On this edition of Your Call, we discuss Election Day as millions vote in important races across the country. From governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey to the mayor’s race in New York to California’s Prop 50 ballot measure, we explore how these elections – the first opportunity voters have had to respond to Trump since he retook the White House – stand to shape the 2026 midterms and the future of the Democratic Party.
Then, we turn to the government shutdown’s impact on SNAP, Head Start, heating assistance, and the overall struggle to make ends meet. After two federal judges ordered the Trump Administration to fund SNAP during the shutdown, Trump is now threatening to deny payments to the 42 million Americans who receive food stamps until the shutdown ends, leaving many low-income families uncertain as to how they will feed their families.
How will today's results reshape the national political landscape amidst a government shutdown with no end in sight? How will people continue to be impacted by the loss of essential federal aid?
Guests:
Irene Kao, executive director of Courage California
John Nichols, executive editor of The Nation
Andrew Cheyne, managing director of public policy for End Child Poverty CA
Tanis Crosby, executive director of the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
Regi Young, executive director of the Alameda County Community Food Bank
Resources:
The New York Times: Trump’s Power Faces Pressure Test in Court and at Ballot Box
The Guardian: Trump approval rating falls to second-term low of 37%
ABC: One year out from Election Day 2026, Tuesday's results could shape 2026 midterms
NPR: SNAP benefits will restart, but will be half the normal payment and delayed
The New York Times: Trump Administration to Send Only Partial Food Stamp Payments This Month
