The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

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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Episodes 100

The Politics Hour: Maryland redistricting in limbo and reactions to accusations of ICE agent brutality
2d ago · 48:58
The Politics Hour is back from summer break with another big show! A judge's ruling this week put the Maryland Democrat-backed redistricting plan in limbo. WAMU's Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu explains the court's decision and what comes next. Local officials are sharing their concerns about the surge in federal immigration enforcement operations across the region. In Northern Virginia, elected leaders and residents are accusing ICE agents of using particularly brutal tactics. This includes an incident in Arlington where a man suffered a brain hemorrhage. Arlington County Board Vice Chair Maur
The Politics Hour: MD redistricting, VA primaries, and one year since Trump's MPD takeover
22d ago · 50:28
All eyes are now on November's midterm elections, after this week's Virginia primaries turned out to be a "big snoozer." Could the Commonwealth be the difference in which party controls the U.S. House of Representatives? We ask Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. Plus, Sen. Surovell explains why he agrees with President Trump's plan to overhaul Dulles Airport and whether he shares Governor Abigail Spanberger's skepticism about a potential Dominion-NextEra merger. Maryland lawmakers greenlit a redistricting referendum this week that now heads to voters in November for approval. The
The Politics Hour: Montgomery County pauses data centers and D.C.’s likely new councilmember Oye Owolewa
29d ago · 50:29
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this week she will not sign the Council-approved budget, saying it sets up a nearly $900 million fiscal cliff for the city’s next mayor. It’s a move that some believe will invite Congress to intrude again in District affairs. D.C.’s Shadow Representative Oye Owolewa gets behind the mic to share what kind of message he thinks it sends. Owolewa also talks about his recent Democratic primary win in the D.C. Council At-Large race and his big plans if voters decide to give him the keys to the Wilson Building come November. The Montgomery County Council this week u
The Politics Hour: House Republicans take aim at D.C. taxes and the Smithsonian
1mo ago · 50:29
House Republicans are pushing a bill aimed at restricting D.C.'s ability to decrease or increase local taxes. D.C. lawmakers are calling it an egregious attack on Home Rule. Council Chair Phil Mendelson joins the show to discuss why not allowing the District to change the tax code could "paralyze" the city. Plus, Kojo and Tom ask him his thoughts on driverless vehicles, potential renovations to Audi Field, and having Elissa Silverman back on the Council. The White House released a report earlier this month accusing the Smithsonian museums of "undermining faith in American institutions." This w
The Politics Hour: D.C.’s likely next mayor Janeese Lewis George
1mo ago · 50:06
Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George secured the Democratic nomination last month to be the city’s next mayor. Her win, plus other progressive candidates’ victories, sets the stage for a new era in D.C. politics. She’s now poised to become the city’s first Democratic socialist mayor. Lewis George joins Kojo and Tom in the studio for an exclusive hour-long conversation about what her win means for District residents, why she thinks her brand of politics dominated, her plan to execute on campaign promises, and what it will take to establish a working relationship with President Donald
The Politics Hour: Metro GM Randy Clarke talks ridership records, RFK stadium transit plans, and red line shutdowns
1mo ago · 50:27
Metro is having a moment. The agency set ridership records over the July 4th weekend, riders are buying up Metro merch, and the agency is a key player in the city's biggest development project in decades. Yes, Metro is cool again, but challenges remain, including an uncertain financial future, extended shutdowns, and fare evaders. Metro General Manager Randy Clarke takes a ride into our studio to discuss it all. Virginia's primary elections are less than a month away, but early voting is already underway. It's been a chaotic election season, with Virginia voters passing a redistricting referen
The Politics Hour: Maryland's primary elections and the D.C. council reverses budget cuts
2mo ago · 50:27
Marylanders voted in key primary elections this week for congressional seats, county executive, county council, state legislatures, state's attorney, and other local seats. At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando appears poised to become the Democratic nominee to succeed Marc Elrich in the county's top role. The race was shaped by disagreements over data centers, taxes, and affordability. The race got contentious as major money poured into the contest. Councilmember Jawando joins the show to discuss his message to voters, his legislative priorities, and what comes next. Interim P
The Politics Hour: A historic D.C. primary election and Montgomery County voting on new leadership
2mo ago · 50:27
It was a historic primary election in the District, with several top jobs on the ballot. While it perhaps took longer than expected, the big races were finally called, including Janeese Lewis George securing the Democratic nomination for D.C. mayor. WAMU's D.C. politics reporter Alex Koma gets behind the mic to break down Lewis George's monumental win and what comes next. Plus, he talks about several races that will be decided by ranked-choice voting. In another closely-watched contest, D.C. Councilmember Robert White soundly defeated four other candidates to become the Democratic nominee in t
The Politics Hour: The final countdown to the D.C. primary and Virginia lawmakers stall over the budget
2mo ago · 48:56
