The Washington Roundtable kicks off the 2026 election season by answering questions from listeners about the forces most likely to shape next year’s midterm elections. They discuss the ascendancy of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, bitter redistricting battles in the states, the high number of elected officials retiring, and much more. Plus, the hosts reflect on the legacy of former Vice-President Dick Cheney, who died on Monday.

This week’s reading:

“America Begins Clapping Back at Donald Trump,” by Susan B. Glasser
“California Strikes Back in the Redistricting War,” by Jon Allsop
“How Far Can Donald Trump Take Emergency Power?,” by Jeannie Suk Gersen
“A Next-Generation Victory for Democrats,” by Benjamin Wallace-Wells
“The N.Y.C. Mayoral Election, as Processed in Therapy,” by Tyler Foggatt
“What Zohran Mamdani’s Bid for Mayor Reveals About Being Muslim in America,” by Rozina Ali
“Voting Rights and Immigration Under Attack,” by Jelani Cobb

Tune in wherever you get your podcasts.

Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Washington Roundtable Answers Your Questions

The Political Scene | The New Yorker