially at the federal level, really impacts Maryland disproportionately," she said. "We have about 65,000 federal workers in Prince George’s County. About 5,000 of them have lost their jobs over the past few months."
She said the bill should receive an up-or-down vote since state delegates and Governor Wes Moore favor the new maps.
The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday to block D.C.'s tax plan, which, if approved by the Senate, would cost D.C. $600 million in revenue. Ward 6 D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen got behind the mic to explain why this would be a significant blow to the District's budget.
If the District is forced to mirror federal tax cuts at the local level, it could cost the city $600 million in revenue. Beyond blowing a hole in the city’s budget, it also could lead to a massive administrative headache. Federal taxes would still be due in the spring, but the local filing deadline would be pushed to account for the change.
“Every single person, every business, and every resident in the district will now have their entire tax filing upended by six or eight months," said Allen. "You're gonna be filing your taxes for D.C. in the fall. It's a mess."
A vote in the Senate on the measure is expected in the coming weeks.
Plus, we discussed the significant layoffs at the Washington Post this week.
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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.

The Politics Hour: Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy and D.C.’s Congress woes

The D.C. area experienced one of <a href="https://wamu.org/story/26/01/25/major-winter-storm-has-hit-the-dc-region/">its most significant winter storms in a decade</a>, resulting in days of <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/live-updates-slow-storm-cleanup-has-dc-area-residents-frustrated-and-helpless/4049964/">impassable roads</a>, <a href="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/dc-public-schools-closed-wednesday-january-28-dc-government-open-10am">closed schools</a>, and <a href="https://x.com/CMCharlesAllen/status/2016228549967942133">unshoveled bus stops</a>. Criticism has <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/28/dc-region-snow-ice-removal-snowstorm/">mounted</a> against local officials as they continue to struggle to get the region moving again.Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joined the show to discuss how Metro approaches storm cleanup, the challenges of returning to regular service, and what lessons can be learned. Plus, we asked about the ongoing debate over <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/12/16/metro-funding-virginia-general-assembly/">the best way to fund</a> Metro and transit police's relationship with federal immigration agents.A year ago this week, an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. WAMU's Kayla Hewitt joined the show to talk about her conversations with loved ones and first responders about that tragic day, which she did for a <a href="https://wamu.org/story/26/01/29/wamu-news-special-reagan-airport-crash/"> WAMU News special.</a> Plus, Hewitt broke down the latest NTSB findings about what led to the crash and the steps lawmakers are taking to make DCA safer.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

The D.C. area experienced one of its most significant winter storms in a decade, resulting in days of impassable roads, closed schools, and unshoveled bus stops. Criticism has mounted against local officials as they continue to struggle to get the region moving again.
Metro General Manager Randy Clarke joined the show to discuss how Metro approaches storm cleanup, the challenges of returning to regular service, and what lessons can be learned. Plus, we asked about the ongoing debate over the best way to fund Metro and transit police's relationship with federal immigration agents.
A year ago this week, an American Airlines passenger jet and a Black Hawk military helicopter collided over the Potomac River, killing 67 people. WAMU's Kayla Hewitt joined the show to talk about her conversations with loved ones and first responders about that tragic day, which she did for a  WAMU News special. Plus, Hewitt broke down the latest NTSB findings about what led to the crash and the steps lawmakers are taking to make DCA safer.
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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.

The Politics Hour: Winter storm clean-up and marking a year since the DCA plane crash

