The Horse Race

This week on The Horse Race is the last week on The Horse Race. That's right folks, its the final episode! We've crunched the numbers: 400 episodes published, 3 million trivia points doled, 75 titles and accolades awarded, and one "giddyup" from Jenn. Jenn and Steve leave you all this week with a look forward, a discussion about the democratic wave sweeping the country and what's next for #mapoli. If you are feeling as nostalgic as we are, below are a few of our favorite past episodes and shenanigans. Thanks all for all for listening. And with that, it's off to the glue factory. .Official Mass Polka Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fA_TUGqLbY.Lisa's Last Rodeohttps://pod.link/1287252103/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTgzOTIyNzk0MA .Make Way for Dunkin'https://pod.link/1287252103/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTgwNzg3MDk1MA . The Horse Race State Song Sing-alonghttps://pod.link/1287252103/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTMwNDY3NjcyNA.A Trot Down Memory Lanehttps://pod.link/1287252103/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvMTA0NzgxMzk3MA.The Horse Race LIVE at the Races Part 1: Shannon Firehttps://pod.link/1287252103/episode/dGFnOnNvdW5kY2xvdWQsMjAxMDp0cmFja3MvNjM1Nzc5MTQz

Do we need humans to gather public opinion anymore? This week, Steve and Jenn are joined by Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group, to stare into the abyss of "silicon sampling" and what it means for polling. How is it done? How accurate is it? Should you have to disclose the fact that your public opinion research did not include... the public? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/06/opinion/ai-polling.html https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/political-analysis/article/out-of-one-many-using-language-models-to-simulate-human-samples/035D7C8A55B237942FB6DBAD7CAA4E4

For the first time in history, a sitting president attended a supreme court hearing. Trump refused to pick up a 48-ounce bucket of iced coffee for Justice Kavanaugh, even though Dunkin' was "on the way." Steve and Jenn discuss the historic hearing and surprising polling trends on birthright citizenship. Then, Jenn debriefs from a joint committee hearing on the racial equity, civil rights, and inclusion..2018 Press release Seed MA Baby .Learn more about Benchmark Strategies .The MassINC Polling Group [email protected]

Last week, a hangry joint committee heard from proponents of two proposed ballot measures aimed at lowering housing costs. This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve chat about a pattern of flabbergastedness from some legislators at the hearings as they try to reconcile the various approaches to reigning in housing costs. Somebody Uber Eats a Dunkin' "I Dough" box to Beacon Hill, quick!Previous episode with background on ballot measures: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-balloting-act/id1287252103?i=1000754830264

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve discuss polling on the war in Iran, gas prices, and Trump's economy. Then, a twist in the ballot question saga: the Mass. Senate evokes their constitutional right to "Phone a Friend" at the SJC. And finally, the final boss of beverages, the Ranch Dressing Milkshake.

What happens when a proposed ballot measure receives legal challenges? This week on The Horse Race, Chris Lisinski puts down his Espresso Protein-i to join Jenn and Steve for an update on the ballot measure parade and the legal challenges they are facing.

In this archive episode, Jenn and Steve are joined by Paul Watanabe, professor of political science and director of the Institute for Asian American Studies at the UMass-Boston, to discuss a groundbreaking poll from Mass Inc. Polling Group entitled "No Longer Invisible." This poll focussed on issues facing Asian & Pacific Islander American residents of Massachusetts, the fastest growing group in the Commonwealth. Originally aired: 06/05/2025 as "Episode 352: Elections, and Polling, and Donuts! Oh My! (ft. Dr Watanabe)"

The annual State of the Union speech gives pollsters a chance to see how the president is doing. Lots of data comes out around this time telling us how Americans are feeling about the President, the country, and one another. This week on The Horse Race, Steve is joined by Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group to nerd out about all the stats and trends that this remarkable State of the Union revealed.

