State of Gold

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**State of Gold**

**Restoring the California Dream One Bold Idea at a Time**

California was once a beacon of prosperity, hope and innovation – symbolized by the Gold Rush, Hollywood and Silicon Valley. Today it’s the least affordable state in the nation and plagued by poverty, homelessness, and sky-high taxes. How did we get here, and how do we turn California around?

State of Gold is a media platform and citizens’ movement dedicated to restoring the California dream. Host and longtime real estate and tech executive Jon Slavet combines practical wisdom and insurgent energy, as he sits down with voices from across the spectrum.

The show will examine and promote the best ideas from any corner to solve the state’s most pressing issues. State of Gold cuts through the noise to explore what’s gone wrong in the Golden State – and what it’ll take to make things right.

**www.stateofgold.com**

Latest Episodes:

Meet the Man Who Drew the California Prop50 Maps | Paul Mitchell Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Paul Mitchell, Democratic Political Strategist

Guest Bio:

Paul Mitchell is one of the nation's premier experts on nonpartisan redistricting, political demography, and voter data analytics. He has directed decennial line-drawing for more than 100 cities, school boards, and community college districts, and served as a data consultant for independent commissions in New York and New Mexico. Long recognized as a staunch advocate for independent, nonpartisan commission criteria, Mitchell frequently collaborates with civic organizations like Common Cause and the ACLU to protect communities of interest from partisan overreach. He stepped into intense statewide debate as the lead cartographer behind California's Proposition 50 congressional maps.

Show Summary

Can a partisan gerrymander ever be justified—even if it's meant to correct a wrong? In this episode of State of Gold, host Jon Slavet sits down with political data expert Paul Mitchell, the architect behind California’s highly controversial Proposition 50 gerrymander.

Mitchell pulls back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes dynamics that birthed the measure, revealing his initial opposition to bypassing California's Independent Redistricting Commission. He details how he urged Democratic congressional leadership and the Governor's office to use the maps as a political "bluff" to deter Texas from aggressively redrawing its own lines. Mitchell defends the analytical integrity of his final map, explaining how he preserved key commission criteria and limited city splits while delivering the targeted five-seat shift demanded to balance the national scales.

The conversation pivots to a mathematical dive into proportional representation, with Mitchell unpacking why geographical sorting makes drawing "perfectly balanced" rural and urban districts a technical impossibility. Finally, he offers a provocative reality check on how a looming, AI-driven automation wave could transform the landscape for American workers, framing wealth taxes not just as an ideology, but as a future survival mechanism for the state's economy.

Chapters

00:00 – Prop 50: Did Two Wrongs Make a Right?
00:58 – The Anti-Gerrymander Cartographer: Mitchell’s Nonpartisan Roots
02:00 – The Texas Counter-Bluff: Advising a Partisan Stand-Off
03:00 – Maintaining Map Integrity Under Partisan Constraints
04:15 – Bludgeoning the Minority Party: The Disenfranchisement of Voters
05:14 – Latte Voters and Rural Reality: The Challenge of Underpopulated Districts
07:16 – Bypassing the Commission: The Incremental Push from Washington
07:51 – Long-Term Meditation: When Democrats Started Strategic Line Drawing
08:35 – Preserving Communities of Interest vs. "Bacon Strip" Public Maps
10:11 – The Proportionality Math Problem: Self-Segregation of Electorates
12:00 – High Taxes, Worse Outcomes: Sacramento’s Lack of Economic Leadership
12:48 – Low-Information Landslides: Why Voters Backed the Anti-Trump Narrative
14:55 – Low-Information Electorates and the Realities of the Campaign Trail
15:41 – The Billionaire Network: Evaluating Elite Mobility in California
16:00 – AI, Automation, and the Pitchfork Economy: Shifting Jobs on the Chopping Block
18:26 – Crude Mechanisms vs. Mileage Taxes: The Problem with Asset Liquidation
20:07 – The Societal Compact: Reinventing Government Infrastructure Through Private Gains
21:23 – Congressional Pass: Healthcare Deficits and Abdicating Responsibility

Connect with Paul Mitchell

Twitter/X: https://x.com/paulmitche11
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmitche11/

Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to our podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation on Instagram and LinkedIn with the hashtag #stateofgoldpodcast
Connect with State of Gold

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

In an Average Year, the President’s Party Loses 28 Seats | Mark Halperin May 29, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Mark Halperin - Editor-in-Chief - 2WAY Interactive Inc.

