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.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, I sit down with Brian Murillo from Fresno for a real conversation following the California gubernatorial debate.

We’re both in public service and union members, and we see firsthand how decisions made at the top actually play out on the ground. That perspective shaped how we watched this debateand how we break it down.

This isn’t a polished recap or a play-by-play of who said what. It’s an honest conversation about what actually stood out, who helped themselves, who didn’t, and what might be getting overlooked.

Brian brings a sharp, thoughtful perspective throughout grounded, clear, and rooted in real experience. It made for a conversation that goes beyond surface-level reactions.

If you’re looking for something more real than the usual post-debate noise, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, Flor Olvera sits down with former State Controller and 2026 gubernatorial candidate Betty Yee for a policy-focused conversation about California’s future.

The discussion explores the scope of a governor’s authority in relation to federal immigration enforcement, the limits of sanctuary state policy, and what state leadership can realistically do when federal decisions impact local communities.

They also discuss water sustainability and agricultural policy in the Central Valley, air quality and public health, oil and energy transition planning, artificial intelligence and workforce disruption, data center infrastructure, healthcare access in rural regions, and affordability challenges facing working families across the state.

Yee outlines her year-one priorities, her approach to economic resilience, and how she views long-term environmental and workforce transitions in California.

This episode is part of Flor Unmuted’s ongoing candidate conversation series ahead of the 2026 election cycle, focused on substance, policy, and accountability.

In this solo episode, Flor reflects on how power and proximity shape the justice system, even when procedures are followed.

This is not a dismissal of mental health care or an accusation of wrongdoing. It is a thoughtful examination of how access, media framing, and institutional caution can shift focus away from the people most affected, including children and family safety.

A conversation about accountability, compassion, and who the system centers first when influence is involved.

In this episode of Flor Unmuted, immigration attorney Raj Singh breaks down what immigration enforcement actually looks like under the Trump administration in 2025 — from ICE street pickups in Bakersfield to people being quietly transferred to detention centers in Texas and Louisiana.

We talk about disappearing due process, fired immigration judges, blocked bond hearings, and why attorneys are suddenly limited in how they can represent their clients. Raj explains how people detained in California end up in the Fifth Circuit, where the laws are harsher and the chances of winning a case drop dramatically.

We also bring the conversation home to the Central Valley: 17,000 commercial trucking licenses revoked, immigrant drivers sidelined, and local trucking companies — many in communities that voted for Trump — now facing financial collapse. Raj unpacks how these federal rules collide with California’s agriculture-driven economy and what this means for farmworkers, truckers, and food supply chains.

This episode covers ICE raids, immigration courts, denaturalization attempts, constitutional erosion, and the economic fallout hitting Kern County right now.

If you care about immigration, democracy, the Central Valley, or simply understanding what’s happening behind the headlines, this conversation is essential.

Summary

In this conversation, Flor Olvera discusses the political landscape in rural California, particularly in Kern County, and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. She emphasizes the importance of unity, voter engagement, and building trust with constituents. The discussion also touches on the impact of Prop 50, gerrymandering, and the role of unions in supporting Democratic candidates. Olvera advocates for grassroots efforts, canvassing, and connecting with voters on a personal level to ensure that their needs are met and voices heard.

Takeaways

The political landscape in rural California is often overlooked.

Unity within the Democratic Party is crucial for success.

Voter engagement should focus on personal connections rather than partisan divides.

Building trust with voters is essential for electoral success.

Experience in political campaigns can significantly impact outcomes.

Democrats must adapt their messaging to resonate with local constituents.

Gerrymandering poses a significant challenge to fair elections.

Unions play a vital role in supporting Democratic candidates and policies.

Grassroots efforts and canvassing are effective strategies for mobilizing voters.

Prop 50 represents a critical opportunity for Democrats in Kern County.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Political Landscape

02:31 Challenges of Leadership in a Pandemic

05:28 Election Dynamics and Candidate Endorsements

08:10 Connecting with Voters on Core Issues

10:54 Building Trust with Constituents

13:46 The Role of Experience in Politics

16:19 The Impact of Trump on Local Politics

19:26 Winning Strategies for Democrats in Kern County

22:00 Voter Engagement and Prop 50

24:38 Media Representation and Political Messaging

31:47 The Impact of Gerrymandering on Democracy

36:52 The Role of Canvassing in Political Engagement

45:00 Revitalizing the Democratic Party in Kern County

52:29 Addressing Food Insecurity and Community Support