In this episode, Jon Fleischman discusses the current state of California politics, focusing on the Democratic Party Convention and the upcoming governor's race. He critiques Democratic policies that have driven up living costs in California and expresses skepticism about the candidates' credibility. Fleischman emphasizes the need for change in governance and reflects on the implications of the current political landscape.

TAKEAWAYS

• California is the most expensive place to live due to Democratic policies.
• Democrats have controlled California for a generation, leading to high taxes and fees.
• Affordability is a key issue, yet Democrats lack credibility on this front.
• The extreme climate agenda is contributing to higher living costs.
• Wildfires have emitted more carbon than all carbon savings programs combined.
• The governor's race features many lackluster candidates.
• Gavin Newsom is focused on national ambitions rather than state issues.
• Voter engagement is crucial for the upcoming election.
• The SEIU 1000 and the California Teachers Association have significant influence in the race.
• Change is necessary for California's future.

In this first-ever Substack Live session, I experimented with a new real-time format to discuss the latest developments in California politics and engage directly with subscribers through live questions and chat.

We covered several major topics shaping the political conversation right now, starting with the controversy surrounding Sheriff Chad Bianco’s comments on immigration and the potential implications for the Republican gubernatorial primary. I walked through why the issue is politically significant and how opponents could strategically use it in a crowded race.

Next, I discussed the emerging situation involving Congressman Kevin Kiley and Congressman Tom McClintock in California’s 5th Congressional District, including redistricting realities, endorsements, fundraising dynamics, and what a potential intra-party clash could mean for Republicans.

I also broke down the constant flood of polling in the California governor’s race — what these polls actually tell us, what they do not, and why early polling is often more useful for fundraising narratives than for predicting outcomes.

Another key segment focused on the upcoming California Republican Party convention and the increasingly insular endorsement process, along with a broader strategic question: are candidates spending too much time targeting internal delegates instead of communicating with the broader electorate?

Finally, I began setting the table for a deeper analysis of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and the narrative that he is positioning himself as a “practical” Democrat, and whether that reflects genuine policy moderation or simply a different tone in advancing mainstream Democratic governance.

This episode also includes live audience interaction and Q&A, which added a dynamic and candid element that differs from my written Substack columns.

Based on strong real-time subscriber turnout and engagement, I plan to make this going live a regular weekly feature. A permanent day and time will be announced soon.

Run of Show:
• First-ever Substack Live format and real-time audience interaction

• Chad Bianco immigration comments and primary implications

• CA-5: Kevin Kiley vs. Tom McClintock strategic dynamics

• California governor’s race polling analysis

• California Republican Party convention and endorsement process

• Early framing of Matt Mahan as a “practical” Democrat

• Live Q&A with subscribers

Get all of our great content at the So, Does It Matter? website!

In this special episode of the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, I try something new — four guests at once. I sit down with the “Golden Ticket” slate: Steve Hilton for Governor, Gloria Romero for Lieutenant Governor, Michael Gates for Attorney General*, and Herb Morgan for Controller.

Together, they lay out how a coordinated team in statewide office would approach California’s biggest problems — from the cost of living and public safety to education accountability and state spending.

While I don’t endorse candidates in these interviews, my goal is to give you direct access to the leading voices offering a different direction for California. This podcast lets you hear their ideas in their own words so you can make up your own mind.

In this conversation, we cover:

– What each office can actually do to fix California’s biggest challenges

– Executive actions a new governor could take on day one

– Enforcing crime laws and restoring public safety statewide

– Title IX, campus issues, and accountability in education

– How the Controller’s office can expose waste, fraud, and abuse

– Budget tricks in Sacramento and the fight over taxes and spending

If you care about where California is headed and want to hear directly from candidates offering a different path, this conversation is worth your time.

Get all your fix on California politics at www.SoDoesItMatter.com!

Episode Links:

Steve Hilton For Governor Website
Steve Hilton on X

Gloria Romero for Lt. Governor Website
Gloria Romero on X

Herb Morgan for Controller Website
Herb Wesson on X

Michael Gates for Attorney General Website
Michael Gates on X

Jon Fleischman on X

CHAPTER MARKERS (Optional but recommended)

00:00 Introduction and “Golden Ticket” format

02:00 Biggest problem each office can fix

08:00 Cost of living and executive actions

16:00 Crime, law enforcement, and Prop 36

27:45 Education and university accountability

33:20 Title IX and school policy enforcement

37:00 Budget games, deficits, and state finances

41:00 Tax reform and spending priorities

* - I have endorsed Michael