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is <a href="https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/moore-maryland-budget-proposal-5FVZVG4LWRF7PJZXMJ7IE64SK4/">pitching a plan to close the state's $1.4 billion budget</a> without tax hikes. Instead, he's proposing spending cuts, budget shifts, and drawing from a clean energy fund. The governor joined the show to break down his budget proposal. Plus, what's next in the <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2026/01/21/moores-redistricting-commission-recommends-congressional-map-concept/">redistricting battle</a>.Maryland House Democrats <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2026/01/23/house-wastes-no-time-taking-up-congressional-redistricting-bill/">introduced a bill Friday</a> that would redraw the state’s eight congressional districts. The changes could give Democrats the ability to flip Maryland’s lone Republican District. This comes only days after the state’s redistricting commission <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2026/01/21/moores-redistricting-commission-recommends-congressional-map-concept/">recommended a "concept map"</a> favoring Democrats in Congress.Governor Moore said Maryland can’t sit on their hands while President Trump pushes for redistricting in other states, like Texas. "This is going to end up being essentially the largest attack on black political leadership that we have seen in generations inside of this country," he said. However, Moore faces opposition in his own party. Senate President Bill Ferguson has so far opposed mid-cycle redistricting. But Moore's not deterred."Bill Ferguson is one vote, and Democracy doesn’t stop because of one person," he said. The House is expected to vote on the bill next week. If passed, it would then head to the Senate for a vote.The D.C. Council this week <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/19/mcduffie-dc-council-replacement/">selected Doni Crawford</a> to take former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie's job on the council. The former McDuffie staffer and Ward 5 resident is somewhat of an unknown to the general public, though well-regarded in the Wilson Building for her experience in negotiating housing policy and budget matters. Councilmember Crawford got behind the mic to give us her stance on some of the city's biggest issues, including <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/12/dc-police-immigration-response/">MPD's relationship with federal immigration agents</a> and <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/15/commanders-stadium-renderings">RFK Stadium</a>. New Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week <a href="https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/19/spanberger-urges-action-on-democracy-costs-in-first-address-to-virginia-lawmakers/">pressed for legislation addressing affordability</a> and signaled her support for redistricting in her first address to lawmakers. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel broke down Gov. Spanberger's first week in office.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is pitching a plan to close the state's $1.4 billion budget without tax hikes. Instead, he's proposing spending cuts, budget shifts, and drawing from a clean energy fund. The governor joined the show to break down his budget proposal. Plus, what's next in the redistricting battle.
Maryland House Democrats introduced a bill Friday that would redraw the state’s eight congressional districts. The changes could give Democrats the ability to flip Maryland’s lone Republican District. This comes only days after the state’s redistricting commission recommended a "concept map" favoring Democrats in Congress.
Governor Moore said Maryland can’t sit on their hands while President Trump pushes for redistricting in other states, like Texas. "This is going to end up being essentially the largest attack on black political leadership that we have seen in generations inside of this country," he said.


However, Moore faces opposition in his own party. Senate President Bill Ferguson has so far opposed mid-cycle redistricting. But Moore's not deterred.
"Bill Ferguson is one vote, and Democracy doesn’t stop because of one person," he said. The House is expected to vote on the bill next week. If passed, it would then head to the Senate for a vote.
The D.C. Council this week selected Doni Crawford to take former At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie's job on the council. The former McDuffie staffer and Ward 5 resident is somewhat of an unknown to the general public, though well-regarded in the Wilson Building for her experience in negotiating housing policy and budget matters. Councilmember Crawford got behind the mic to give us her stance on some of the city's biggest issues, including MPD's relationship with federal immigration agents and RFK Stadium. 
New Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week pressed for legislation addressing affordability and signaled her support for redistricting in her first address to lawmakers. WAMU's Northern Virginia reporter Margaret Barthel broke down Gov. Spanberger's first week in office.
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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.

The Politics Hour: MD Governor Wes Moore and new D.C. Councilmember Doni Crawford

