The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

WAMU 88.5
  • 4.8 (43)
  • Politics
  • Updated Weekly

Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.

Episodes

  1. 17h ago

    The Politics Hour: WAMU’s D.C. Delegate Democratic primary forum

    The Politics Hour goes on the road this week, broadcasting our D.C. Delegate Democratic primary forum live from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest D.C.! Kojo and Tom are joined on stage by all five candidates running in the Democratic primary to represent the District in Congress. We ask the big questions.. and get answers... about public safety, D.C.'s economy, protecting the District from federal intrusion, and so much more. Listen to learn about the candidates vying to succeed Eleanor Holmes Norton before heading to the polls for the Democratic primary on June 16. Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re at it. Join us for our weekly review of the politics, policies, and personalities of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland, live from the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C.! Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    1h 19m

  2. May 22

    The Politics Hour: A tightening D.C. Mayor’s race and Virginia Governor Spanberger’s vetoes

    The first public poll in the D.C. mayoral race is out, showing Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George with a slight lead over former At-Large D.C Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. However, ranked-choice voting could play a huge role in the tightening race. The poll, from City Cast DC, is a fascinating deep dive glimpse into how age, race, geography, and even being a D.C. sports fan shape residents' political leanings. City Cast host and executive editor Michael Schaffer joins us to break down what they found and also what polling says about the D.C. Delegate race. The Prince George's County planning board is in turmoil following the resignation of chair Darryl Barnes amid allegations of misconduct. The change comes weeks after Maryland lawmakers added language to the state budget to curtail the department's spending. Prince George's County Councilmember Jolene Ivey gets behind the mic to discuss what's going on and why the council's role is in overseeing the planning board. Plus, we talk to her about  budget negotiations and a new tax on certain businesses in the county. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger this week surprisingly vetoed legislation that would have finally established a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth. The veto once again stalls an effort that's been years in the making. Virginia House Delegate Paul Krizek, who represents portions of Fairfax County, is a co-sponsor of the now-dead bill and has pushed for legal sales for more than five years. He joins the show to tell us what happened, why the Governor said no, and why he's hoping to get it into the still unsettled budget. We also ask why the Governor's recent vetoes have put her at odds with some in her own party.  Guest Host Kayla Hewitt Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  3. May 15

    The Politics Hour: VA Sen. Majority Leader Scott Surovell on redistricting Hail Mary

    After months as the main roadblock, it appears Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson is softening his position on redistricting. The recent Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act and Maryland Governor Wes Moore notably leaving Ferguson off his list of political endorsements appear to be two big factors. WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu gets behind the mic to tell us about what she's hearing from lawmakers about Maryland redistricting. Virginia Democrats are throwing a Hail Mary in hopes of saving their redistricting efforts. On Monday, they asked the U.S. Supreme Court for an emergency injunction and for an order overturning the Virginia Supreme Court's decision to throw out redrawn congressional maps. We ask Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell where the last-ditch effort stands, what comes next, and why Democrats remain optimistic about the midterms.  Plus, we get the Virginia Democratic leader's thoughts on Governor Abigail Spanberger's veto of a collective bargaining bill. Homelessness is on the rise in the District, according to a new city report, with advocates blaming human services program cuts and the aggressive clearing of encampments. Some fear that further slashing proposed in this year's budget could lead to an even greater increase in homelessness. We ask Ward 3 D.C. Councilmember and chair of the Human Services Committee Matt Frumin what the council is doing to help city residents most at-risk. Plus, we talk with him about how his ward could decide the city's mayoral race and the deepening crisis in the Metropolitan Police Department. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    49 min

  4. May 8

    The Politics Hour: VA Supreme Court strikes down redistricting and Montgomery County's battle over tax hikes

