Exit Interview: Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman

CAPITOL WEEKLY PODCAST: As her final term in the senate comes to an end, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman joined us to reflect on her twelve years in the state legislature. A self-described “pragmatic progressive,” Eggman represents the 5th Senate District – San Joaquin County, parts of Stanislaus County and the Sacramento County community of Galt – areas which saw a significant Republican shift this year; San Joaquin County went to Trump in 2024. We asked what she thought her party could do to speak to disaffected voters, what she saw as her successes from her time in office, and where she goes from here.

Plus, Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics?

Show Notes:

:40 How can Democrats do a better job of connecting with voters?

5:13 Messaging

9:25 “You can’t let the base drive the conversation”

10:48 Disconnect on crime

12:22 “People will rise to the expectations we put on them”

15:44 The status of CA’s mental health system

18:50 A look back and a look forward

20:41 The End of Life Act

21:49 Involuntary care

22:44 Right to Repair

26:01 #WWCA