D.C. voters are preparing to head to the polls to make their picks in the primary elections for mayor, D.C. delegate to Congress, and a handful of seats on the D.C. Council. A recent poll shows Ward 4 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George leading her former Council colleague Kenyan McDuffie by double digits, but many voters remain undecided heading into the final stretch. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics Reporter Alex Koma and the Washington Informer's Sam P.K. Collins stop by The Politics Hour to break down exactly what's happening in each race. They'll also talk about how ranked-choice voting m
The Politics Hour: D.C. budget crunch and Montgomery County schools job cuts
2mo ago · 50:28
Montgomery County Public Schools are looking to cut hundreds of positions to close a nearly $40 million budget gap. The cuts follow the Montgomery County Council's failure to fully fund MCPS's budget request. Throughout the budget process, District 5 Councilmember Kristin Mink looked for ways to fully fund the school district. She joins the show to explain what the council can do now to support schools. Plus, she discusses her support for bills signed by the County Executive this week limiting federal immigration enforcement in the county, and we ask her to weigh in on the County Executive rac
The Politics Hour: WAMU’s D.C. Delegate Democratic primary forum
3mo ago · 1:19:27
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. Sor
The Politics Hour: A tightening D.C. Mayor’s race and Virginia Governor Spanberger’s vetoes
3mo ago · 50:29
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 Coun
The Politics Hour: VA Sen. Majority Leader Scott Surovell on redistricting Hail Mary
3mo ago · 48:59
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 fo
The Politics Hour: VA Supreme Court strikes down redistricting and Montgomery County's battle over tax hikes
3mo ago · 50:28
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
The Politics Hour: A year later, how has drastic federal workforce cuts changed the region?
4mo ago · 50:28
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 ther
The Politics Hour: Virginia voters approved redistricting. So, what's next?
4mo ago · 50:26
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 Pre
The Politics Hour: The D.C. Council weighs in on the budget and the Maryland General Assembly wraps up
4mo ago · 50:28
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
The Politics Hour: Prince George's County's anti-ICE bills and the Iran War's local impact
4mo ago · 50:29
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 measu
The Politics Hour: Supreme Court's birthright citizenship case and why the D.C. budget is delayed
4mo ago · 49:09
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
The Politics Hour: Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay and 'Crossover Day' in Maryland
5mo ago · 39:39
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,
The Politics Hour: VA State Sen. Scott Surovell on data center tax breaks and a Fairfax casino
5mo ago · 37:57
This week marked a key milestone in the 2026 D.C. election season: The deadline for candidates to submit signatures to qualify for the June primary ballot. WAMU's Senior D.C. Politics reporter Alex Koma gave us the latest on the city's big elections, including the first open seats in years for mayor and D.C. delegate. Plus, we discussed another attempt by Congress to undermine D.C.'s ability to self-govern. This week, the U.S. House Oversight Committee advanced a proposal to ban D.C. traffic cameras. While the measure still needs to be passed by the full House and Senate, Koma said eliminating
The Politics Hour: WAMU’s Montgomery County Executive candidate forum
5mo ago · 50:32
We took the Politics Hour on the road this week, broadcasting our Montgomery County Executive forum, featuring Democratic primary candidates, from the Silver Spring Civic Building. Kojo and WAMU Maryland reporter Jenny Abamu were joined by Andrew Friedson, Evan Glass, and Will Jawando, all Montgomery County councilmembers. We asked them for their takes on a range of topics, including housing, federal immigration enforcement, and data centers, as the candidates made their cases to voters ahead of the Democratic primary on June 23. Sorting political fact from fiction, and having fun while we’re
The Politics Hour: Local reaction to Iran war; pushback on police cooperation with ICE
5mo ago · 50:30
Members of the local congressional delegation are strongly criticizing President Trump's decision to enter into a war with Iran. Iraqi war veteran and U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman joined the show from the U.S. Capitol to discuss why he thinks the military strikes were illegal and what might be next. Plus, Rep. Vindman weighed in on Virginia redistricting as early voting gets underway. The D.C. Council passed two bills this week aimed at increasing transparency around MPD's cooperation with federal immigration agencies. At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson got behind the mic to talk about the
The Politics Hour: Virginia weighs ending data center tax breaks and Prince George’s aims to block ICE facility
6mo ago · 50:28
Virginia state lawmakers are considering eliminating a billion-dollar data center tax break to help balance the budget. This comes as local jurisdictions, including Fairfax County, continue to debate restrictions amid plans for more data centers. Virginia State Senator Jennifer Boysko, who sits on the senate finance committee and represents Fairfax County, joined the show from Richmond to discuss lawmakers' latest proposal. Plus, she explained her opposition to Fairfax County casino legislation, which is currently moving through the Virginia House of Delegates. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schw
The Politics Hour: Latest on Potomac River sewage spill and Montgomery County's data center debate
6mo ago · 50:30
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser this week declared the Potomac River sewage spill a public emergency while also requesting federal help and money for cleanup. It's the latest move in a local disaster that has turned political. NBC 4 Washington reporter Mark Segraves joined Kojo and Tom to break down what exactly happened, how local officials are trying to manage the crisis, and what comes next. The data center debate has come to Montgomery County. Elected officials in recent weeks have taken competing stances on the best way to manage data center growth, including a proposal to restrict them to indus

