Next Round
Next Round is a weekly podcast exploring California politics from a free market perspective hosted by the nonpartisan think tank Pacific Research Institute. Each episode features elected officials, media commentators, and policy leaders breaking down the Golden State's top policy debates and discussing how market-based reforms can improve our quality of life. Past guests include House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Democratic Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell, futurist George Gilder, State Board of Ed Member Dr. Ting Sun, pollster Scott Rasmussen, economist Steve Moore, Politico California's Kevin Yamamura, and National Review's Andrew McCarthy.
Episodes
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.
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 nonethel...
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 atten...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 detai...
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 Rodrigue...
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...
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.
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