Stay ConnectedHelping 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.
With the election just a week away, politicos are in the midterm home stretch. Most prognosticating and predicting what will happen on Nov. 3 is just about wrapped up, but the northeastern Arizona District 2 is getting some eleventh-hour buzz.
Is this last-minute shift to a lighter shade of red a comment on the contest between Crane and Nez or is it the final warning sign of a blue tsunami coming for Arizona?
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by a national pollster who walks us through what the national forecasters are seeing in Arizona's 2nd District and how likely a Democratic take over is on election night.
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It's hard to ignore the nasty attack ads with accusations like "protecting pedophiles" and "choosing predators," not to mention typical policy attacks like tax cuts, immigration reform and what is best for Arizonans.
This week on The Gaggle, we go through what makes a good political advertisement, which ones they're tired of seeing and why television ads are such an important part of a campaign with two political consultants.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: David Waid, Emily Ryan
Hosts: Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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The midterm election is traditionally hard on the party in charge and this year is expected to be no different.
But with disillusionment in the White House increasing, it seems that it will be harder than usual.
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by political pollster Spencer Kimball. He is the founding director of the nonpartisan Emerson College Polling Center.
Kimball sheds light on how Trump's approval rating will impact Republicans running in the midterm election.
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Guest: Spencer Kimball
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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Ballot measures can be long, have convoluted writing, and at times, seem purposefully difficult to figure out what your vote really does.
So ahead of the 2026 midterm, we broke them down in plain English.
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Arizona Republic reporter Helen Rummel to preview what propositions voters will find on their ballot, what a "yes" vote would do and who is supporting them.
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Guest: Helen Rummel
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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Accusations of protecting pedophiles and choosing predators over Arizona families are flying almost every time you turn on your TV as we get closer to Election Day from both Gov. Katie Hobbs and her opponent, Congressman Andy Biggs.
But what's really at stake for Arizonans?
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger to analyze possibly the biggest race in Arizona this year.
She talks us through their plan if elected, how having a running mate plays a role, where big money is coming in from and any wildcards that could shake up the race.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: Stacey Barchenger
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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To incumbent Democrat Mayes, her 49 lawsuits show that she is willing to hold the White House accountable for what she says are illegal acts.
Her opponent in the 2026 attorney general race, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, has promised to back President Donald Trump's agenda and says he'll rein in Arizona's Attorney General's Office if elected.
But one subject that some Arizonans are tired of hearing about is the key topic that separates them: the 2020 election.
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Republic reporter Stacey Barchenger to talk through the ins and outs of Mayes' and Petersen's run for Arizona's attorney general and why voters' ultimate opinion on the 2020 election could define who wins the seat.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: Stacey Barchenger
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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Arizona's 6th Congressional District is always competitive for both parties.
Starting in 2006, voters chose a Democrat. Then in 2014, the district went to a Republican. In 2018, back to a Democrat and in 2022, back to a Republican.
This year, Republican Donald Trump is in the White House, and the party could feel voters' wrath in the midterms. Incumbent Republican Juan Ciscomani is back to defend his seat, this time against Democrat JoAnna Mendoza.
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by the Republic's Congressional reporter to go over the competitive race and break down how the border, Trump and the economic health of the district are playing key roles in the competition.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: Laura Gersony
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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Whether they like it or not, Arizona voters will be asked to consider their opinion on the 2020 election yet again.
That's because the key difference in the two candidates running for Secretary of State is their stance on election integrity and safety.
Democrat Adrian Fontes was the Maricopa County recorder then and he maintains the process is fair. Republican Alex Kolodin meanwhile defended both Cyber Ninjas and the "fake electors" in court.
This week on The Gaggle, we talk through what these candidates want for the future of Arizona's elections.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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One of the most competitive races in the midterms is happening in one of Arizona's most independent districts, CD1. It's one that national pundits are saying could change the balance of power in the U.S. House.
Looking to take the open seat is Democrat Dr. Amish Shah and Republican Jay Feely.
This week on The Gaggle, we are joined by Republic reporter Laura Gersony.
Together, we break down where this hotly contested race stands, how the candidates are framing each other and the role Trump will play in the election.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: Laura Gersony
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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Between the ICE detention center, Flock cameras and data centers, it seems that Surprise is right at the heart of America's conversation.
But how come? Why are the nation's hottest topics all happening in Surprise?
This week on The Gaggle,we are joined by Surprise City Councilmember Johnny Melton, a Republican, to talk through how this fast-growing city has become such a hotbed for America's big political issues.
Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com
Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804
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Guest: Councilmember Johnny Melton
Hosts: Ron Hansen, Stephanie Murray
Producer: Amanda Luberto
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