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
Politics roundup + a farewell to Mary Jo Pitzl
Parties in crisis, a new Grijalva, Project 2025: a catch up in what you actually need to know in Arizona politics this year
35 min
2
Arizona's job growth boom hits snooze button
AZ drops out of the top leaders in job growth nationwide. It's surprising but not cause of recession panic yet. The Gaggle analyzes a new report.
19 min
3
Partisan passion in local government
Previously bipartisan roles in government are now swingingly strongly right. The Gaggle explores how this happened and what the consequences are.
24 min
4
Kari Lake was right about ASU's collusion. What...
Kari Lake said she didn't get a fair shot at the 2022 gubernatorial debate. Turns out, she was right. Here's what happens next after ASU and PBS snafu
27 min
5
Conservative judge heeds warning for his party
Justice Clint Bolick came with a warning for the Republican party about due process. He was praised by many, except from the right's Turning Point USA
18 min
6
A conversation with Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari
She's new to Congress, but Rep. Ansari believes the Democrats need new blood. On The Gaggle, she talks immigration, crypto and the future of her party
32 min
7
Remembering migrants-rights activist Alfredo Gu...
Longtime Arizona activist and politician Alfredo Gutierrez died at 79. Friends and colleagues remember him and his impact this week on The Gaggle.
18 min
8
Arizona Democrats are in crisis
Two recent votes gave a different look at the AZ Democratic party. The Gaggle dives into why the party is so split and how they can come together.
30 min
9
What Sen. Gallego's trip to Iowa could mean
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego is stopping at the Iowa State Fair. The Gaggle analyzes if the senator from Arizona is interested in the White House in 2028.
23 min
10
How Trump's Big Beautiful Bill will change Arizona
Arizonans will see major changes to Medicaid, tax cuts and food stamps after Trump's Big Beautiful Bill passed. The Gaggle dives into the details.
18 min
11
'Government can be a force for good' An intervi...
Gov. Katie Hobbs joins The Gaggle to talk about what she passed, her relationship across the aisle and her plans heading into a reelection year.
25 min
12
The Arizona Republic reads the Declaration of I...
11 min
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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