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
The Arizona Budget Battle
With a shutdown looming, Gov. Katie Hobbs opposes the House GOP plan. We break down the politics driving Arizona’s unusually tense budget showdown.
13 min
2
Meet the candidates looking to replace Rep. Raú...
Three very different frontrunners are leading the pack to fill Rep. Grijalva's spot in Congress. The Gaggle checks in on the race in Arizona's CD 7.
14 min
3
Same-sex marriage in AZ: The road to legalizati...
So much has changed since gay marriage was legalized, including Arizona politics. The Gaggle explores what AZ was like at the time of legalization.
29 min
4
Inside Arizona's standoff: Hobbs vs. Hoffman ov...
State Sen. Jake Hoffman has been uncommonly strict about Gov. Hobbs' director nominees. He joins The Gaggle to defend why it's the right move.
42 min
5
What happens now in Arizona's fake electors case
Arizona's fake electors case was sent back to the grand jury. What this rare move means and how it will impact Mayes' political future.
28 min
6
Immigration since Trump regained office
President Trump's promises of stricter border security are coming true, but apprehensions have relocated to other parts of Arizona.
27 min
7
What is next for teacher pay in Arizona
Republicans and Democrats agree that teacher funding should continue. But the limitations are up for debate. The Gaggle analyzes different strategies.
20 min
8
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
9
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
Speaker Steve Montenegro shares Republicans' go...
An exclusive sit down interview with the new Arizona House of Representatives Speaker, Steve Montenegro
25 min
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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