Guest Bio:

Mark Halperin is one of the nation's most experienced political analysts, authors, and commentators. He is the co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Game Change and Double Down, which provided definitive, behind-the-scenes accounts of the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. Over a career spanning decades, Halperin has served as the political director for ABC News, a senior political analyst for Time magazine, and a frequent contributor across major news networks. Currently offering national political reporting and analysis through his independent platforms, Halperin is widely recognized for his data-driven insights into campaign strategy, presidential polling, and the shifting dynamics of both state and federal elections.

Show Summary

“In a normal state, you'd say organize and get hot at the end. There is no organization in California—it's just get hot at the end". In this episode of State of Gold, host Jon Slavet sits down with legendary political journalist Mark Halperin for a masterclass in campaign math, media scrutiny, and national electoral trends.

Halperin opens by revising his previous predictions for the 2026 California Governor's race, and outlining a path where either San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan or Xavier Becerra will ultimately take the mansion. The discussion dives into the sudden "open secret" implosion of Eric Swalwell, drawing historical parallels to presidential campaigns of the past to explain why certain scandals only ignite under a high-stakes media microscope.

Zooming out to the federal level, Halperin drops a sobering forecast for the upcoming midterms, predicting a massive "blue wave" that could see Democrats flip over 30 seats in the House and capture a Senate majority. Finally, the conversation shifts to the 2028 presidential landscape, offering insider scouting reports on Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, J.D. Vance, and Josh Shapiro. From the family "veto power" on Newsom's ambitions to why a well-run Super PAC is a candidate's greatest weapon, this episode provides an unmatched look at the mechanics of modern political warfare.

Chapters
00:00 – Shifting Trajectories: Why Mahan and Becerra are Leading the Field
01:12 – Selling Oatmeal: Can Matt Mahan Make Moderation Sexy?
02:15 – Breaking Becerra: Vacuum and Vulnerabilities in the Debates
03:07 – The Primary Math: Can Republicans Avoid a Top-Two Shutout?
04:34 – Open Secrets: Why the Swalwell Skeletons Exploded Late
06:35 – Defining the Perfect California Republican: The Legacy of Dick Reardon
08:45 – The Midterm Forecast: Affordability, the Iran War, and a Looming Blue Wave
11:12 – The Texas Drought: Can James Talarico Unseat a Republican Statewide?
12:26 – The Gauntlet of 2028: Family Vetos and Gavin Newsom's Presidential Ambitions
15:34 – Bestsellers and Email Lists: Sizing Up Newsom's National Appeal
18:24 – The 2028 Dem Board: Harris, Shapiro, Buttigieg, and Rahm Emanuel
21:33 – Super PAC Strategy: The Hidden Mechanics of a Winning Campaign
23:00 – The Post-Trump Era: J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and the Republican Mantle
24:12 – Game Change Lessons: Normality, Charm, and Mission Chinese
Connect with Mark Halperin

Twitter: https://x.com/MarkHalperin?lang=en
Twitter (show): https://x.com/NextUpHalperin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markevanhalperin/
Instagram (show): https://www.instagram.com/nextuphalperin/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextUpHalperin
Website: 2waytvapp.com

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

The Candidate for City Attorney Who Will Clear LA's Streets | John McKinney May 26, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

John McKinney - Candidate for LA City Attorney

Guest Bio:

John McKinney is a seasoned prosecutor who has dedicated nearly three decades to the criminal justice system inside the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, where he specialized in prosecuting violent crimes and major gang offenses. A native of New Jersey who overcame adversity in his youth, McKinney rose to become one of the most prominent trial lawyers in the LA legal community, known for prosecuting high-profile murder cases. Running as a pragmatist for Los Angeles City Attorney, his platform centers on restoring public safety, enforcing misdemeanor laws, tackling the homelessness crisis through structured transitional environments, and serving as a strict legal defender for the municipal corporation of Los Angeles.

Show Summary

"California has, by and large, chosen to leave dangerous people on the street," says veteran prosecutor John McKinney. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with McKinney for a sobering look at public safety and the humanitarian breakdown in the nation's second-largest city.

McKinney links the current state of disorder in Los Angeles to the legacy of 2011's "prison realignment" policies, which pushed overcrowding down to the local counties and led to inmates being pushed out onto the streets. Drawing on his thirty years of frontline experience, McKinney offers a rare, nuanced perspective on federal immigration enforcement, local sanctuary policies, and the hidden pressures applied by the LA County Board of Supervisors.

