Elex Michaelson On California’s Political Future: Newsom, Kamala & The 2026 Shakeup

Guest:

Fox News LA Anchor Elex Michaelson

Guest Bio: 

Elex Michaelson is the co-anchor of Fox 11 News in Los Angeles and host of the weekly political show The Issue Is. Known for his thoughtful interviews and debate moderation, Elex has spoken with some of the nation’s most influential political leaders and received eight Emmy Awards and seven Golden Mikes. A native Californian, he brings deep insight into the state’s political dynamics, media landscape, and upcoming elections.

Show Summary

From Gavin Newsom’s calculated media strategy to Kamala Harris’s next move and the growing appeal of centrist disruptors like Rick Caruso, this episode is a masterclass in California’s political future. Award-winning journalist and political commentator Elex Michaelson joins Jon Slavet for a candid conversation on what’s really happening behind the scenes — from deepening divides in LA to the state’s national image, and whether Republicans even stand a chance in 2026. 

Chapters

00:00 – Newsom’s New Persona: The Left’s Anti-Trump

01:12 – Meet Elex Michaelson

02:20 – What’s Dividing Los Angeles

04:30 – Mayor Bass: Firestorm Fallout vs. Political Wins

06:40 – Fires, Permitting, and AI Solutions

08:30 – Rick Caruso’s Next Move

10:42 – Newsom’s Media Playbook and 2028 Ambitions

13:10 – Authenticity and the Problem with “Shifting”

15:50 – Kamala vs. Caruso: What’s Next in 2026?

18:20 – Can Republicans Win in California?

21:10 – Why Local Issues Get Derailed by National Politics

24:15 – Prop 36, Party Pushback, and the Center-Left Surge

26:00 – Rapid Fire: Education, Stereotypes, and Hope for CA

Connect with Elex

X: https://x.com/elex_michaelson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elexmichaelson/

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elexmichaelson

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elexmichaelson/

Website: https://www.youtube.com/elexmichaelson

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