Raphael Warnock is 'nauseously optimistic' about Dems' midterm chances | On the Road

In an exclusive interview with Dasha Burns, Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) gives his first reaction to Democrats’ historic midterm wins, reveals which potential 2028 candidates have already called him up, and explains why he thinks the path to the White House in 2028 runs through the South.  Have thoughts for The Conversation? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

In the latest episode of On the Road, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at the Flying Biscuit Cafe in Atlanta, where they dig into breakfast biscuits and grits — and Democrats’ chances in Tuesday’s midterms. Warnock makes the case for investing in states such as Mississippi and South Carolina, says Democrats have a “great shot” at the Senate and argues that the party’s path to a lasting majority runs through the South.    The Georgia senator also discusses Donald Trump, faith in politics, the need for a robust 2028 Democratic primary and the future of U.S. alliances. 

With Election Day days away, Republican strategist T.W. Arrighi and Democratic strategist Lis Smith join Dasha to break down what’s driving a surprisingly competitive midterm map. They discuss the central role of affordability, how candidates are navigating voter frustration with the status quo, and the risks and rewards of tying campaigns to President Trump. The conversations also look beyond Tuesday: What should each party learn from the results, and what could this cycle signal about the fight for the parties’ futures? Watch POLITICO Elections Live at POLITICO.com or the POLITICO app, starting at 9pm ET on Tuesday. Have thoughts for The Conversation? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin over breakfast in New York City for a wide-ranging conversation about governing in 2026. She discusses working with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, her conversations with President Donald Trump over ICE operations and why she says data centers should bring their own power.  Hochul also weighs in on Israeli leadership and the possibility of a Palestinian state, the future of the Democratic Party and its 2028 presidential field, and her hopes for the Buffalo Bills. 

Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon joins Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation about her historic campaign and the Democratic Party’s future. Nixon had sharp words for her own party, arguing that Democrats have taken Black voters for granted and the party needs to have a “long conversation” about the state of Black voters in the party, or else it will continue to ‘hemorrhage’ voters.  Nixon also weighs in on why she joined the Democratic Socialists of America, whether she considers Israel an ally, and whether she would support Chuck Schumer for Senate leader. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at a Charlotte diner for a candid conversation about his new book, his decision to leave the Senate and the future of the Republican Party.     Tillis reflects on his votes to confirm President Trump’s Cabinet nominees, argues that the president’s advisers should be replaced and says Republicans need to show more independence from Trump. He also predicts the party could take a “whoop-ass” in November and explains why he thinks Trump’s would-be successors can’t simply imitate him.     Plus, country ham, biscuits and grits at the Carolina Family Restaurant. 

Democratic socialists Melat Kiros and Darializa Avila Chevalier each defeated a longtime Democratic incumbent to win their deep-blue primaries. They’re among a handful of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates who scored surprise victories this election season. Now they’re poised to enter Congress, where they say they want to use their power to push for a bolder agenda and hold the Trump administration accountable. Kiros and Avila Chevalier joined “The Conversation with Dasha Burns” to discuss whether they’ll support Hakeem Jeffries for speaker, what they’ve learned from the Squad and criticism of their rhetoric about the Israel-Gaza war. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Dasha sits down with Rep. Byron Donalds, the Florida Republican nominee for governor, for a special midterms edition of the show.  As Republicans face headwinds over affordability and rising costs tied to the war with Iran, Donalds explains how he can support President Trump while still disagreeing with him. He says Trump doesn’t want “yes men” and that he’s “allowed to have my own viewpoint” on how to govern Florida. Donalds also discusses immigration enforcement, state regulation of AI, his past comments on race and voting rights, and the future of the Republican Party. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Adam Hamilton, the pastor and Democratic candidate challenging Sen. Roger Marshall, sits down with Dasha at a campaign office in Kansas to discuss why he thinks the race is competitive – and why he believes a moderate, bridge-building approach can win over voters in this deeply Republican state. Hamilton talks about the cost of fuel and tariffs, the war in Iran, his appeal to Republican voters and the role of faith in politics. He also responds to criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz over his theology, discusses whether Democrats can win over evangelical Christians and weighs in on whether President Donald Trump is a Christian. Check out our new POLITICO podcast “Decoded,” starting on Monday, October 5. It will be a daily brief on the people, power moves, policy battles and market shifts defining what’s next in global technology. Subscribe here: https://pod.link/politicodispatch Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

In this special midterms edition of “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” Gina Hinojosa, the Democrat running for governor of Texas, sits down with Dasha at her campaign headquarters in Austin to talk about why she believes the race against Greg Abbott is newly competitive — and the lessons Democrats should take for 2028.  In the interview, Hinojosa discusses her pitch to working Texans, her push for a $1,500 “corruption tax refund,” the fight over public schools, abortion access, immigration enforcement, Latino voters, data centers and AI, and what she thinks national Democrats should learn from her campaign. Hinojosa argues Texas voters are entering a “post-partisan” moment, driven by frustration with both parties, corporate power and the cost of living. “Is this the billionaire’s world and we just live here?” she says. “That is the fight in America. It is the fight for Texas.” Have thoughts for The Conversation? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.