The Conversation with Dasha Burns

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.