Politics Now Podcast

In the 1970s, Oregonians looked to California and didn't want the same fate for their state A new crop of young legislators in Salem saw an opportunity to advance an ambitious agenda. It took nearly a decade to put in place a system that has some of the strongest protections in the U.S. for farms, forests and other open spaces.

Ryan, 59, is vying for a full term after winning his seat in a 2020 special election following the death of Commissioner Nick Fish. Of the eight Portlanders who filed to run against him, activist and nonprofit head AJ McCreary has emerged as his leading opponent. The 36-year-old progressive is running far to Ryan’s left, pledging to abolish the practice of sweeping homeless camps and to dismantle police teams that deal with people in crisis.

Her opponents are banking that the city's grumpy electorate is now ready to swing hard to the center.

Challenges from the left and right aim to oust Democratic Rep. Kurt Schrader, who has held office since 2009.

Three current county commissioners want a promotion, and an outsider wants to upend the status quo.

The second-term state treasurer is searching for that spark to overtake Tina Kotek, the former Oregon House Speaker who some say is taking up all the oxygen in the Democratic primary race for governor.

For the second time this year, Yamhill County residents voted this week on whether to recall a conservative elected official.

Host Julie Sabatier talks with OPB political reporters Chris Lehman and Jeff Mapes about Oregon’s budget picture, and how it could be affected by federal action on health care and international trade. 

How did Washington state emerge as the center for the resistance to Donald Trump's agenda?

How will Oregon's Congressional delegation deal with the new political realities in Washington, D.C.?