The conversation pivots to McKinney’s vision for the City Attorney's office as general counsel, rather than a "public interest law firm" as proposed by opponents on his left. He outlines a clear strategy of "compassionate accountability" to address the homeless industrial complex, detailing a shift away from high-priced permanent housing toward immediate, scalable city-owned transitional spaces. From tracking Spencer Pratt’s high-tech mayoral campaign to enforcing laws that keep business open and streets safe, this is an exploration of real-world leadership in modern Los Angeles.

Chapters

00:00 – The Core of Safety: Tracing Modern LA problems to 2010s Realignment

01:45 – Leaving People on the Street: The Failure of State Corrections

02:43 – Debunking the Crime Link: Legal Immigration Status vs. Local Crime

04:34 – The Budget Levers: Board Politics and Sanctuary State Dynamics

05:58 – General Counsel or Public Interest Firm? Delineating the LA City Attorney Role

07:28 – The Practical Metrics of Success: CVS Openings, Human Bodies, and RVs

09:00 – Compassionate Accountability: Ditching Hotel Voucher Strategies for $5,000 Emergency Beds

10:45 – Partnering with Law Enforcement: Aggressive Prosecution of Misdemeanors

12:31 – Defeating Career Politicians: The Angry Consensus of the Ordinary Voter

14:18 – Critiques of the Progressive Left: Leaving the City of Los Angeles Without a Defender

15:04 – Sucking the Air Out of the Room: Spencer Pratt’s Viral AI Mayoral Insurgency

17:30 – Rapid Fire: Uncivilized Encampments and Rooting for the Home Teams

Connect with John McKinney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmckinney_/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/John-McKinney-100063804919502/
Twitter: https://x.com/johnmckinney_?lang=en
Website: https://mckinney4la.com/about/

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

California Citizens Need to Wake Up and Vote for Change | Mike Netter May 22, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Mike Netter, Candidate for CA State Senate District 22

Guest Bio:

Mike Netter is a veteran sales executive, radio host on KABC Talk Radio 790 AM, and entrepreneur who has built and operated several small businesses, including founding Quantum Charging. A graduate of San Diego State University, Netter first stepped into the statewide political spotlight as a key leader behind the historic 2021 recall movement against Governor Gavin Newsom. Now running as a Republican challenger for State Senate District 22 in the East San Gabriel Valley, he brings decades of private-sector experience to his fight, campaigning heavily on middle-class tax relief, regulatory rollbacks for small businesses, parental rights, and robust funding for public safety.

Show Summary

Is California truly a deep-blue monolith, or is a massive silent majority just stuck in "zombie mode"? In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet is joined by Mike Netter to discuss his campaign to flip the script on California's political representation and bring logic back to governance.

Netter drops some eye-opening context about the true political makeup of the state, revealing that while Democrats command a 75% legislative supermajority, they only make up roughly 46% to 48% of total registered voters. And he lays out his legislative priorities, including a sweeping proposal to slash the state income tax by 28% for those earning $150,000, fully funding the recently passed Proposition 36, and untangling the regulatory maze that forces small business owners to take their passions and move out of state.

Chapters

00:00 – Preview: The Apathy Party and Asset Tax Traps
00:24 – Welcoming State Senate Candidate Mike Netter
00:54 – Sizing up 2028: Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and the Illusion of Popularity
01:46 – Self-Nomination: Newsom’s Late-Night TV Political Pitch
02:11 – Announcing State Senate District 22: Representing One Million Voices
02:47 – Breaking the Disconnect: 48% Registration vs. 75% Supermajority
03:52 – Over-Taxed and Under-Served: The Case for a 28% Income Tax Cut
04:45 – Post-Prop 36 Funding: Rebuilding Public Safety and Small Business Infrastructure

Connect with Mike Netter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.netter.5/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/nettermike?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nettermike/

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

Who the System Actually Serves | Gus Mattammal May 19, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Gus Mattammal, Candidate for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction

Guest Bio

Gus Mattammal is a lifelong educator and the director of a leading private tutoring group in Silicon Valley. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked with more than 1,000 students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Mattammal is the author of A is for Average, a book exploring the systemic failures and potential solutions for the California public school system. In addition to his work in education, he is an elected member of the Midcoast Community Council and serves on several countywide boards focused on transportation and tax oversight. He holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor's degree from Pomona College.

Show Summary

California currently ranks 38th in reading and 44th in math—results that Gus Mattammal argues are a direct consequence of a system that prioritizes being a "jobs program" vs. an educational provider for our kids. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Mattammal to discuss the bold, grassroots insurgency needed to reclaim the future for California's nearly 6 million students.

