What does it mean to run for Congress without accepting political endorsements or PAC money? Can a candidate remain independent while still building the relationships necessary to govern?

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, host Flor Olvera sits down with Sandra Van Scotter, Democratic candidate for California's 20th Congressional District, for a wide-ranging conversation about healthcare, immigration, Social Security, political independence, and the future of the Central Valley.

A respiratory therapist and disability advocate, Sandra explains why she entered politics after witnessing firsthand how federal policy changes affected the people she serves. She discusses her decision to reject PAC and corporate funding, why her campaign isn't seeking traditional political endorsements, and how she believes members of Congress can remain accountable to constituents while working across the aisle.

The conversation also explores:

• The role of endorsements in modern campaigns
• Healthcare access and the impact of the 2025 federal budget legislation
• Social Security and disability benefits
• Immigration policy and federal detention facilities
• Coalition building, governing, and congressional leadership
• The unique challenges facing California's Central Valley

Whether you agree with Sandra's positions or not, this episode offers listeners an opportunity to hear directly from a candidate seeking to represent California's 20th Congressional District in Congress.

About Flor Unmuted

Flor Unmuted is an independent California political podcast covering the Central Valley, state politics, local government, education, elections, and the people shaping public policy. Through long-form conversations with candidates, elected officials, and community leaders, Flor Unmuted focuses on governance, leadership, and the issues that matter most to Californians.

Connect with Sandra Van Scotter

Website: https://www.electsandravanscotter.com/meet-sandra

Campaign Links: https://linktr.ee/sandraforcongress

Email: TeamSandra@Sandra4CD20.com

How do you lead a rural community during one of the most politically divided moments in recent history?

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, I sit down with Delano Mayor Sal Solorio-Ruiz for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the future of California's Central Valley.

We discuss what it takes to move rural communities forward, why local government matters more than many people realize, and how elected officials can stay connected to the people they serve. We also explore the recent Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship, Delano's proposed ICE ordinance, proclaiming Pride Month, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and the changing political dynamics shaping the Democratic Party.

Whether you're interested in local government, California politics, or leadership, this episode offers an honest look at governing through disagreement while keeping community at the center.

In this episode:

• Why rural communities deserve greater autonomy and investment
• Growing Delano while preserving community identity
• The role of civic engagement in local government
• Delano's proposed ICE ordinance and leading through controversy
• The Supreme Court's birthright citizenship decision and its local impact
• Progressive vs. establishment politics in today's Democratic Party
• Building a stronger bench of future leaders
• Mentorship, public service, and leading with values
• Lessons learned from serving as mayor

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of alleged sexual misconduct, including rape, abuse of power, and the treatment of victims. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, I sit down with political strategist Michael Trujillo for a conversation that pulls back the curtain on how campaigns actually operate and what happens when private behavior becomes public reality.

We begin at the start of Michael’s career, working on Antonio Villaraigosa’s campaign, where he witnessed firsthand how narrative, media, and race can influence the outcome of an election. That early experience shaped how he approaches politics to this day.

From there, we move into a deeper and more complex discussion around Eric Swalwell, including what Michael says he had been tracking for years, the role of opposition research, and the challenges of bringing forward allegations in spaces where power, reputation, and risk all collide.

We also explore the idea of “open secrets” in politics, the role of silence and self-preservation within political circles, and how social media particularly female-led platforms—can shift the balance when traditional systems fail to act.

This episode touches on sensitive topics, including alleged sexual misconduct and abuse of power. Listener discretion is advised.

This is a conversation about timing, accountability, and the realities behind the headlines.