Locals are <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/11/dc-ice-protest-renee-good/">protesting</a> last week's fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, while officials wrestle with <a href="https://bethesdamagazine.com/2026/01/13/we-deserve-to-feel-safe-moco-community-members-support-trust-act/">how to keep residents safe</a> as the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown. In Montgomery County, elected leaders are proposing a law <a href="https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/ice-montgomery-county-immigrant-community-trust-act-UFC7FLFUMJGYNK4LFQT6TYVWDU/">limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities</a>. County Executive Marc Elrich joined the show to discuss the <a href="https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/12/04/county-council-president-fani-gonzalez-unveils-trust-act-to-safeguard-immigrants/">Trust Act</a>, and how the county is working to protect its most vulnerable residents.The Trust Act extends county services to all residents regardless of immigration status and prevents local police from working with federal immigration authorities in certain circumstances, including participating in federal immigration raids. County Executive Marc Elrich said that’s the extent of the county’s power.“If ICE was just generally saying they're gonna go into a workplace and they get into the workplace and they're going to pull out workers, we can't intervene," Elrich said.The county council expects to vote on the Trust Act within the next few months. Plus, we discuss Elrich's plans for <a href="https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/12/23/elrich-optimistic-about-fully-funding-proposed-mcps-spending-fy27/">funding county schools</a> and <a href="https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2025/12/montgomery-county-executive-elrich-says-federal-downsizing-cuts-had-profound-impact-in-2025/">federal cuts</a>.A D.C. Council committee released a report <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/08/trump-takeover-immigration-ice-dc/">saying District police have lost the public's trust by not being transparent</a> about their continued cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chair Brooke Pinto is leading an effort to get clarity from interim police chief Jeff Carroll about MPD's relationship with ICE. Councilmember Pinto got behind the mic to discuss how the council is pressing District police. She said Chief Carroll's answers this week were “wholly inadequate." "The public has a right to know which federal agents are here," Pinto said. "How many arrests have been made? How many immigration-related arrests have be made? What does that level of deployment response look like?"The MPD head will need to answer these questions at a <a href="https://x.com/CMBrookePinto/status/2012255013540602325">public oversight hearing set for February 25th.</a>We also ask her about <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/07/dc-council-fill-vacant-mcduffie-seat/">the council's process for picking its next member</a> and the 2026 election season.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

Locals are protesting last week's fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, while officials wrestle with how to keep residents safe as the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown. In Montgomery County, elected leaders are proposing a law limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. County Executive Marc Elrich joined the show to discuss the Trust Act, and how the county is working to protect its most vulnerable residents.
The Trust Act extends county services to all residents regardless of immigration status and prevents local police from working with federal immigration authorities in certain circumstances, including participating in federal immigration raids. County Executive Marc Elrich said that’s the extent of the county’s power.
“If ICE was just generally saying they're gonna go into a workplace and they get into the workplace and they're going to pull out workers, we can't intervene," Elrich said.
The county council expects to vote on the Trust Act within the next few months. Plus, we discuss Elrich's plans for funding county schools and federal cuts.
A D.C. Council committee released a report saying District police have lost the public's trust by not being transparent about their continued cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chair Brooke Pinto is leading an effort to get clarity from interim police chief Jeff Carroll about MPD's relationship with ICE. Councilmember Pinto got behind the mic to discuss how the council is pressing District police. She said Chief Carroll's answers this week were “wholly inadequate." 
"The public has a right to know which federal agents are here," Pinto said. "How many arrests have been made? How many immigration-related arrests have be made? What does that level of deployment response look like?"
The MPD head will need to answer these questions at a public oversight hearing set for February 25th.
We also ask her about the council's process for picking its next member and the 2026 election season.
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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.

The Politics Hour: Local officials grapple with the federal immigration crackdown

Next week, Virginia's government shifts to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/12/01/spanberger-interview-virginia-governor/">Democratic control</a> as the party takes over the Governor's mansion, the General Assembly, and the Attorney General's office. It gives the Democrats a rare opportunity to push through bold legislation, even as several longtime lawmakers <a href="https://www.arlnow.com/2026/01/08/ebbin-takes-cannabis-role-in-richmond-kicking-off-race-for-his-va-senate-seat/">depart</a>. Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, got behind the mic to talk about top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including increasing the minimum wage, reproductive care access, and <a href="https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2025-12-03/vadems-redistricting-gerrymandering-surovell-locke-spanberger-mcdougle">redistricting</a>. Del. Watts, chair of the finance committee, also explained the need for Metro funding. Last month, Maryland lawmakers made history by <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2025/12/16/pena-melnyk-maryland-house-delegates-speaker-special-session/">electing Prince George's County Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk</a> as the state's new Speaker of the House. She's the first immigrant and Afro-Latina to take on the role. Challenges await her in Annapolis as Maryland faces a $1.5 billion dollar <a href="https://marylandmatters.org/2025/12/12/moore-pledges-no-taxes-in-coming-session-as-state-faces-another-massive-budget-gap/">budget deficit</a>, a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/01/08/federal-job-losses-dc-region/">record number of federal job losses</a>, and a <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/12/18/maryland-congressional-redistricting-next-steps/">controversial redistricting debate</a>. Speaker Peña-Melnyk joined the show to give us a preview of the upcoming legislative session and her plan for navigating the state through difficult times.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

