Raphael Warnock is 'nauseously optimistic' about Dems' midterm chances

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. 

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.

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. 

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Mosca’s Restaurant for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump, the future of the Democratic Party and whether he might run for president in 2028. Landrieu discusses why he believes Joe Biden should not have sought reelection, how Democrats lost working-class voters, the rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and what it would take to rebuild trust in American institutions.     He also reflects on post-Katrina New Orleans and the lessons Louisiana politics offers the rest of the country. Landrieu previously served as the White House’s infrastructure coordinator after two terms as New Orleans mayor.   Plus: Jonathan and Landrieu dig into Mosca’s chicken à la grande, oysters Mosca and other Italian-Creole specialties. 

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide.  The Republican governor discusses political violence, social media’s role in fueling polarization, his relationship with President Trump and why he says he is not running for president. He also weighs in on the Republican Party’s future, immigration reform and what it will take to rebuild trust and community in American life.

Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party.   The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle.   Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder. 

Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a pork tenderloin and a deep-fried Twinkie. Sand, a Democrat running in a state that has shifted sharply to the right, makes the case that Iowa voters are fed up with one-party control, corruption and politics as usual. He discusses why Democrats have lost ground in rural America, whether the party has become too focused on insiders and national politics, and how he would govern with a Republican legislature. Sand also weighs in on the future of the Democratic Party, his unlikely friendships with Republican governors — and his brief career as a model.

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes Democrats can't simply campaign on a return to the pre-Trump status quo. Buttigieg argues the party needs to "build what's next," weighs in on the Michigan Senate race, reflects on his time in the Biden administration, and shares his vision for institutional reform, AI, economic inequality and the road to 2028. Plus, he gives Jonathan a tour of his adopted hometown—including a stop for Traverse City's famous cherry ice cream. 

Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028.  The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point.  Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today. 

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) join POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora for a conversation about the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, why the Badlands helped shape one of America's most consequential presidents and how they're betting the landmark will transform North Dakota.  They also discuss President Donald Trump's agenda, the future of the GOP, the politics of conservation and why they believe Theodore Roosevelt's legacy still offers lessons for America as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.