The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast
Helping you keep up with what matters in Arizona's political news. Each week we interview politicians, public figures or journalists to break down one local issue and how it affects your life in Arizona. Coming to you every Wednesday morning, The Gaggle is hosted by The Arizona Republic's national political reporter Ron Hansen and state politics reporter Mary Jo Pitzl. You can find them on social media at @ronaldjhansen and @maryjpitzl.
Amanda Luberto is the producer of the show.
1
How Republicans can keep control using Arizona
Recession fret, tariffs and Medicaid cuts could make it hard for Republicans to keep a narrow edge in Congress. The Gaggle talks 2026 midterm election
24 min
2
What it takes for Democrats to win back Arizona
Democrats seem out of sync, but anti-Trump sentiment across the nation could help them win swing districts in 2026. An elections analyst explains how.
26 min
3
Why Arizona's budget limbo is actually okay for...
Trump's tariff swings and Congress' proposed cuts are making it hard for AZ to set a budget. Why economic instability is impacting Gov. Hobbs and you.
22 min
4
Thin Red (Party) Line: Infighting in the GOP ov...
What should be a non-issue has turned into a brawl between MAGA supporting GOPs at the AZ Capitol. The Gaggle explains drama behind stolen valor bill.
18 min
5
Why Attorney General Mayes won't back down agai...
In Arizona, AG Kris Mayes stands apart in her defiance against President Trump. She explains why she won't back down, even if it hurts her reelection.
32 min
6
How Trump's education restrictions are unfoldin...
Tom Horne and Kris Mayes are among Arizona politicians split on how Trump's education cuts will impact families. The Gaggle chats where AZ stands now.
22 min
7
The reality of the Arizona Diamondbacks stadium...
The Arizona Diamondbacks want to give Chase Field a facelift. But a bill to provide tax revenue has hit some speed bumps. The Gaggle investigates.
24 min
8
Arizona lost political heavyweight, Raúl Grijal...
Rep. Grijalva passed after 12 terms in Congress. Adrian Fontes, Adelita Grijalva and more are eyeing to represent the heavily Latino Tucson district.
18 min
9
Inside the drama unfolding in Scottsdale City C...
From eliminating DEI measures to controversy over a parking garage, Scottsdale City Council is feeling more like reality television than C-SPAN.
20 min
10
How federal Medicaid cuts would impact Arizonans
An $880 billion cut to Medicaid is on the table to make room for the wealthy's tax cuts. Here's how it would impact the 2 million in AZ who rely on it.
37 min
11
How Trump's federal job cuts are affecting Ariz...
Veterans, Grand Canyon employees and more are being impacted by Trump's federal job cuts. The Gaggle talks about how many it will affect and why.
20 min
12
Gov. Hobbs vs. the Legislature: what can actual...
Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs has an even more Republican Legislature this year. The Gaggle explores what they can actually get done.
25 min
13
Speaker Steve Montenegro shares Republicans' go...
An exclusive sit down interview with the new Arizona House of Representatives Speaker, Steve Montenegro
25 min
14
How stable are Arizona's political parties?
The nation is watching Arizona. Two experts join The Gaggle to explain what's happening right now with Republicans and Democrats. And why it matters.
35 min
15
What big changes are coming for Maricopa County?
Maricopa County underwent a political overhaul after the 2024 elections. We're just starting to see what that will mean for the future.
31 min
16
What Trump's executive orders mean for Arizona
From immigration to Jan. 6 pardons and federal jobs, Trump's initial executive orders have a big impact on Arizona residents.
25 min
17
What is the mood at the Arizona-Mexico border r...
Ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration, we went to the Southern border to see how residents, sheriffs, tribal members and others were feeling.
14 min
18
Why the Jan. 6th Capitol attack still reverbera...
Three politicians involved in the Capitol riots were reelected last year. The Gaggle looks back at Arizona's involvement and where it stands today.
31 min
19
What's in store for Arizona politics in 2025
From Gallego in DC to Governor race prep: a preview of 2025 AZ politics
34 min
20
Have a great holiday from The Gaggle!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Gaggle team
1 min
21
5 stories that defined Arizona's year in politics
With abortion, fake electors and Ruben Gallego's Senate run, Arizona stayed in the national spotlight in 2024. Here are the Top 5 moments in politics.
32 min
22
What Trump's tariffs with Mexico could mean for...
Trump pledges to make tariffs a center point of his presidency. Some are nervous, some say it won't even happen. The Gaggle talks about possible paths
27 min
23
Can Trump's border promises come true?
What Trump's mass deportations could mean for Arizona
30 min
24
What's left on Arizona's election to-do list
While smooth, election season in Arizona still isn't really over. The Gaggle discusses what still needs to be done to wrap up the 2024 election.
19 min
25
How Trump won Arizona bigger than ever before
Swing states across the U.S. helped Donald Trump secure the White House. The Gaggle looks at what Arizona counties helped him get there.
10 min