View this post on the web at [link removed]

This podcast is available to all subscribers. However, our exclusive “One More Thing” feature, in which we ask our weekly guest an additional question, is reserved for paid subscribers. You can get a free trial upgrade below… In the “one more thing” video, I discuss the likely GOP candidates for a pending special election to fill the remainder of former Congressman LaMalfa’s term.
🎙️ This Week on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast — Katy Grimes, Editor-in-Chief of the California Globe
For our first podcast interview of the year, So, Does It Matter? is pleased to welcome back Katy Grimes, editor-in-chief of the California Globe, for a timely and wide-ranging conversation about California politics and the events shaping the year ahead. I am Jon Fleischman, publisher of So Does It Matter, and this episode opens with a sober discussion of the sudden passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, a development that has sent shockwaves through California and Washington alike.
Katy and I spend the opening portion of the podcast reflecting on LaMalfa’s life, his role representing California’s rural North State, and the political consequences of his death at a moment when the House Republican majority is already razor-thin. From there, the conversation expands to examine the ripple effects of redistricting, the mechanics of a looming special election, and how a once solidly Republican district is being reshaped under newly approved maps.
The discussion then moves into broader California political terrain, including the growing fallout from massive government fraud, the lack of accountability across state agencies, and what increased federal scrutiny could mean for Sacramento’s political leadership. We also look ahead to the 2026 election cycle, assessing the challenges facing Governor Gavin Newsom, the emerging gubernatorial field, and why the political environment in California may be entering a far more turbulent phase.
It is a candid, substantive conversation that blends breaking news, political analysis, and forward-looking insight at the start of a consequential year in California politics.
🎥 Watch the whole conversation above — and find the video and podcast players below.
Listen Now
If you want to play the audio right here, this is the player:
If you'd like to listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or other platforms, click here [ [link removed] ].
You can find this video on YouTube here [ [link removed] ]. (You can easily embed a video from YouTube into your social media channels! Spread the word.)
Useful Links…
Katy Grimes on X [ [link removed] ].
The California Globe [ [link removed] ].
Jon Fleischman on X [ [link removed] ].
Jon Fleischman’s short video and commentary [ [link removed] ] on the passing of U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa.
Jon’s previous podcast [ [link removed] ] with Katy.
California Patriot Profile: Katy Grimes
Learn more about Katy Grimes. Last year, we did an entire profile of this significant California influencer here [ [link removed] ].
One More Thing…
Below the paywall, you’ll find One More Thing — Usually, the “one more thing” would be an extra question or back and forth with our guest. However, this time, I include additional commentary on who might run for the unexpired remainder of La Malfa’s term. I discussed it a little in the podcast, but I completely left out a key player…
Join the growing community of hundreds of readers who get 100% of Jon’s reporting and analysis. Free subscribers see about 60%—but the whole picture, the deeper dives, and the extras are reserved for paid members. If you value independent journalism that cuts through the noise, this is the place to stand with me. All the reasons to upgrade are right here [ [link removed] ]—come inside. It’s priced at less than half of what Substack recommends… Start with a free trial!...

Unsubscribe [link removed]?