Max Politics

Mara Gay, a staff writer for New York Times Opinion, joined the show to discuss her experiences interviewing voters around the country in the lead up to the 2026 elections, takeaways from the election results in New York and nationally, what's next for a Democratic majorities in Congress, and more.

Congressman Pat Ryan, representative of New York's 18th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley and a rising Democratic star, joined the show to discuss his party's big 2026 wins in New York and across the country, and what comes next as Democrats have House and Senate majorities beginning in January 2027. Ryan discussed his brand of "patriotic populism," where Democrats need to focus their political capital, holding the Trump administration accountable, his political future, and more.

As the 2026 elections come to a close in New York and we await the results, three political experts joined the show to each give their '5 Things to Watch.' Republican strategist Chapin Fay, Democratic strategist Basil Smikle Jr., and progressive analyst Michael Lange joined the show to discuss what they're watching as Election Day hits and New York's 2026 elections conclude.

Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat seeking reelection, joined the show to discuss her record, respond to critiques of Democratic governance of New York, outline what's at the top of her agenda if she wins another term, and address key issues facing the state and the city. Hochul is facing Republican nominee Bruce Blakeman in the 2026 election, seeking to win her second full term after ascending to the governor's office in 2021.

City Council Member Sandy Nurse, a Brooklyn Democrat, joined the show to discuss Council passage of the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), which gives qualified nonprofits the first chance to buy certain housing properties when they are put up for sale. Mayor Mamdani has promised to sign the bill, which Nurse is the lead sponsor of, into law, with the promise that it will lead to more community-focused ownership of apartment buildings that have been in physical distress or part of city affordability programs.

Mayor Mamdani's charter revision commission — the Commission on Government Efficiency, or COGE — has put 5 yes-or-no questions on the 2026 ballot with various proposals for city voters to approve or disapprove. This episode features audio from a live event held at New York Law School where COGE Chair Patrick Gaspard and Executive Director Ann Cheng gave a presentation, then sat with host Ben Max for a conversation, followed by audience Q&A.

Bob Hardt, New York political director for Spectrum News, joined the show to analyze the lone debate between Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, which took place October 13 on Spectrum News. Hardt and host Ben Max discussed key moments in the debate, areas of disagreement between Hochul and Blakeman, how each candidate performed, and the broader state of the gubernatorial race with under three weeks until Election Day (November 3, 2026).

Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican and Conservative parties' nominee for New York Attorney General in this year's election, joined the show to discuss her bid to unseat Letitia James and her vision for becoming the state's chief legal officer. The race is one of many state, federal, and local elections on the ballot this fall, with Election Day on November 3, 2026.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a Democrat who has been the state's chief fiscal officer since 2007, joined the show to discuss his case for reelection, respond to criticism by his Republican opponent, Joseph Hernandez, and assess key elements of how New York is doing.

Joseph Hernandez, the Republican and Conservative parties' nominee for New York State Comptroller in this year's election, joined the show to discuss his bid to unseat Tom DiNapoli and his vision for becoming the state's chief fiscal officer. The Comptroller's race is one of many state, federal, and local races on the ballot this fall, with Election Day on November 3, 2026.