    The Virginia Supreme Court blocked the voter-passed redistricting amendment on Friday, sending shockwaves through the Commonwealth and the nation. The ruling dramatically alters Democrats' plans to take back the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Virginia's 10th Congressional District, joins the show to give us his take on the ruling and what comes next for his party. Maryland's own redistricting push appeared to be dead, but could recent rulings revive it? We ask WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu what she's heard. Plus, the race to replace retiring Prince George's County Congressman Steny Hoyer is heating up. Nearly two dozen candidates are vying for the seat, including state legislators, county councilmembers, and former county executives. Jenny breaks down the huge field of candidates for us. A scandal has erupted in the Metropolitan Police Department over alleged crime data manipulation. Interim Police Chief Jeffrey Carroll has informed 13 MPD leaders that they are on administrative leave and are likely to be terminated for their alleged role in altering crime reports to classify them as lower-level offenses. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma gets behind the mic to break down what happened, the fallout, and its political implications. Montgomery County lawmakers are at odds over a proposed property tax hike to help fund schools. This week, the Montgomery County Council expressed its opposition to County Executive Marc Elrich's plan to raise property taxes by more than 6%. Instead, Council President Natali Fani-González is leading the charge for a progressive income tax as she explained recently on The Politics Hour. County Executive Elrich joins us to explain why he thinks the council's tax pitch is a "con job." Plus, we get Elrich's take on Councilmember (and candidate for County Executive) Evan Glass's proposal for a six-month moratorium on data center permitting. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  5. May 1

    The Politics Hour: A year later, how has drastic federal workforce cuts changed the region?

    A new report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments revealed that the D.C. area federal workforce is its lowest level in nearly 40 years. The Trump administration's 2025 cuts led to the loss of more than 60,000 federal jobs. Clark Mercer, who leads the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, joins the show to discuss what drastic job losses over the last year means for the region's economy, annual budgets, and social services. The D-C Council plans to vote yet again next week on an emergency measure to extend an enhanced youth curfew. But some councilmembers think there are better ways to stop so-called “teen takeovers.” Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker joins the show to give us his take on curfews and why he thinks there are other, better ways to deal with large gatherings of teens. Plus, we discuss the latest drama in the D.C. mayor's race and who he is endorsing in the city's biggest races. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  6. Apr 24

    The Politics Hour: Virginia voters approved redistricting. So, what's next?

    Virginia voters approved a temporary redrawing of Congressional maps that is expected to give Democrats a 10-to-1 advantage and help national Democrats retake control of the House . But legal challenges remain. U.S. Representative James Walkinshaw (D-VA), who represents a large portion of Fairfax County, joined the show to explain what redistricting means for his constituents, the midterms, and beyond. Proposed tax hikes are taking center stage in Montgomery County's budget negotiations. Many councilmembers are rejecting County Executive Marc Elrich's pitch to raise property taxes. Council President Natali Fani-González released a proposal late last week that instead calls for a progressive income tax structure. Fani-González joined the show to break down her vision and why she's backing off from a labor agreement with county employees. Plus, we asked her to weigh in on who she wants to be the next county executive. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  7. Apr 17

    The Politics Hour: The D.C. Council weighs in on the budget and the Maryland General Assembly wraps up

    The Maryland General Assembly wrapped its session this week, but not before a rowdy last few minutes. Lawmakers are touting major accomplishments such as the Utility RELIEF Act, a balanced budget, and a slew of anti-ICE bills. However, notable legislation was left on the Capitol floor, including election reforms and redistricting. State Senator Cheryl Kagan, who represents Montgomery County, got behind the mic to recap a busy session and what comes next. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser unveiled her proposed budget late last week. It includes significant cuts to childcare and paid leave programs. The budget now heads to the D.C. Council, with councilmembers looking to weigh in and approve it in June. At-Large Councilmember Doni Crawford joined the show to talk about the proposed cuts and what comes next. Plus, she gave us her thoughts on the Mayor extending youth curfew zones and the D.C. Delegate race turning nasty. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  8. Apr 10

    The Politics Hour: Prince George's County's anti-ICE bills and the Iran War's local impact

