Unlocking California Politics

Episode 37 of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with Democratic political strategist Andrew Acosta and Republican political strategist Rob Stutzman to preview the 2026 General Election. The conversation looks at how California’s political landscape has shifted since the primary, what is shaping voter sentiment heading into November, key races, and several ballot measures, including C.A.R.-sponsored Proposition 37. Acosta and Stutzman also share what they will be watching on Election Night and what could influence the final weeks of the campaign. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

Episode 36 of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with C.A.R. Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy Jennifer Svec to recap the 2026 legislative session and some of the year’s biggest housing and real estate issues. Svec takes listeners behind the scenes of C.A.R.’s advocacy at the Capitol, including major legislative fights, C.A.R.-sponsored legislation, and the role REALTOR® member engagement played throughout the session. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

The newest episode of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to discuss the current state of California’s insurance market, including the Sustainable Insurance Strategy, the FAIR Plan, growing climate risks, and what changes in the insurance market could mean for homeowners, homebuyers and REALTORS®. Commissioner Lara also shares guidance for navigating today’s insurance landscape and reflects on the work still ahead to strengthen California’s insurance market. To listen, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing issues, and other top industry matters.

Episode 34 of C.A.R.’s Unlocking California Politics podcast is out now. In this episode, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle is joined by veteran political strategists Andrew Acosta and Rob Stutzman to break down the results of California's 2026 Primary Election and what they reveal about the political landscape heading into the November general election. Drawing on decades of experience from both Democratic and Republican perspectives, the guests examine the biggest surprises of the election, shifting voter priorities, and the races and issues that will shape the months ahead. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

The California Association of REALTORS® has released a special live episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast recorded during C.A.R.’s 2026 Legislative Day in Sacramento. In this follow up conversation, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down once again with former Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg to discuss the next phase of the proposed Middle Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act after officially qualifying for the November ballot. The episode explores the growing coalition behind the initiative, why it matters to REALTORS® and middle income Californians, and how members can help engage their communities as the campaign moves into election season. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters

In the latest episode of Unlocking California Politics, host Sanjay Wagle sits down with Legislative Advocate Jennifer Svec to break down C.A.R.’s 2026 legislative priorities and the policy debates shaping California’s housing landscape. From HOA accountability and consumer protections to wildfire resilience and housing affordability, the conversation highlights the key issues REALTORS® should be watching this year and how member engagement can help advance meaningful housing solutions. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. Be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who share insights on California politics, housing policy, and issues impacting REALTORS® and homeowners.

In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle sits down with Assemblymember John Harabedian and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez for a “Meet the Freshmen” conversation about their first term in the Legislature, the challenges shaping their districts, and the priorities they are focused on moving forward. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. Be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who share insights on California politics, housing policy, and issues impacting REALTORS® and homeowners.

In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with Republican Assemblymembers Heather Hadwick and David Tangipa for a “Meet the Freshmen” conversation about their first term in the Legislature, what they’ve learned, and how they hope to move forward in 2026. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters

In the latest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R. Senior Vice President Sanjay Wagle sits down with former Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Robert Hertzberg to discuss his proposed statewide ballot initiative aimed at expanding homeownership opportunities for middle-income Californians. The 2026 measure, known as the Middle-Class Homeownership and Family Home Construction Act, seeks to address the growing barriers facing the next generation of would-be homeowners. To listen or watch this episode, go to on.car.org/politicspodcast, YouTube, iTunes, or Spotify. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to hear the latest episodes from experts who will give you their take on California politics, housing news and policies, and other top industry matters.

In the newest episode of the Unlocking California Politics podcast, C.A.R.’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Sanjay Wagle, sits down with Political Data Inc. Vice President Paul Mitchell and Swing Strategies President and CEO Tom Ross for an in-depth discussion on Proposition 50. Together, they unpack the factors driving what has become one of the fastest-moving elections in California history.