The Downballot

Latest Episodes:

Voting rights and criminal justice are on your local ballot this year, with Daniel Nichanian Mar 17, 2022

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Downballot, we're joined by Daniel Nichanian, editor-in-chief of Bolts Magazine, a new digital magazine devoted to elections that impact voting rights and criminal justice. We discuss far-right efforts to take over local election boards—and the progressives who are using those offices to expand voting rights. We further tackle the huge changes we've seen in recent years in races for district attorney, as well an upcoming recall election of a high-profile progressive reformer in San Francisco. Co-hosts David Nir and David Beard also analyze how the war in Ukraine is playing out in U.S. elections, the status of redistricting in the five laggard states that have yet to adopt new congressional maps, and a lawsuit challenging whether Oklahoma can hold a special election for the Senate this year. Episode transcript.

North Carolina, South Korea, and why you should Run For Something, with Amanda Litman Mar 10, 2022

Show notes

On this week's episode of The Downballot, we talk with Amanda Litman, the co-founder of Run for Something, an organization she formed in the wake of the 2016 elections to help young, diverse progressives run for office across the country at all levels of the ballot. Litman tells us about the resources they offer to first-time candidates, some of Run for Something's biggest success stories, and her favorite obscure post that you might not even know is an elected position in many states. We also spend time exploring a trio of different stories out of North Carolina—one concerning Madison Cawthorn, one about redistricting, and one, believe it or not, about Vladimir Putin—and bring you up to speed on the just-concluded presidential election in South Korea.

To learn more about Run for Something, visit their website.

Episode transcript.

Texas primary recap and a look at open Democratic House seats Mar 03, 2022

Show notes

On the latest episode of The Downballot, David Nir and David Beard recap the action from Texas' Tuesday primaries, including the runoff between conservative Democrat Henry Cuellar and progressive challenger Jessica Cisneros; the demise of Louie Gohmert's political career; and the shocking developments in Texas' 3rd Congressional District, where a new scandal derailed an unexpected runoff. The co-hosts also embark on a deep dive into the world of Democratic open seats in the House, discussing the role of redistricting in prompting retirements and the many ways in which primaries this year have the chance to move the party in a more progressive direction and increase its diversity.

Episode transcript.

Donate to charities helping Ukrainian victims of Putin's illegal war.

Texas primary preview, with Jeff Singer Feb 24, 2022

Show notes

On the fifth episode of The Downballot, Nir and Beard preview all of the key Texas primary races with Daily Kos Elections editor Jeff Singer. The roster includes progressive Jessica Cisneros' second attempt at booting conservative Democratic Rep. Henry Cueller in the 28th District, plus the absolutely gonzo GOP primary targeting still-under-indictment Attorney General Ken Paxton. Episode transcript.

2022 redistricting roundup, with David Jarman Feb 17, 2022

Show notes

On the fourth episode of The Downballot, Beard and Nir take a deep dive into redistricting with Daily Kos Elections contributing editor David Jarman. We walk through the major changes that new congressional maps have wrought in some of the biggest states, including New York, Texas, and Michigan, with a stop to gawk at the infighting that's derailing Republicans in Florida and Missouri. Plus, how would you react if your former congressman sent you an email that began, "I don't know what I'm doing?”

Episode transcript.

Daily Kos Elections' 2020 presidential results by congressional district, for new and old districts.

What do Biden’s approval ratings mean for the midterms? with Drew Linzer Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

On the third episode of The Downballot, Nir and Beard talk about redistricting in Alabama and the GOP primary for governor in Georgia before exploring the world of online polling with Civiqs co-founder Drew Linzer.

Episode transcript.

All you need to know about the 2022 midterms: What races to watch, with Jeff Singer Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

On the second episode of The Downballot, Beard and Nir are joined by Daily Kos Elections editor Jeff Singer, whose knowledge of elections is unparalleled. Jeff gives us an exceptionally thorough overview of the top contests in the 2022 midterms.

Episode transcript.

How did it all begin? A brief history of Daily Kos, with Markos Moulitsas Feb 10, 2022

Show notes

On the inaugural episode of The Downballot, Nir and Beard chat with Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas about the history of both Daily Kos and Daily Kos Elections, and why we do the work that we do.

Episode transcript.

Trailer: The Downballot Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

The Downballot is a new podcast dedicated to covering the thousands of local elections across America for critically important offices, from Senate to city council. With more than 20 years of experience analyzing U.S. elections, Daily Kos provides unparalleled insight into congressional and state races nationwide. Tune in every Thursday!

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