Can congress to do... anything? This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela is joined by Congressman Jim McGovern to discuss whats fundamentally wrong with congress and what can be done to fix it. Hosts: Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling Group Guests: Congressman Jim McGovern Rich Parr, Vice President of the MassINC Polling Group Further Reading: House Rejects McGovern’s Bipartisan War Powers Resolution, Shamefully Surrendering More Power to the White HouseMcGovern Announces Statewide End Hunger Now Tour, Slams Trump’s Big Ugly Bill for Making Hunger WorseBoston Mayor Wu sending Seattle kids to expensive World Cup after Patriots’ Super Bowl lossFoxborough stalls FIFA World Cup entertainment license over $7.8M security bill

Over a year ago, 72% of Massachusetts voters affirmed the Mass. state Auditor’s authority to audit the legislature. This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve are joined by Mass. Auditor DiZoglio to talk about her ongoing efforts, including a lawsuit and a ballot measure, to force compliance from the legislature. Next, Steve discusses a new poll conducted by the MassINC Polling Group and The Boston Globe on the devastating effects of NIH grant funding cuts. And finally, our beloved hosts ride into the Seaport sunset atop Mr. Potato Head. Guests: Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts state Auditor Hosts: Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling Group Jennifer Smith, senior reporter for CommonWealth Beacon Further Reading: Explore the full results of the MassINC Polling Group/Boston Globe survey of NIH grant recipients Rhode Island May Retire Its Mr. Potato Head License Plates as Hasbro Heads to Boston

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve are joined by Sarah Betancourt, immigration reporter for GBH news. She sheds light on recent moves by the Trump administration to end "Temporary Protected Status" for Haitians in the United States. Massachusetts has one of the largest Haitian immigrant populations in the country, so what options are Beacon Hill considering? How are federal judges responding? And how is this likely to affect Haitians in Massachusetts?Hosts:Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, senior reporter for CommonWealth Beacon Guest: Sarah Betancourt, immigration reporter for GBH news Links:Thousands of Mass. Haitians face end of temporary protected status in FebruaryHaitian immigrants can retain protected status for now, federal judge rulesMassachusetts City Trades the Weather Predicting Groundhog for a Flamingo

This week on the Horse Race, Jenn and Steve discuss what states like Massachusetts can do and are doing to push back against federal ICE actions. Then, a new poll! How do parents of K-12 children feel about AI. And if you are sick of shoveling, try riding a unicycle... Hosts: Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, reporter for CommonWealth BeaconFurther Reading: What Mass. can and can’t do about ICE Parents Divided as AI Rapidly Reshapes Massachusetts Classrooms

Our Delegation Conversations series begins with U.S. Rep Seth Moulton of Massachusetts’s 6th District. Jenn and Steve sit down with him to discuss Venezuela and Greenland, ICE in Minneapolis, Congressional age caps, his challenge to U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, and more.Guests:Congressman Seth MoultonHosts:Steve Koczela, President of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, reporter for CommonWealth BeaconFurther Reading:Moulton Introduces Healthcare Reinvestment Act to Redirect ICE Funding to Protect Affordable Healthcare⁠ Moulton Celebrates Two Successful Years of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠ ⁠Parents Divided as AI Rapidly Reshapes Massachusetts Classrooms⁠

How do Americans feel ICE is handling the situation in Minneapolis? Should the United States try to take over Greenland? This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn look at the polling on controversies at home and abroad. Then, they discuss a surprising story from CommonWealth Beacon on the legal designation of a "Gateway City" and why some cities who are receiving targeted funds might not meet the standard. Finally, our colleague and friend Chris Lisinski joins the pod for some puppy content.Hosts:⁠Steve Koczela⁠, President of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, reporter for CommonWealth BeaconFurther Reading:⁠FBI executes search warrant at Washington Post reporter's home⁠More Americans view the ICE shooting in Minnesota as unjustified than say it is justifiedVery few Americans want the U.S. to seize Greenland or pay its residents to secedeNo way in and no way out: Beacon Hill hasn’t kept track of which communities qualify for Gateway City statusReddit: The Somerville PD has a new puppyCredits:Theme Music & Production by Charlie Koczela

What plans are in place to tackle the housing crisis, the health care crisis, and a budgetary crisis brought on by Trump's so-called One Big Beautiful Bill? This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve are joined by their friend and colleague, CommonWealth Beacon reporter Chris Lisinski, to review the State Legislature's agenda for the year ahead. Hosts: ⁠Steve Koczela⁠, President of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, reporter for CommonWealth Beacon Guests: Chris Lisinski, reporter for CommonWealth Beacon Further Reading: In sudden twist, Liz Breadon clinches Boston City Council presidency, GBH News What to expect when you're expecting (legislative action), CommonWealth Beacon Somerville has a new cat mayor: Meet Minerva, Boston. com Credits: Audio of City Council proceedings provided by Boston City Council Television Theme Music & Production by Charlie Koczela

(3 mins) From all of us at The Horse Race, Happy New Year!

