Next Round

As lawmakers enter the final week of the 2026 legislative session, Tim and Matt are joined for Next Round's annual look at the end of session by Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut. They discuss all the hot end of session issues including wildfire liability, insurance, housing, pensions, AB 1776, and more.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra's long-overdue Sacramento press conference. They then explore what Becerra, GOP nominee Steve Hilton, and Attorney General Rob Bonta had to say at the Politico Sacramento Summit. Finally, they dive into new poll numbers on the governor's race and key ballot measures including the wealth tax.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the latest release of Gov. Gavin Newsom's calendar and explore the larger issue of public officials in California releasing their schedules. They also discuss Newsom's political roadshow to Michigan, the California Labor Federation endorsing the wealth tax, and California Forever making an end of session push to make it easier to push forward with their planned new city in Solano County.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the breaking news that Assembly Republicans have voted to oust Heath Flora as Leader, in favor of Alexandra Macedo. They also discuss California Democrats voting to endorse the wealth tax ballot measure, Gavin Newsom trumpeting the latest state minimum wage hike, and Steve Hilton challenging Xavier Becerra to six debates this fall.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the federal government halting some Medi-Cal payments to California due to fraud, Steve Hilton's campaign appealing to anti-Trump voters, and Xavier Becerra being criticized for discussing street vendors. Then, they discuss a proposal to reintroduce the grizzly bear population to California.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the passing and legacy of US Sen. Lindsey Graham. They then discuss AG Rob Bonta's lawsuit to try and block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and Gov. Newsom's challenge to fellow Democrats to do better fighting income inequality.

This week, Tim and Matt talk about how they celebrated America's 250th birthday. Then they discuss the hot news at the State Capitol including the (finally) enacted 2026-27 state budget, a last-minuted budget provision shifting more power over education into the Governor's office, Gov. Newsom coming out for a federal wealth tax, and a key former Newsom advisor wearing a wire on behalf of the FBI.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the frantic, last-minute negotiations going on at the Capitol to try and avert expensive ballot proposition fights this fall.  They also discuss ideas to reform California's electoral system in light of the June primary, and what can be done to speed up California's notoriously slow vote counting process.

On this week's Next Round, Tim and Matt discuss Gavin Newsom's bombshell announcement that he and the First Partner are being investigated by the Feds, lawmakers passing a state budget that isn't final so they can keep getting paid, and the America 250 "cage match" on the White House lawn.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the seemingly endless California election count and the statewide races that are finally coming into focus.  Plus, they discuss the race for Los Angeles mayor and whether Spencer Pratt was cheated out of a spot in the November election.

Without about half the votes in statewide, Tim and Matt go through the early returns from the California primary.  They discuss the prospect of a Hilton-Becerra general election, and why Tom Steyer, Katie Porter and Matt Mahan didn't fare better.  They also analyze the Los Angeles mayor's race that is drawing national attention, and breakdown some of the state's hottest Congressional races.

This week, Tim previews next week's California primary election.  He takes a deep dive on the governor's race and explores whether Xavier Becerra has unstoppable momentum to making the November election, and whether two Democrats may shut out the Republican contenders for the fall campaign.  He also discusses the wild race for Los Angeles mayor, and analyzes some of the races that you may not be following but are nonetheless critically important like the election for the next state insurance commissioner.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the latest news in the governor's race - including a very embarrassing interview by nominal front runner Xavier Becerra, and Katie Porter supporters charging their candidate is receiving sexist treatment over the coverage of her "likeability".  They also talk about the big Los Angeles mayoral debate, and preview Gov. Gavin Newsom's May Revise budget plan being released later this week.  

Tim and Matt analyze the latest developments in the race for California Governor in a big week in the campaign, with two big debates on the docket and ballots dropping in mailboxes across the state.  They also talk about the LA Mayor's race and whether reality TV villain Spencer Pratt really poses a threat to Mayor Karen Bass' re-election.  They also analyze one of the most important races you're probably not paying attention to - the race for state Insurance Commissioner.

This week, Matt and Tim discuss the attempted assassination of President Trump and Trump administration officials at the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, DC and the irresponsible reactions by many political figures to the incident. They also talk about this week's second California gubernatorial debate and do a deep dive on Tony Thurmond and Antonio Villaraigosa, who joined the debate stage for the first time.  

