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 reporters Ron Hansen and Stephanie Murray, and is produced by Amanda Luberto.
1
BONUS: The Democrats running for Arizona's CD 1
Six Democrats are in the running to represent the left in the 2026 CD1 election. Here are the similarities and differences in the options.
10 min
2
Outspoken: How the Declaration of Independence ...
A few words in the Declaration of Independence, describing Indigenous people as "savages," did lasting damage, professor David Martinez says.
20 min
3
Mark Kelly’s future is fueling 2028 presidentia...
The national spotlight is on Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly for a possible 2028 presidential run amid his eye-catching fundraising and Trump critiques.
37 min
4
Trump eases marijuana rules as Arizona consider...
The Trump administration reclassified marijuana to a Schedule III drug, but Arizona's GOP is trying to clamp down on the drug. The Gaggle explores why
20 min
5
Why Andy Biggs wants to be Arizona's next Governor
Congressman Andy Biggs wants to leave "broken" Congress behind and focus on Arizona. On The Gaggle, he lays out why he's running against Katie Hobbs.
29 min
6
Democrats want Maricopa County. Here's their ch...
The Maricopa County Democratic Party chair says that anti-Trump feelings are helping them, but how can they translate that into registered voters?
21 min
7
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' web of half-tr...
After mishandling Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping, a dive into Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shows a checkered past he left out. The Gaggle has details.
25 min
8
Why Trump is visiting Phoenix so early in the 2...
President Donald Trump is heading to Phoenix with Turning Point USA for their "Build a Red Wall" event. Can he slow down the Dems in the midterms?
26 min
9
Adrian Fontes wants you to know your mail-in ba...
Trump says mail-in ballots create fraud, but it's been electing GOP and Dems in Arizona since 1991. Secretary of State Adrian Fontes joins The Gaggle.
36 min
10
Inside Maricopa County's elections feud
Maricopa County election officials are locked in a legal battle over minor administration details. The Gaggle asks if they're ready for 2026 voters.
32 min
11
The reality of data centers on Arizona's economy
Data centers have become a polarizing business to green-light in Arizona. The Gaggle talks through the impact they're having on Arizona's economy.
36 min
12
You can now bet on politics, but is it legal?
Prediction market companies like Kalshi have entered the political world. The Gaggle discusses if that's legal and what Kris Mayes is doing about it.
28 min
13
Why Trump is dipping back into 2020 ballots
President Trump is searching through Arizona's 2020 election results again. The Gaggle looks at why Senate President Petersen is letting them.
15 min
14
Arizona and the Epstein files
Arizona is mentioned thousands of times in the Epstein files. The Gaggle talks who is in them and how Arizona politicians have wavered over them.
25 min
15
Rare Arizona program lets non-lawyers own law f...
Arizona has a rare program that lets Wall Street investors and non-lawyers own law firms, no matter how it hurts the client. The Gaggle explains why.
21 min
16
ICE raids lead to questions about Arizona's emp...
Arizona pushed for an employment verification system to prove legalization, but ICE raids at Zipps prove E-Verify has limits.
20 min
17
Scottsdale's city government soap opera continues
Scottsdale's mostly GOP city government is being torn apart by mysterious investigations, infighting and a parking garage. The Gaggle has the latest.
14 min
18
What 2026 midterm political donations in Arizon...
The new campaign finance reports gives a look into the political donations funding Arizona's 2026 midterm races, some of the priciest in the country.
20 min
19
Two sides on deadly ICE actions and protests
Immigration enforcement raids and the protests against them are reaching a deadly peak. The Gaggle speaks to advocates on both sides of the issue.
43 min
20
Supervisor Galvin talks Heap, housing & hockey
Maricopa County supervisor Thomas Galvin joins to discuss midterm election safety prep, data centers and ongoing lawsuits
26 min
21
What Gov. Hobbs did (and didn't) cover in her 2...
Gov. Katie Hobbs talked affordability, political violence in State of the State, but left out a few key topics. The Gaggle analyzes her annual speech.
22 min
22
Where the fake electors case stands in Arizona
President Donald Trump leaned on Arizona officials to disregard the state's 2020 election results. The "fake electors" case is still in the courts
16 min
23
What we're watching for in 2026 politics
Arizona is gearing up for a major midterm season with the governor's and attorney general's offices on the line. Gaggle guests look ahead to 2026.
36 min
24
Happy Holidays from The Gaggle!
0 min
25
How fewer Canadian tourists are affecting Arizo...
Canadian snowbirds usually pack Arizona this time of year. Due to Trump's insults, they're boycotting. Here's how it's affecting Arizona's economy.
21 min