Well folks, it's the last pod of 2025. What do journalists make of this wild year? From Trump's inauguration to Wu's re-election, from grant funding cuts to transparency rules, its truly Beacon Hill versus everyone and everything. Steve and Jenn are joined by both Sam Dysdale of Statehouse News Service, and Katie Lannan of GBH News, for an end-of-year chat. But you'll be shocked at their lack of turnip knowledge...Hosts: Steve Koczela, president of the MassINC Polling GroupJennifer Smith, reporter for CommonWealth BeaconGuests:Katie Lannan, reporter for GBH NewsSam Drysdale, reporter for State House News [email protected]://www.massincpolling.com/horse-race

In November, Senator Crighton made headlines for suggesting that 'congestion pricing' could help the MBTA's impending financial troubles. This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve sit down with Crighton, who co-chairs the Legislature’s transportation committee, to discuss the ways out of the "stable crisis" that is Mass. transportation (horse puns always intended).

This week on The Horse Race, Rep. Ayanna Presley is officially not joining the horse race for Senate. Then, Jenn and Steve are joined by ⁠Sam Drysdale⁠, reporter with the State House News Service, to zoom in on Healey's newly announced guidelines for high school graduation - kids may face new tests, new requirements, but "lower stakes." And finally, is Massachusetts the most Christmassy state?Jenn's NYT Rec: Cheesy Hassle Back Potato Gratin Sam Drysdale, High school graduation standards evolving at local, state levels Preply's Christmas Spirit IndexTrivia Q: "Why did the Massachusetts Bay Colony once ban Christmas celebrations?"Submissions: [email protected]

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve discuss the upcoming ballot questions on rent control. Then they look at new polling which suggests that Trump's grip on congressional republicans may be loosening. And finally, the Michelin Man rolls into Boston's finest eateries."They're Making a Huge Bet": Rent Control Referendum Splits Progressives CommonWealth Beacon

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn sit down face-to-face, #reunited. The centrist dems negotiated a deal to end the government shutdown. Steve discusses Trump's abysmal approval numbers. Jenn does not NOT talk about judicial forum shopping, and there is zero discussion about "Donkey's of Exceptional Cuteness" in this episode...

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve are joined by Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group for an in depth discussion about the elections on Tuesday. Dems had a big night, winning seats across the country. What does this spell for Trump 2.0? What trends do the voting stats reveal? https://boltsmag.org/ https://www.umass.edu/political-science/about/reports/2025-12#toc-toplines-and-crosstabs https://www.umass.edu/news/article/kennealy-holds-early-lead-2026-bay-state-gop-gubernatorial-primary-nod-according-new https://commonwealthbeacon.org/newsletter/competitive-mayoral-races-abound-just-not-in-boston/

This week on The (headless) Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk about a new SSRS exit poll that will be featured in upcoming elections. Then, in this weeks "mayoral roundup," several key races feature uncharacteristically shaky incumbents. And finally, the Halloween candy polling data you've all been craving.

This week on The Horse Race, before Steve zooms into the distance on a Kenyan motorbike with the crown jewels of France, he chats with Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group, about approval ratings for governor Maura Healey, polling on the “No Kings” protests, and opinions on the new ballroom construction.

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn is joined by Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group. Shortly before taping, Rep. Seth Moulton joined the race for Senate against Ed Markey. Then Jenn and Rich talk about the issues with political violence polling and how those issues can skew the data in favor of violence. And finally, Trump's thoughts on the World Cup in Foxborough. G. Elliott Morris's post on political violence polling referenced here: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/most-polls-overstate-support-for

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn look at polling on Ed Markey's 2026 reelection prospects. Then Jenn is joined by Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group, to discuss recent polling on Massachusetts' competitiveness and Boston housing. And finally, vital polling from none other than the Hi-Chew candy company on which state is most excited for spooky season.