This week, Tim and Matt break down the first California gubernatorial debate.  They share their thoughts on who the biggest winners and losers were and break down the performances of each of the candidates.  They also discuss how the candidates fared answering questions about California's high cost of living and explore whether the debate changed the trajectory of the race in any way.  Plus, they share their thoughts on the departure of former state controller Betty Yee from the governor's race.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the sudden departure from the governor's race of disgraced and now former Congressman Eric Swalwell following sexual assault allegations.  They discuss why incidents of bad behavior and other rumors that are common knowledge in political and government circles often don't get media coverage.  They analyze the impact of his departure on the race, and also the impact of the vote by California Republican Party delegates not to endorse a gubernatorial candidate.

Illinois Policy head of policy and communications expert Josh Bandoch joins us this week to discuss his new book How to Get What You Want.  Tim and Matt discuss the communications challenges facing national and state leaders in some of our recent crisis such as the conflict in Iran and explore how conservatives can frame the policy debate to win in blue states.  They also discuss the importance of free marketeers leaning into the debate over how to alleviate poverty and how communicating well can show that big government policies pushed in states like California and Illinois are the direct cause of the cost of living challenges faced by poor and working class Americans.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the legislative and communications strategies surrounding the ongoing TSA funding dispute causing airport chaos, and the latest happenings in the California's governor race - including whether Republican candidates might finish first or second in the Top Two primary.  Plus, they discuss rising gas prices triggered by the ongoing Iran conflict, and why legislative leaders are keeping secret details about how much the State Capitol rebuild is costing taxpayers.

From PRI's 2026 California Ideas in Action Conference, hear Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut moderate a panel with some of the state's top policy insiders and elected officials exploring the ongoing challenges facing Californias insurance industry, which were exacerbated by last year's Southern California wildfires.

This week, we present another special episode in a series featuring highlights from PRI's recent California Ideas in Action conference. Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut sits down with new U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Sacramento, Eric Grant. They discuss ongoing legal battles between the federal government and the state of California, crime, the Trump administration's legal priorities, and other issues. 

From PRI's 2026 California Ideas in Action Conference, hear some of California's top journalists and opinion writers discuss the state of the California governor's race, and legacy of Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration.  Moderated by attorney, political analyst and former reporter Melissa Caen, panelists include Marisa Lagos of KQED Radio, Politico's Lindsey Holden and Southern California News Group opinion editor Sal Rodriguez.

PRI senior fellow in business and economics Wayne Winegarden joins us this week to explore what the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Trump tariffs means for consumers, farmers, businesses and the economy.

In this special episode of Next Round, we present a recent talk from author, Manhattan Institute senior fellow and Wall Street Journal opinion columnist Jason Riley - delivered at a February PRI event in Pasadena.  He talked about his latest book, The Affirmative Action Myth, and the ongoing debate over affirmative action in California and nationally.

This week, Tim and Matt talk about California's turn in the national spotlight hosting Super Bowl 60, including the controversy over the halftime entertainment and the huge California tax bill winning quarterback Sam Darnold faces. They also talk about the latest developments in the governor's race, the debate over the mileage tax at the State Capitol and California losing another billionaire due to the proposed wealth tax.

This week, we present a special recording of PRI's recent America 250 kickoff event in Los Angeles featuring a discussion of conservatism past, present, and future as we mark the semiquincentennial of the United States.  Offering perspective are Claremont Review of Books editor Charles Kesler, Matt Continetti of the American Enterprise Institute, and PRI senior fellow and visiting professor at Pepperdine University's School of Public Policy, Steven Hayward.

This week, Tim and Matt discuss the communications and strategic response to the ICE operation in Minnesota, Gov. Newsom's trip to Davos to troll President Trump, and the latest estimate showing that California could lose 4 more Congressional seats in the 2030 reapportionment.  

This week, PRI's team of policy experts - Wayne Winegarden, Steve Smith, and Lance Izumi - join Tim to analyze Gov. Newsom's budget priorities and explore whether his final state budget plan is sustainable or if it sets the state on a perilous fiscal course.  They also discuss whether Newsom is setting up his successor for significant budget problems when they take office next year.