Mattammal critiques the current leadership and the powerful influence of the California Teachers Association (CTA), proposing a radical shift in how the state handles its record $150 billion education budget. He details his plan to redo the state’s funding formula to repurpose future budget growth—beyond the rate of inflation—into hiring more teachers and lowering class sizes in struggling districts, all without raising taxes.

The conversation dives into the "science of reading" and why states like Mississippi are now outperforming California with half the per-pupil spending. From the "social justice" mission creep in math standards to the administrative bloat caused by Sacramento's mandates, Mattammal offers a provocative blueprint for an education system that values merit, competition, and parental choice.

Chapters
00:00 – Education System or Jobs Program?
00:49 – The Reality of Rankings: 38th in Reading, 44th in Math
02:27 – Breaking the Cycle: Breaking the CTA and Bureaucratic Bloat
03:02 – Restructuring the Funding Formula: A Plan for Growth Without New Taxes
06:15 – The Three Dimensions of a Superintendent: Facilitator, Advocate, and Manager
08:53 – Why Mississippi is Crushing California: The Science of Reading
11:42 – Public Shaming and Competition: Incentivizing Excellence
12:23 – Math Standards and "Social Justice": Why Singapore Still Leads
15:23 – The Collective Surrender: Why Ideology Replaces Results
18:35 – Declining Enrollment and the Financial Crisis in Urban Districts
19:27 – Compliance Costs: How Mandates Drive Administrative Bloat
23:25 – Rapid Fire: King for a Day and the "Gus Bus"
Connect with Gus Mattammal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOneTrueGus/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-mattammal/
Twitter: https://x.com/TheOneTrueGus
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theonetruegus/
Website: https://www.votegus.org/

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

Why the People Who'd Fix California Are the Ones Leaving | Pete Peterson May 12, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Pete Peterson - Dean of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy

Guest Bio:

Pete Peterson is a leading national voice on civic engagement and state governance, currently serving as the Dean of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy. A former candidate for California Secretary of State, Peterson has dedicated his career to improving how citizens interact with their government. He is a senior fellow at the Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and has been at the forefront of the "Leading Smart Communities" initiative, which trains public officials to use technology and data transparency to run more efficient municipalities. Known for his analytical approach to California’s unique political landscape, Peterson is a frequent contributor to national and state-level discussions on election reform and the future of the California dream.

Show Summary

"California is America on steroids," says Pete Peterson—but according to the Pepperdine Dean, being a "one-party state" for too long has left the Golden State in decay. In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet sits down with Peterson to break down the high-stakes 2026 Governor’s race and why a "political earthquake" could be on the horizon.

Peterson explores the "less than 25% chance" of two Republicans emerging from the jungle primary and explains why a Republican Governor might be the only "check" left to rein in a progressive legislature. The conversation pulls no punches on the state’s fiscal reality, noting that while the budget has doubled in less than a decade, public services from education to infrastructure are in a tailspin—even underperforming states like Mississippi and Alabama.

From the "Trojan Horse" of the Billionaire Tax and the "moral hazard" of public sector unions to the potential for a "California DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency), Peterson offers a masterclass in why people are "voting with their feet". This is a deep dive into whether California is at its "darkest before the dawn" and what it will take to restore the luster to the world's fifth-largest economy.

Chapters
00:00 – California: America on Steroids
00:36 – The Jungle Primary: Could Two Republicans Emerge?
01:53 – Reforming the System: Top Two vs. Top Five Primaries
02:53 – Chaos as a Check: A Republican Governor vs. a Supermajority
04:16 – Advice to the GOP: Creating a Vision Beyond "Reagan 2.0"
06:01 – Grading the Democrats: Name Recognition vs. Policy Substance
07:39 – The Moderate Lane: Can Matt Mahan or Antonio Villaraigosa Break Through?
08:57 – National Politics: Trump, Midterms, and the Divided Congress
11:24 – The "Gold Rush in Reverse": Why the Billionaire Tax is a Bad Idea
12:49 – The Blue State Model: High Taxes and Declining Services
14:52 – The Public Sector Union Problem: Breaking the Cycle
17:18 – California DOGE: Applying Tech and Transparency to Sacramento
20:45 – The Path Forward: Removing Collective Bargaining from Public Unions
23:18 – Optimism for the Golden State: A History of Solving Human-Made Problems

Connect with Pete Peterson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeteSOS/
Twitter: https://x.com/Pete4CA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-peterson-a353683/

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

Will Waste, Fraud and Over-Spending Drown California? May 08, 2026

Show notes

In just a few years, California went from a $100 billion budget surplus to a $30 billion structural deficit. How does the world’s fourth-largest economy wipe out that much cash so quickly? In this mini-episode State of Gold takes a hard look at CA’s out of control "spending spree" as well as the rampant waste and fraud plaguing Sacramento.