Today on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk AI's new role in local political reporting. Then Chris Lisinski, reporter for Commonwealth Beacon, joins the program to discuss his latest reporting on the effects of budgetary uncertainty on healthcare for residents of Mass. And finally, dial-up internet is now, officially, a thing of the past.

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn is dispatched to New Haven to attend the "Yes, In My Back Yard" or "YIMBYtown" conference where Massachusetts pro-housing folks angst over the MBTA Communities law. Then Steve and Jenn dig into a sweeping new MPG poll on Bay State health care -- is this as good as people expect it to get? And finally, who is not NOT running?

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss the results of the Boston Mayoral preliminary election -- by all accounts a blowout for Michelle Wu setting up a tough road to November for Josh Kraft. Plus, all politics is national, and we have some national approval polls to pick through. And last but not least, we can FINALLY stop paying taxes on all the money you've given us, dear listeners.

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk with Politico's Kelly Garrity about the Trump administration's recent threats to ramp up ICE presence in Boston. Trump has also threatened to send National Guard agents to support ICE enforcement, echoing similar moves in LA and DC. On a lighter note, we are down to three choices for a new Massachusetts state flag.

This week on The Horse Race Jenn and Steve talk discuss how automatic voter registration is making Democrats’ woes look worse than they are. And, of course, all the new Mass. flag submissions. "The Democratic Party Faces a Voter Registration Crisis" by Shane Goldmacher With Jonah Smith www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/us/politics/democratic-party-voter-registration-crisis.html "Massachusetts political parties are fading away" by Steve Koczela www.commonwealthbeacon.org/by-the-numbers/massachusetts-political-parties-are-withering-away/

This week on The Horse Race, Steve sits down with Rich Parr VP of the MassINC Polling Group to talk about a new poll they conducted for MassDOT. This highly detailed report, entitled "People and Transportation Project Report," shows how transportation can burden low income residents of Massachusetts. https://www.mass.gov/the-people-and-transportation-project

Last week was the deadline to file ballot questions for November 2026 and over 40 ballot questions made it through. These are questions that ultimately could become law covering a wide range of topics from MBTA zoning to rent control, from marijuana "re-illegalization" to voter ID requirements. This week on The Horse Race, Steve is joined by Mike Deehan, reporter for Axios, to discuss how these ballot questions will effect Mass residents. and why filing ballot questions is becoming an increasingly used tactic of political activists and special interests to force issues in Mass., the lowest ranked state for legislative productivity.

This week on The Horse Race Jenn asks Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group, a very simple question: 'are the dems doomed?' With a surprising glint of optimism, Parr breaks down the latest polling on this question to give us a sense of how the democratic party is likely to fair in the upcoming elections.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve sits down with Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group to discuss new polling on the mayoral election. Then Steve is joined by Katie Lannan of GBH News to tell the story of how uncertain federal dollars could spell disaster for the recently passed state budget. And most importantly of all, the heated election for the Feline-Mayor of the Somerville bike path. Guests: Rich Parr, Vice President of The MassINC Polling Group Katie Lennan, Reporter for GBH News Hosts: Steve Koczela, President of The MassINC Polling Group

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by CommonWealth Beacon reporter Bhaamati Borkhetaria to talk about the fight to regulate nicotine use in the Commonwealth. In recent years, various Massachusetts municipalities have implemented so-called "generational nicotine bans." On Monday, Borkhetaria attended a hearing where law makers discussed whether these regulations should be statewide or would that just be nannying a population which loves its "legal vices." "An Act to create a nicotine free generation:" https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/HD2372 Borkhetaria's article in CommonWealth Beacon: https://commonwealthbeacon.org/government/state-government/mass-lawmakers-weigh-a-statewide-age-based-nicotine-ban/ Articles on Mass. State Sedimentary Structure: https://www.nepm.org/regional-news/2022-09-29/massachusetts-official-sedimentary-structure-geologist-wants-state-to-recognize-armored-mud-balls https://www.wbur.org/news/2025/07/14/official-massachusetts-state-symbols-bill-newsletter

After years of delayed budgets, the Massachusetts state budget came ever so close to passing on time this year. This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by Chris Lisinski of Statehouse News Service to look at how we got here, and why this year was different.