This week, we present a special Free Cities Center interview with Rick Caruso - founder and executive chairman of Caruso, longtime Los Angeles civic and philanthropic leader and former mayoral candidate. Mr. Caruso discusses LA's rebuilding efforts one year after the wildfires.  He also shares his thoughts on policy and politician-created impediments to swift rebuilding, and what city, state, and federal leaders can do to get those affected back into their communities more quickly.  Plus Tim shares his remembrances of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who tragically passed away this week. 

With the holiday season upon us, it's time for our annual PRI All Stars Year End Awards.  Listen as Tim Anaya, Rowena Itchon, Lance Izumi, Kerry Jackson and Matt Fleming share their picks for the year's biggest winners and losers in California politics and policy, and even offer a few predictions for 2025.

Nationally known investment expert, economist, Chapman University professor and author of more than 25 books Mark Skousen joins us to discuss his latest book, The Greatest American, on his distant relative, Benjamin Franklin.  We talk about Franklin's legacy in science, business, economics, politics, and diplomacy, and ponder what Franklin would think about politicians like Zohran Mandami.  He also gives a preview of next year's FreedomFest, the world's largest gathering of free minds.

Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho joins us this week to discuss his terrific new book chronicling his role prosecuting the elusive Golden State Killer.  We talk about how his upbringing fleeing Communism in Vietnam fuels his passion for seeking justice for crime victims, the many challenges in prosecuting Joseph DeAngelo, and why it was so important for him to focus the book on the victims and loved ones left behind, rather than sensationalizing the killer.

This week, PRI President, CEO and Thomas W. Smith Fellow in Health Care Policy Sally Pipes is back to discuss the debate over extending the expanded Obamacare subsidies that was at the heart of the recent government shutdown.  She also discusses the market-based reforms that conservatives in Congress should be pursuing to provide affordable health care choices for all Americans.

With holiday meal planning in full swing, PRI fellow in agriculture policy Pam Lewison - a farmer in Eastern Washington and also fellow at PRI's sister think tank, the Washington Policy Center - joins us to discuss just how much our holiday meals will cost this year.  She and Tim discuss the impact of the Trump tariffs on farmers and how the administration's plans to import Argentine beef will impact US cattle ranchers.

Now that the dust has settled, the PRI All Stars are back with their analysis of the 2025 election.  Tim Anaya and Matt Fleming take an in-depth look at the passage of Prop. 50, how its victory will impact the 2026 congressional campaigns in California, and whether Gavin Newsom will get a big national boost.  They also talk about the national election results, the retirement announcement by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the surprising news that Sen. Alex Padilla will not run for governor.

This week, Tim Anaya and Matt Fleming preview the 2025 election, starting with a deep dive on Prop. 50, where we are just a few days before the election, and how the outcome will impact California policy and Gavin Newsom's political future.  Plus, they discuss the wild campaign for Mayor of New York City and look ahead with an early preview of the 2026 California governor's race.

This week, Dr. Wayne Winegarden, director of PRI's Center for Medical Economics and Innovation, joins us to discuss his new brief exploring how forthcoming restrictions in a state program serving dual-eligible Medicare and Medi-Cal enrollees will hurt patients.  He discusses how the movement in government both in California and nationally limiting choice will limit access to care, increase costs to taxpayers and worsen health outcomes.

This week, we present a special episode featuring highlights from PRI's 2025 Sir Antony Fisher Dinner, which was held last month in San Mateo.  Noted author, historian and commentator Victor Davis Hanson shares his thoughts on the assassination of Charlie Kirk and how the conservative movement should respond to this tragic loss.  Next, Professor Charles Kesler, editor of the Claremont Review of Books, responds to Hanson's comments.  Then, 2025 Taube Family Freedom Prize winner Professor Richard Epstein shares his thoughts on the Trump Administration's battles with university administrators over campus free speech.

This week, Naomi Riley - American Enterprise Institute senior fellow - joins us to discuss her latest work on child welfare issues.  It is a project called Lives Cut Short (www.livescutshort.org), which is an online database that looks at how states are underreporting incidents of children who have died of abuse and neglect.  She talks about the project, how state policies are contributing to this problem, what reforms lawmakers should be considering to prevent these tragedies going forward, and also offers ideas for listeners who want to get involved in this issue and make a difference. 

