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 produced by Amanda Luberto.
26
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
27
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
28
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
29
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
30
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
31
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
32
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
33
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
34
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
35
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
36
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
37
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
38
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
39
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
40
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
41
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
42
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
43
Speaker Steve Montenegro shares Republicans' go...
An exclusive sit down interview with the new Arizona House of Representatives Speaker, Steve Montenegro
25 min
44
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
45
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
46
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
47
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
48
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
49
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
50
Have a great holiday from The Gaggle!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The Gaggle team
1 min