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve discuss the flurry of news from the Middle East this weekend. Then they discuss various polls which reveal how Americans are feeling about Trump's unannounced bombing of Iran. And finally, on a lighter note, some very dedicated young citizens are pushing our state to protect a certain Salamander.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jenn Smith are joined by CommonWealth reporter Gin Dumcius. The race for Governor is beginning and candidates such as Maura Healey and Mike Keneally and are on the trail. Then Gin breaks down Monday's meeting between politicians from Canada and Northeastern States. And finally... Dunkin' Donuts Lip Gloss... why.

What could the situation in LA mean for Massachusetts? This week on The Horse Race, Jenn Smith is joined by Steve Koczela to discuss recent New England polling which reveals growing political pessimism... and its not only directed at Republicans.

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn Smith is joined by Steve Koczela for an early update on key Massachusetts elections, who is running... and who is definitely not running. Then, Jenn and Steve are joined by Paul Watanabe, professor of political science and director of the Institute for Asian American Studies at the UMass-Boston, to discuss a groundbreaking new poll from Mass Inc. Polling Group entitled "No Longer Invisible" [Link Below]. This poll focussed on issues facing Asian & Pacific Islander American residents of Massachusetts, the fastest growing group in the Commonwealth. And finally, tomorrow is donut day... but the feminist history may surprise you. https://aapicommission.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/No-Longer-Invisible-6-2-25-rev2.pdf

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss how the latest federal proposals will effect education throughout Massachusetts from Harvard to community colleges. Plus, did you know that horse racing is subsidized in Massachusetts?

This week on The Horse Race, Steve talks to MassINC Polling Group VP Rich Parr about his trip to the annual conference of the American Association of Public Opinion Researchers (AAPOR), which featured extensive discussions of AI tech in polling, postmortems on the 2024 election cycle, and public perceptions of the polls.

This week, it's a double housing policy polling special from the MassINC Polling Group. Jenn interviews Jesse Kanson-Benanav of Abundant Housing Massachusetts about a new poll MPG conducted for them, finding that majorities of Massachusetts voters support most policies to build more housing. Then, Steve and Jenn talk to Olivia Wine of MPG about a recent report on the experiences of tenants and landlords in the Massachusetts state housing voucher program (MRVP). For the Abundant Housing poll: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/new-poll-voters-across-massachusetts-support-building-more-housing-in-their-own-neighborhoodsnbsp For the MRVP report: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/tenants-and-landlords-both-give-massachusetts-rental-voucher-program-good-marks-but-administrative-hurdles-pose-a-challenge For video of the MRVP report release event: https://www.tbf.org/news-and-insights/videos/2025/may/voices-of-experience-recap

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss a MassINC Polling Group survey that asked nonprofit workers and leaders what impacts they expect the Trump administration to have on their organizations and the communities they serve. Plus, a look at competing internal polls from gubernatorial candidates. MPG conducted the nonprofit survey for the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and the Boston Foundation, which also hosted an event on May 5 for nonprofit leaders to hear and discuss the results. For the full results, as well as a video recording of the event, visit this link: https://www.massincpolling.com/our-work/40ls2wra074r1sola48s94ojwt0lm2

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn go international, looking at the polling both around the Canadian federal election and around the first hundred days of the second Donald Trump administration. Plus, horse *and* Dunkin content.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss the latest polling on the Trump administration's actions, especially divides that show up in different ways of asking about the same issue. Then, GBH reporter Katie Lannan joins to break down Beacon Hill's response to federal uncertainty, scandal at the statehouse, and the upcoming budget season.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by John Gee of The MassINC Polling Group to discuss new MPG polling on how Massachusetts voters are feeling about national politics right now. Then, Jenn tells us about her reporting on the intertwined climate and housing crisis on the Cape and Islands, part of CommonWealth Beacon's Climate Month.

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn are joined by Rich Parr to discuss new polling on transportation in Massachusetts from The MassINC Polling Group, and Jenn explains how federal funding cuts are affecting fair housing organizations. Stick to the end for our co-hosts' perspectives on "the group chat situation."

This week on The Horse Race, Steve talks to Democratic strategists Alex Goldstein and Kristen Halbert about the party's response to the current political moment, what elected officials are doing, and what they should be doing. Plus, Jenn introduces Steve to the foodstuff known as an "Irish Potato."