Unlocking California Politics

Latest Episodes:

Unlocking California Politics EP 35 Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The newest episode of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to discuss the current state of California’s insurance market, including the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, the FAIR Plan, growing climate risks, and what changes in the insurance market could mean for homeowners, homebuyers and REALTORS®. Commissioner Lara also shares guidance for navigating today’s insurance landscape and reflects on the work still ahead to strengthen California’s insurance market. To listen, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing issues, and other top industry matters.

Unlocking California Politics Episode 34 Unlocking California’s 2026 Primary Election Jul 29, 2026

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Episode 34 of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle is joined by veteran political strategists Andrew Acosta and Rob Stutzman to break down the results of California's 2026 Primary Election and what they reveal about the political landscape heading into the November general election. Drawing on decades of experience from both Democratic and Republican perspectives, the guests examine the biggest surprises of the election, shifting voter priorities, and the races and issues that will shape the months ahead. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

Unlocking California Politics Episode 32 Live from C.A.R.’s 2026 Legislative Day: Unlocking the Middle - Class Homeownership Act (Part 2) May 12, 2026

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The California Association of REALTORS® has released a special live episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast recorded during C.A.R.’s 2026 Legislative Day in Sacramento. In this follow up conversation, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down once again with former Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg to discuss the next phase of the proposed Middle Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act after officially qualifying for the November ballot. The episode explores the growing coalition behind the initiative, why it matters to REALTORS® and middle income Californians, and how members can help engage their communities as the campaign moves into election season. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters

Unlocking California Politics Episode 31 Unlocking C.A.R.’s 2026 Legislative Priorities May 05, 2026

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In the latest episode of Unlocking California Politics, host Sanjay Wagle sits down with Legislative Advocate Jennifer Svec to break down C.A.R.’s 2026 legislative priorities and the policy debates shaping California’s housing landscape. From HOA accountability and consumer protections to wildfire resilience and housing affordability, the conversation highlights the key issues REALTORS® should be watching this year and how member engagement can help advance meaningful housing solutions. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. Be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who share insights on California politics, housing policy, and issues impacting REALTORS® and homeowners.

Unlocking California Politics EP 30 Meet the Freshmen Part 2: Democrats Apr 16, 2026

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In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with Assemblymember John Harabedian and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez for a “Meet the Freshmen” conversation about their first term in the Legislature, the challenges shaping their districts, and the priorities they are focused on moving forward. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. Be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who share insights on California politics, housing policy, and issues impacting REALTORS® and homeowners.

Unlocking California Politics Episode 29 Meet the Freshmen Part 1: Republicans Mar 25, 2026

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In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with Republican Assemblymembers Heather Hadwick and David Tangipa for a “Meet the Freshmen” conversation about their first term in the Legislature, what they’ve learned, and how they hope to move forward in 2026. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters

Episode 28 Unlocking the Middle-Class Homeownership Act Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

In the latest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with former Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg to discuss his proposed statewide ballot initiative aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for middle-income Californians. The 2026 measure, known as the Middle-Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act, seeks to address the growing barriers facing the next generation of would-be homeowners. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

Unlocking California Politics Ep 27: Unlocking Prop 50 Oct 31, 2025

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In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R.’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Sanjay Wagle, sits down with Political Data Inc. Vice President Paul Mitchell and Swing Strategies President and CEO Tom Ross for an in-depth discussion on Proposition 50. Together, they unpack the factors driving what has become one of the fastest-moving elections in California history.

Unlocking California Politics Episode 26: Unlocking C.A.R.'s Advocacy Jul 14, 2025

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In a special live recording of Episode 26 of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sat down with C.A.R.’s Legislative Advocate Jennifer Svec at C.A.R.’s 2025 Legislative Day in Sacramento. In this episode, Jennifer and Sanjay break down the behind-the-scenes work of C.A.R.’s advocacy team, explaining how it all works, how they defend the real estate industry from harmful state legislation, and how they promote policies that support homeownership in California. Jennifer and Sanjay discuss real-life examples of how C.A.R.’s advocacy team works to pass critical legislation, like the decades-long fight for ADUs. They also explain how the team pushes back on harmful bills and is always guided by the policies set by C.A.R. members to protect homeownership and support REALTORS® across the state. “You are the ones that drive the policies that your advocacy team works on. We are just the soldiers and your voice in that building, but we do not actually dictate what your policy is. We take those instructions and go forward. We know inherently by being your advocacy team what is the priority and is going to cause the most detriment to your industry and your business.” – Jennifer Svec, C.A.R.’s Legislative Advocate.

Unlocking California Politics EP 25: Unlocking C.A.R.'s 2025 Housing Forecast with Jordan Levine May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine to discuss California’s 2025 housing forecast. They explore what’s ahead for buyers, sellers, and the broader market—and why housing remains central to both personal financial growth and the state’s economic outlook. The conversation covers the impact of shifting inventory levels on sales activity, the challenges of a persistently undersupplied market, and why trying to “time the market” may not pay off. With thoughtful analysis and practical takeaways, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at what to expect in the months ahead. “California’s chronically undersupplied, meaning that outside of wild cards and curve balls in the economy, prices have only ever gone one way over the long term. You can always take advantage of lower rates if they go down in the future, but you can never jump in the time machine and go back and pay the cheaper price.” – Jordan Levine, C.A.R.’s Vice President and Chief Economist.

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