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The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi

Episodes 100

The Politics Hour: Maryland redistricting in limbo and reactions to accusations of ICE agent brutality

The Politics Hour: MD redistricting, VA primaries, and one year since Trump's MPD takeover

The Politics Hour: Montgomery County pauses data centers and D.C.’s likely new councilmember Oye Owolewa

The Politics Hour: House Republicans take aim at D.C. taxes and the Smithsonian

The Politics Hour: D.C.’s likely next mayor Janeese Lewis George

The Politics Hour: Metro GM Randy Clarke talks ridership records, RFK stadium transit plans, and red line shutdowns

The Politics Hour: Maryland's primary elections and the D.C. council reverses budget cuts

The Politics Hour: A historic D.C. primary election and Montgomery County voting on new leadership

The Politics Hour: The final countdown to the D.C. primary and Virginia lawmakers stall over the budget

The Politics Hour: D.C. budget crunch and Montgomery County schools job cuts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Politics Hour: VA State Sen. Scott Surovell on data center tax breaks and a Fairfax casino

The Politics Hour: WAMU’s Montgomery County Executive candidate forum

The Politics Hour: Local reaction to Iran war; pushback on police cooperation with ICE

The Politics Hour: Virginia weighs ending data center tax breaks and Prince George’s aims to block ICE facility

The Politics Hour: Latest on Potomac River sewage spill and Montgomery County's data center debate

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Episodes 100

The Politics Hour: Maryland redistricting in limbo and reactions to accusations of ICE agent brutality

The Politics Hour: MD redistricting, VA primaries, and one year since Trump's MPD takeover

The Politics Hour: Montgomery County pauses data centers and D.C.’s likely new councilmember Oye Owolewa

The Politics Hour: House Republicans take aim at D.C. taxes and the Smithsonian

The Politics Hour: D.C.’s likely next mayor Janeese Lewis George

The Politics Hour: Metro GM Randy Clarke talks ridership records, RFK stadium transit plans, and red line shutdowns

The Politics Hour: Maryland's primary elections and the D.C. council reverses budget cuts

The Politics Hour: A historic D.C. primary election and Montgomery County voting on new leadership

The Politics Hour: The final countdown to the D.C. primary and Virginia lawmakers stall over the budget

The Politics Hour: D.C. budget crunch and Montgomery County schools job cuts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Politics Hour: VA State Sen. Scott Surovell on data center tax breaks and a Fairfax casino

The Politics Hour: WAMU’s Montgomery County Executive candidate forum

The Politics Hour: Local reaction to Iran war; pushback on police cooperation with ICE

The Politics Hour: Virginia weighs ending data center tax breaks and Prince George’s aims to block ICE facility

The Politics Hour: Latest on Potomac River sewage spill and Montgomery County's data center debate