Our special guest this week is outgoing Assembly Republican Leader - and the very first guest on Next Round podcast - James Gallagher.  He looks back on his time as GOP leader, reflecting on his biggest accomplishments, what surprised him the most during his leadership, his partisan battles with Speaker Rivas and Gov. Newsom, and what the biggest piece of unfinished business he has on his legislative to-do list.

This week, we present our annual end of session look back at the just-concluded legislative session.  Steven Greenhut, Matt Fleming and Tim Anaya share their thoughts on the hot issues debated in the final weeks of the legislative session, including the cap-and-trade deal, high-speed rail funding, charter school legislation, housing policy and more.  Plus, they remember the late Sen. John Burton and weigh in on Gov. Newsom's State of the State "address."

From FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, Tim talks with Kerry McDonald, senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education and State Policy Network education fellow about her new book Joyful Learning, which explores new, low-cost K–12 learning models that favor individualized, learner-centered education.  They also talk about the Trump administration's proposals to downsize the U.S. Department of Education and the latest in efforts to promote school choice across the country.

We wrap up our series of podcasts on the hot issues being debated in the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session with a conversation with Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin.  They discuss the Gavin Newsom redistricting proposal, the bills that aren't getting the attention they should be at the end of session, and his efforts to ban non-disclosure agreements in the legislative process.

Continuing our series of podcasts on hot issues being debated during the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session, longtime political strategist, redistricting consultant, and former elected official Matt Rexroad joins us to break down Gov. Gavin Newsom's redistricting scheme and what it will mean for fair elections in California.  They also discuss his new job as a deputy district attorney in Colusa County, and an issue that is very personal to him - reforming California's foster care system.

This week, we start a series of podcasts featuring conversations on some of the hottest issues being debated at the State Capitol in the final weeks of the 2025 legislative session. We're pleased to be joined by Western States Petroleum Association president and CEO Catherine Reheis-Boyd, one of the most important legislative advocates in Sacramento.  PRI senior fellow in business and economics Dr. Wayne Winegarden talks about efforts to keep fuel affordable and available in California in the face of costly and unworkable state government green mandates.

Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut joins us to discuss his latest booklet focusing on the lessons learned from January's destructive Southern California wildfires.  They talk about policy-created problems on brush clearing, water, and land use policy that created a perfect storm and made fighting the fires more difficult, and what reforms policymakers should be considering now to prevent severe future wildfires from destroying the state.

Center Square California reporter and Free Cities Center contributor Kenneth Schrupp joins us to discuss his recent reporting on policy mistakes that made preventing and fighting the recent Southern California wildfires worse.  He also discusses what he's learned about controversial legislation to "reimagine" the Palisades as it is rebuilt.  He also shares insights in his reporting on high speed rail, homelessness, and the aftermath of the LA ICE riots.

Listen as Free Cities Center director Steven Greenhut sits down for a wide-ranging discussion with legendary San Francisco Mayor and former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown.  In this candid interview, they discuss the challenges facing the West Coast's urban centers including crime, housing, homelessness, education, and transportation.  Brown also offers his views on some of the state's most controversial topics such as high-speed rail and redevelopment.

This week, our special guest is Assemblyman Josh Hoover, R-Folsom, who is serving in his second term and also is vice chair of the Assembly Education Committee.  We discuss key issues being debated at the State Capitol these days including the state budget, efforts to crack down on homelessness, and legislation that would further hinder charter schools.  We also discuss his efforts to increase oversight over state programs and spending, and his successful efforts to crack down on student cell phone use in the classroom.

This week on Next Round, we welcome back PRI senior fellow in business and economics Dr. Wayne Winegarden to talk about the big economic topics in the news recently - the passage by Congress of the reconciliation bill, the Trump administration's latest global tariff proposals, the federal budget recissions bill being debated in Congress, and the recently-enacted California State Budget.  Wayne gives his analysis on these issues and shares his thoughts on how fiscal conservatives should view the so-called "One Big Beautiful Bill."