Next week, Virginia's government shifts to Democratic control as the party takes over the Governor's mansion, the General Assembly, and the Attorney General's office. It gives the Democrats a rare opportunity to push through bold legislation, even as several longtime lawmakers depart. Virginia's longest-serving House Delegate, Vivian Watts, got behind the mic to talk about top priorities for the upcoming legislative session, including increasing the minimum wage, reproductive care access, and redistricting. Del. Watts, chair of the finance committee, also explained the need for Metro funding. 
Last month, Maryland lawmakers made history by electing Prince George's County Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk as the state's new Speaker of the House. She's the first immigrant and Afro-Latina to take on the role. Challenges await her in Annapolis as Maryland faces a $1.5 billion dollar budget deficit, a record number of federal job losses, and a controversial redistricting debate. Speaker Peña-Melnyk joined the show to give us a preview of the upcoming legislative session and her plan for navigating the state through difficult times.
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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.

The Politics Hour: Md. House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Virginia Del. Vivian Watts

Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha has a lot on her plate as she starts her one-year term. She’s looking to make <a href="https://dbknews.com/2025/12/03/prince-georges-krystal-oriadha-council/">child care more affordable</a>, <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/housing/prince-georges-county-opens-housing-voucher-applications/65-0084f0be-5df8-4472-99e4-d2eedb6cdbcb">housing more obtainable</a>, and <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/video/news/local/prince-georges-county/stats-drop-crime-prince-georges-county/4029698/">the county safer</a>. The council’s new leader will try to do all of this while navigating a growing budget gap. Chair Oriadha joined Kojo and Tom to discuss her priorities and whether <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/12/11/reporter-roundtable-how-rising-energy-bills-and-ai-demand-are-fueling-local-data-center-debates/">data centers</a> could be an answer to the county’s money challenges.2025 was certainly an <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/04/01/g-s1-57485/hhs-fda-layoffs-doge-cdc-nih">eventful</a> <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/04/28/d-c-struck-a-tentative-3-7-billion-deal-with-the-commanders-for-a-new-rfk-stadium-heres-whats-in-it/">year</a> <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/08/11/president-trump-federalizes-dc-police-mobilizes-the-national-guard/">in</a> national and <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/04/democrat-abigail-spanberger-wins-virginia-governors-race/">local</a> <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/25/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-wont-run-for-reelection/">politics</a>. We were joined for the last Politics Hour of the year by WAMU’s Regional Politics reporters Jenny Abamu, Margaret Barthel, and Alex Koma to talk about the year’s top stories and what’s ahead in 2026.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

Prince George’s County Council Chair Krystal Oriadha has a lot on her plate as she starts her one-year term. She’s looking to make child care more affordable, housing more obtainable, and the county safer. The council’s new leader will try to do all of this while navigating a growing budget gap. Chair Oriadha joined Kojo and Tom to discuss her priorities and whether data centers could be an answer to the county’s money challenges.
2025 was certainly an eventful year in national and local politics. We were joined for the last Politics Hour of the year by WAMU’s Regional Politics reporters Jenny Abamu, Margaret Barthel, and Alex Koma to talk about the year’s top stories and what’s ahead in 2026.
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
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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.