    Tension is testing the unsteady ceasefire in the Iran War. The D.C. region is feeling the impacts on public safety, gas prices, and the local Iranian community. U.S. Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), who sits on the House Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs, talked with Kojo and Tom about how the overseas conflict is affecting area residents. Plus, we get his take on Virginia's redistricting referendum heading into the midterms and his push for a national data center strategy. This week, the Prince George's County Council unanimously passed a series of emergency measures aimed at limiting ICE in the county. It comes as immigration enforcement expands nationwide. Council Vice Chair Eric Olson joined the show to discuss why he thinks the bills are needed and why they will stand up in court. Plus, we discussed a buyer for the former Six Flags property and the state budget's limits on how the county can spend park money. After a delay, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is getting ready to submit her budget to the Council. Many are expecting big cuts, particularly as city leaders argue over whether to include $180 million in additional tax revenue. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma called in live from the Mayor's budget presentation to give us the highlights. Plus, he explained why Trump's immigration policies are reshaping the Ward 1 race. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    50 min

  9. Apr 3

    The Politics Hour: Supreme Court's birthright citizenship case and why the D.C. budget is delayed

    The Supreme Court heard arguments this week about limiting birthright citizenship, with President Trump in attendance. It's a case with far-reaching implications nationally and across the D.C. region. U.S. Representative and constitutional lawyer Jamie Raskin (D-MD) joined the show to explain the case and why judges appear to be leaning in one direction. Plus, we asked Rep. Raskin about the war in Iran and the redistricting push in the Maryland House of Delegates. Rep. Raskin said he supports redrawing the state's congressional maps and has lobbied Senate President Bill Ferguson to take up the measure.  "I have felt that to the extent we've been thrust into this position by Trump and MAGA, then we've got to fight back with everything we've got," he said.  The D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser are once again at odds after the council overrode a mayoral veto of a bill requiring federal law enforcement oversight. The council also agreed to allow enhanced youth curfew rules to expire this month, over the mayor's objections. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson discussed the friction between the legislative and executive branches. He also discussed why he thinks D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee is at fault for the Mayor's delay in delivering the budget. CFO Lee serves as the city’s independent financial chief. It’s his job to manage and oversee the city’s budget, including ensuring it is fiscally sound. This week, though, both the mayor and lawmakers criticized Lee for taking too long to complete his review of the mayor’s 2027 budget proposal and for overstepping his role. "The CFO's role is to account the numbers and determine whether the budget is balanced," Mendelson said on The Politics Hour. "Not to make rulings with regard to policy." The mayor is now expected to formally submit the budget to the council by April 14, two weeks late. Chair Mendelson also discussed the ethics complaint against him for using his government office for campaign activity.  Finally, as a member of the National Capital Planning Commission, Chair Mendelson shared his thoughts on President Trump's White House ballroom project. The commission approved the project this week, but a federal judge ruled the plan requires congressional approval. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    49 min

  10. Mar 27

    The Politics Hour: Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay and 'Crossover Day' in Maryland

    After years of debate, the Virginia General Assembly finally gave the green light to controversial legislation allowing developers to build a casino in Tysons. Some local officials are vehemently against the proposal, including Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. He got behind the mic to explain his opposition and what could happen next. The Maryland General Assembly this week hit its midpoint, known as "Crossover Day," when bills must move to the other chamber or be shelved. Lawmakers are considering bills to lower utility costs, expand Medicaid to include obesity treatment, and ban cell phones in schools. House Majority Whip and Prince George's County delegate Ashanti Martinez joined us from Annapolis to explain what's next on the docket for lawmakers. Plus, we ask about the House's late push to revive redistricting efforts against Senate President Bill Ferguson's wishes. Send us questions and comments for guests: kojo@wamu.org Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/wamu885 Follow us on Bluesky: bsky.app/wamu.org

    40 min
  • 10 Episodes

4.8
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Join Kojo and resident analyst Tom Sherwood on Fridays at noon for our weekly review of the politics, policies and personalities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Each week Kojo and Tom help make sense of legislation, hold elected officials accountable and provide in-depth analysis of local issues and elections. The Politics Hour is also a vital forum for Washingtonians to engage directly with their local leaders.

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