Noted experts break down the "regressive" nature of California’s current path, where middle-class residents are squeezed by electricity and gas prices while state government spending doubles over the past decade. Wipeout reveals the "perverse financial incentives" that allow social problems to grow, and fail, despite record spending.

Chapters
00:00 – The $100 Billion Wipeout: From Surplus to Deficit
00:08 – The Real Math: 60% Revenue Growth vs. 72% Spending Growth
00:16 – Fraud Exported: $30 Billion Sent to Scammers
00:34 – The 2022 Surplus vs. Today’s Structural Deficit
00:52 – Boiling the Frog: Expanding Government Beyond Inflation
01:11 – Twice the Spending, Half the Quality: The 10-Year Decline
01:19 – Misaligned Priorities: School Renaming & Zoom Classrooms
01:31 – Education Failure: Bottom Quintile Results Despite Billions Spent
01:51 – Fraud Everywhere: From Special Districts to Wildfires
02:00 – The Audit Gap: Why Lawmakers Ignore Solutions
02:30 – Siphoning Funds: Interest Groups and Spending Decisions
02:47 – Breaking the Basics: Failing to Deliver on Record Budgets
02:58 – The Tax Loop: Solvency vs. Accountability
03:15 – Next Week: The Existential Threat of the Billionaire Tax

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

California Has All the Answers and All the Problems | Senator Blakespear May 05, 2026

Show notes

Guest:

Senator Catherine Blakespear

Guest Bio:

Catherine Blakespear represents the 38th District, covering northern San Diego County and southern Orange County. A lawyer and former journalist for the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press, she transitioned into public service as the Traffic Commissioner for Encinitas before serving eight years in local government, including six years as Mayor. Now in the State Senate, Blakespear chairs the Environmental Quality Committee and the Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resiliency. Her legislative focus includes increasing housing affordability, preventing gun violence, and finding structural solutions to California’s homelessness humanitarian crisis.

Show Summary

It costs an average of $700,000 and takes seven years to build a single unit of housing in California—a reality Senator Catherine Blakespear calls "anathema to my sense of humanity". In this episode of State of Gold, Jon Slavet and Senator Blakespear tackle the "multi-billion dollar question" of why California’s housing and homelessness crises continue to spiral despite hundreds of new laws.Blakespear shares her unique perspective as a former Mayor who once fought against high-density mandates, explaining why she now believes the state must balance local control with the urgent need for a million new homes. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the "shocking" reality of the state's homelessness response. Blakespear reveals her firsthand findings after touring Care Court, describing it as a "resource-intensive group therapy" that fails to scale because it remains entirely voluntary.

In a rare moment of candor from the Democratic side, Blakespear argues it is time to move the "pendulum" back toward involuntary commitment for the gravely disabled, stating that leaving people to die in the elements is a violation of human rights. From the complexities of the insurance market and the Cap-and-Invest program to a debate over Gavin Newsom’s leadership, this episode is an essential look at the policies required to reclaim the "Golden State."

Chapters

00:00 – The Waiting Room: California’s Housing Math Problem
01:12 – From Mayor to Senator: The Battle Over High-Density Housing
02:43 – Public vs. Private: Solving the Million-Home Shortage
03:41 – Local Control: Why Some Cities Fight State Mandates
06:19 – Developers, Density, and the Insurance Crisis
08:28 – The "Stab in the Heart": Addressing the Humanity of Homelessness
09:06 – Functional Zero: Why "Permanent Housing Only" is Failing
11:24 – The Case for Involuntary Commitment: Moving the Pendulum
13:53 – Exposing Care Court: Why Voluntary Care Isn't Scaling
16:48 – Cap and Invest: Climate Goals vs. Affordability
19:43 – The Billionaire Tax and the Innovation Economy
21:49 – Assessing Gavin Newsom: Practicality vs. Policy

Connect with Catherine Blakespear

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senatorblakespear/about/
Twitter: https://x.com/Cblakespear
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherineblakespear

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

Top Republican Minds Break Down CA Governor’s Race May 01, 2026

Show notes

California is at a tipping point. With over two-thirds of residents believing the state is on the "wrong track," the race for the Governor’s mansion has turned into a high-stakes battle for the future of the Golden State. In this special episode, recorded live from the April 2026 CA GOP Convention, Jon Slavet sits down with the state’s brightest Republican political minds to break down the chaos of the primary season and the path to a Republican victory.