The Politics Hour: The year in local politics and what’s ahead in 2026

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced late last month <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/25/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-wont-run-for-reelection/">she would not be running for a fourth term</a>, bringing to a close one of the longest mayoral tenures in the city's history. From guiding the District through <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/local/dc-lockdown-coronavirus-24-hours/">a series</a> of <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/08/11/president-trump-federalizes-dc-police-mobilizes-the-national-guard/">crises</a> to <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/04/28/d-c-struck-a-tentative-3-7-billion-deal-with-the-commanders-for-a-new-rfk-stadium-heres-whats-in-it/">bringing the football team home</a>, Mayor Bowser has led D.C. through profound change.Mayor Bowser joined the show to explain her decision not to run for reelection, her legacy, and what's next. Plus, who might she support to be the District's next Mayor? Also, D.C. police chief Pamela Smith is <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/12/10/a-look-at-d-c-police-chief-pamela-smiths-tenure-and-whats-next-for-the-mpd/">stepping down</a>. We asked Mayor Bowser who is on the short list to be the District's interim police chief.Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia at 12 p.m. on Friday.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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced late last month she would not be running for a fourth term, bringing to a close one of the longest mayoral tenures in the city's history. From guiding the District through a series of crises to bringing the football team home, Mayor Bowser has led D.C. through profound change.
Mayor Bowser joined the show to explain her decision not to run for reelection, her legacy, and what's next. Plus, who might she support to be the District's next Mayor? Also, D.C. police chief Pamela Smith is stepping down. We asked Mayor Bowser who is on the short list to be the District's interim police chief.
Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia at 12 p.m. on Friday.
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on her decision to not run again, her tenure, and who might be the city’s next police chief.

The Politics Hour: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on the District’s future

After months of weighing the decision, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last month <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/25/dc-mayor-muriel-bowser-wont-run-for-reelection/">she would not run for a fourth term</a>. Immediately, attention turned to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/25/bowser-dc-mayor-reelection/">who might jump into the race</a> to replace her. The first major candidate to declare was <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/12/01/dc-mayor-bowser-janeese-lewisgeorge/">Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George</a>. She joined us to discuss her campaign rollout.Lewis George said as a Democratic socialist, she is focused on affordability, income equality, and defending District residents, including from a federal takeover of the city, something President Trump has <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/us/politics/trump-doge-member-assaulted.html">threatened on multiple occasions</a>. Lewis George talked about what she sees as her role should she be elected."I wanna be clear that the job of the mayor is to protect and defend its residents, and we take an oath as public officials to defend the constitution as well," she said.Asked about working with President Trump, Lewis George said she’d work with anyone willing to make the city more affordable and safer for District residents. Plus, we asked Lewis George about the Council's decision to <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/12/02/dc-curfew-extended-ranked-choice-voting/">extend a stricter youth curfew</a>, <a href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/politics/ranked-choice-voting-status-in-dc/65-381eb750-3559-4af7-8c2a-a9dd6f2c383c">adopt ranked-choice voting</a>, and assist restaurants with <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/video/news/local/dc-council-passes-emergency-legislation-to-reduce-fees-for-streateries/4023267/">their streateries.</a>Montgomery County has a <a href="https://bethesdamagazine.com/2025/12/02/county-council-elects-fani-gonzalez-president-balcombe-vice-president/">new council president</a>. Natali Fani-González got behind the mic to discuss <a href="https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/natali-fani-gonzalez-president-montgomery-county-council-IEQXI764MBDCJOBMAIMJY7OUXI/">her journey</a> from undocumented immigrant to lawmaker for Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county. Plus, she explained the TRUST Act. The legislation bans county cooperation with federal immigration authorities without a warrant and restricts ICE access to county facilities.Fani-González said she’s not worried about attracting attention from federal authorities."Yes, we're going through a crisis, but this is not a time to hide," the Montgomery County Council President said. "This is the time when you stand up and you fight for what's for justice and fighting for due process."She says it's important that the community feels safe calling local police.Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia at 12 p.m. on Friday. 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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

