OPB Politics Now

Greg Walden has been a major feature of Oregon politics for decades. Now the former congressman has emerged as the most-influential figure in helping Republicans win back power in the state Capitol.  On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Alex Zielinski discuss the state of Republican fundraising in Oregon, Walden’s influence and much more. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.  

Oregon Democrats and Republicans are locked in battle this year over a number of high profile congressional seats in the state. So why has the Oregon GOP been focusing so much on the tiny Libertarian Party of Oregon? On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk with Julia Shumway of the Oregon Capital Chronicle about her recent reporting. We discussed Republicans’ mission to clear the ballot of spoiler candidates, and why it might be a longshot. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.  

Oregon’s experiment with decriminalization is over. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Conrad Wilson are joined by editor Michelle Wiley to discuss the new world beginning on September 1st and beyond. Subscribe to OPB Politics Now anywhere you get your podcasts – or watch it on YouTube – to get the latest episodes each Friday.  

Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but two elected officials in Multnomah County had a public dispute in recent weeks over how to address homeless camping. This time the elected sheriff of the state’s most populous county was at loggerheads with Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, but now they appear to be on the same page. On this week’s episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Alex Zielinski and Dirk VanderHart discuss the latest on the issue and what comes next. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

Portland’s government makeover will fundamentally alter how things work inside City Hall. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Alex Zielinski and Dirk VanderHart go deep into how the City Council will introduce legislation, engage the public and much more. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts

We're taking a break from the normal pod this week, but with good reason. OPB's Think Out Loud host Dave Miller recently sat down with Oregon Governor Tina Kotek for a lengthy discussion that touches on cell phones in schools, the controversy over first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson and lots more. We'll be back with a new episode next week.

On this week's show, reporters Lauren Dake, Troy Brynelson and Jeanie Lindsay discuss the big races in next week's Washington state primary.

On this week's show, OPB reporters Lauren Dake and Bryce Dole examine Democratic responses in Oregon to President Joe Biden's decision to exit the race.

Peter Courtney, the longest-serving state lawmaker in Oregon history, and arguably the most consequential one died this week. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, Lauren Dake and Dirk VanderHart talk about Courtney’s legacy and the influence he had over policies that now shape our state.

Oregon’s top transportation officials said they need billions of dollars to maintain the state’s roadways. Without it there will be more potholes, more traffic and worse driving conditions for everyone. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll dig into the politics and ask what it will take to make Portland great for bikes again. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.