The conversation centers on the "insanity" of current leadership and the rise of optimistic conservative voices like Steve Hilton. The panel dives into the sudden "implosion" of Democratic frontrunner Eric Swalwell and the reshuffling of the voter pool that follows. They also pull back the curtain on the "math problem" facing Republicans: Can they successfully navigate a top-two primary to shut out the Democrats, or will a splintered field leave the GOP on the sidelines?

From "kitchen table issues" like the affordability crisis and public safety to the influence of national endorsements, this episode provides a strategic roadmap for how a Republican can win over independents and center-right Democrats in a state where they are outnumbered 2-to-1. It is a candid look at the policies, personalities, and "political earthquakes" that will define California’s next chapter.

Chapters

00:00 – Live from the GOP Convention: Is it Darkest Before the Dawn?
01:33 – The "Wrong Track" Majority and the Search for a Plan
02:44 – The Hilton Strategy: Positioning Beyond the MAGA Tag
03:18 – Nationalizing the Race: How Democrats Avoid Owning Their Record
04:42 – Crossing the Chasm: Appealing to Independents Post-June 2nd
06:57 – The Swalwell Implosion: Allegations of Mortgage and Election Fraud
09:33 – Kitchen Table Wins: Prioritizing People Over Partisanship
12:01 – Hilton vs. Bianco: The Power of the Ballot Designation
13:19 – The Primary Math Problem: Avoiding a Democratic Shutout
15:20 – Tom Steyer and the $500 Million "Ego Trip"

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

The Real Reason California Gas Costs More Than Anywhere | Jodie Muller Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Guest

Jodie Muller, CEO - Western States Petroleum Association

Guest Bio

Jodie Muller serves as the President and CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA), representing the companies that explore, produce, refine, and transport petroleum products in the West. Muller took the helm as CEO during one of the most volatile periods for energy in California’s history. Under her leadership, WSPA has focused on educating policymakers and the public on the "all-of-the-above" energy strategy, advocating for the preservation of high-paying local jobs, and addressing the regulatory "layers" that contribute to California's nation-leading gas prices. Muller is a prominent voice for balancing environmental goals with economic reality, emphasizing the importance of domestic production to maintain strict environmental and labor standards.

Show Summary

Why does California consistently have the highest gas prices in the nation? According to WSPA CEO Jodie Muller, it isn’t one person or one event—it’s the result of decades of policies layered on top of one another.

In this episode, Jon Slavet talks with Muller about the complex reality of California’s energy market. From the impact of the Iran war and global spot markets to the "Truman Show" bubble of California’s environmental regulations, Muller explains how the state has hamstrung its own supply chain. She shares startling data on why California now imports over 75% of its crude and what the idling of major refineries means for the families who rely on those six-figure jobs.

The conversation also tackles the controversial Cap-and-Invest program, the "baby steps" of recent permitting in Kern County, and why the smartest energy innovations of the future will likely come from within the oil and gas industry. Muller offers a candid look at the upcoming Governor’s race and her "Queen for a Day" wish.

Chapters

00:00 – Who is Responsible for $6 Gas?
01:18 – Decades of Layered Policies: Connecting the Dots
02:45 – The Education Gap in Sacramento
03:16 – Iran and the Global Energy Market: Why Prices Stay High
07:12 – The Environmental Irony of Importing 75% of Our Oil
09:34 – From 25 Refineries to 6: The Impact on Consumers
11:11 – Six-Figure Jobs and the Economic Knock-on Effects
12:59 – Cap and Invest: The Multi-Billion Dollar Business Calculus
15:53 – Newsom, Kern County, and the Future of Permitting
17:59 – Advancing Renewables: An All-of-the-Above Strategy
20:06 – Evaluating the Governor’s Race and Tom Steyer
22:27 – Rapid Fire: Pausing Regulations and Keeping Kids in California
Connect with Jodie Muller

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodiemuller/
Twitter: https://x.com/WSPAPrez/with_replies

X: https://x.com/realjonslavet
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stateofgold/about
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stateofgoldpodcast/?hl=en
Website: www.stateofgold.com

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