After months of weighing the decision, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced last month she would not run for a fourth term. Immediately, attention turned to who might jump into the race to replace her. The first major candidate to declare was Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George. She joined us to discuss her campaign rollout.
Lewis George said as a Democratic socialist, she is focused on affordability, income equality, and defending District residents, including from a federal takeover of the city, something President Trump has threatened on multiple occasions. Lewis George talked about what she sees as her role should she be elected.
"I wanna be clear that the job of the mayor is to protect and defend its residents, and we take an oath as public officials to defend the constitution as well," she said.
Asked about working with President Trump, Lewis George said she’d work with anyone willing to make the city more affordable and safer for District residents. Plus, we asked Lewis George about the Council's decision to extend a stricter youth curfew, adopt ranked-choice voting, and assist restaurants with their streateries.
Montgomery County has a new council president. Natali Fani-González got behind the mic to discuss her journey from undocumented immigrant to lawmaker for Maryland's wealthiest and most populous county. Plus, she explained the TRUST Act. The legislation bans county cooperation with federal immigration authorities without a warrant and restricts ICE access to county facilities.
Fani-González said she’s not worried about attracting attention from federal authorities.
"Yes, we're going through a crisis, but this is not a time to hide," the Montgomery County Council President said. "This is the time when you stand up and you fight for what's for justice and fighting for due process."
She says it's important that the community feels safe calling local police.
Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia at 12 p.m. on Friday. 
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

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: With Muriel Bowser bowing out, D.C. mayor’s race heats up

We took the Politics Hour on the road this week, <a href="https://wamu.org/event/the-politics-hour-live-with-kojo-nnamdi/">broadcasting live from Fair Oaks Mall</a> in Fairfax, Virginia.U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) joined Kojo and Tom first on stage.With elections and the <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/12/house-votes-to-end-the-longest-ever-government-shutdown/">government shutdown</a> in the rearview mirror, we turned to what the future holds for the commonwealth. Federal cuts continue to affect Northern Virginia's economy, but perhaps not in the way <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/10/20/reporter-roundtable-how-the-d-c-region-is-navigating-federal-cuts-and-a-shutdown/">some initially feared</a>. As Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/04/democrat-abigail-spanberger-wins-virginia-governors-race/">prepares to take office in January</a>, many Virginia Democrats believe the party's big wins in statewide elections should translate to an aggressive legislative agenda. Statewide leaders are also <a href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2025/10/29/virginia-redistricting-judge-whats-going-on">moving forward with redistricting</a>. Rep. Walkinshaw discussed what all of this means for Virginia's future, including the 2026 midterms.Then, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and member of Gov.-elect Spanberger's transition team Republican David Ramadan took the mic to talk about the <a href="https://wamu.org/story/25/11/11/abigail-spanberger-virginia-economy/">challenges Spanberger could face</a> as governor, why a Democrat election sweep <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/11/05/virginia-election-democratic-sweep-what-next/">does not mean a mandate</a>, and the legislative debates we can expect in 2026.Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia live at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax!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 Bluesky: <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/wamu.org">bsky.app/wamu.org</a>

We took the Politics Hour on the road this week, broadcasting live from Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax, Virginia.
U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-VA11) joined Kojo and Tom first on stage.
With elections and the government shutdown in the rearview mirror, we turned to what the future holds for the commonwealth. Federal cuts continue to affect Northern Virginia's economy, but perhaps not in the way some initially feared. As Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger prepares to take office in January, many Virginia Democrats believe the party's big wins in statewide elections should translate to an aggressive legislative agenda. Statewide leaders are also moving forward with redistricting. Rep. Walkinshaw discussed what all of this means for Virginia's future, including the 2026 midterms.
Then, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and member of Gov.-elect Spanberger's transition team Republican David Ramadan took the mic to talk about the challenges Spanberger could face as governor, why a Democrat election sweep does not mean a mandate, and the legislative debates we can expect in 2026.
Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia live at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax!
Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885
Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org