The La Follette Line

On the final episode of The La Follette Line, we sat down with Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to reflect on his past seven years in office. We discussed his career history in public education and government, his goals for the remainder of his term, as well as his message for students in Wisconsin. We wrapped up the show with a look back at our favorite moments on The La Follette Line, reflecting on...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez, who is running for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. We discussed her career history in public health and government, her current responsibilities serving as Lt. Governor under Governor Evers, and how her experience working with the governor is informing her campaign for governor. We...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by U.S. Representative Mark Pocan, who has represented Wisconsin’s second district since 2013. We discussed the resolution of the nation’s longest government shutdown, the latest developments on the Epstein files in Congress, and shifting dynamics in the Republican and Democratic parties. We also talked about Rep. Pocan’s package of bills pus...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Crowley made history as the youngest and first Black county executive in the country. He discussed his priorities for affordability, economic growth, as well as his work in supporting small businesses in Mi...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed Secretary Missy Hughes; lawyer, business executive, and Democratic candidate for Governor of Wisconsin. Hughes previously served as Secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and before that spent 17 years at Organic Valley. We discussed her plans to expand affordable healthcare and housing, strengthen public education...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, who is running for Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin in the 2026 election. Godlewski has held multiple statewide offices, including State Treasurer, where she led the effort to save the office from its elimination. We discussed her campaign for Lieutenant Governor, her priorities around housing affordabil...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, and the second episode of The Gubernatorial Race Series, we welcomed State Representative Francesca Hong, who is running for Wisconsin Governor in the 2026 election. Representing Wisconsin’s 76th Assembly District, Hong discusses her experience as a chef, bartender, and community organizer in her work. Our conversation covered her ideas for affordable housi...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed State Representative Renuka Mayadev, who represents Wisconsin’s 77th Assembly District, covering much of campus. We discussed highlights from her first year in the Assembly, how her background in maternal and child health led her to politics, and her work championing student issues in the Capitol. Catch The La Follette Line live every Tuesday at...

THE GUBERNATORIAL RACE SERIES: This week on The La Follette Line , we kicked off our Gubernatorial Race Series with State Senator Kelda Roys, who’s running in the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor in 2026. Representing Wisconsin’s 26th Senate District, Roys is known for her strong advocacy in women’s rights, affordable healthcare, and environmental protection. Our conversation covered the...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we welcomed Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for the second time. Rhodes-Conway currently serves as the 58th Mayor of Madison, known for her focus on affordable housing, public services, and equitable economic growth. We discussed new developments in public transportation, services for housing, and Madison’s state and federal budget. We also talked about h...

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we were joined by Madison District 8 Alder and Common Council Vice President Muralidharan (MGR) Govindarajan. Representing the UW-Madison campus, MGR focuses on affordable student housing and better public health transportation. We discussed his priorities as alder, his experience as the youngest member of the council, and his role as Vice President. We als...

On Friday, November 22nd, 2025, The La Follette Line hosted Executive Editor of The Nation Magazine John Nichols and University of Wisconsin-Madison Communication Arts Professor Sarah Jedd. We discussed the rhetoric of the 2024 presidential election, the contrasting communication strategies of the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns, the use of social media in the election, and the broader impac...

This week on The La Follette Line, we were joined for the first show of the semester by Managing Editor of The Badger Herald Zoe Klein and Managing Editor of The Daily Cardinal Nick Bumgardner. Together, they discussed the emerging challenges and unique benefits of student journalism, the process of reporting state and campus politics at UW-Madison, and the issues dominating student conversations...

This week on The La Follette Line, we’re joined by Judge Susan Crawford, who is currently running for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. We discuss the importance of the race, Crawford’s plan for connecting with voters, and her message for students.

On this episode of The La Follette Line, we dive into the Milwaukee socialist government's response to the 1918 influenza epidemic. We examine how health department officials worked alongside the Milwaukee Common Council to disseminate public health information across the city. We discuss the diverse coalition of healthcare workers and community stakeholders who helped to prevent the spread of the...

This episode on The La Follette Line, we're joined by State Representative Jodi Emerson and Peter Rickman, president of the Milwaukee Area Service and Hospitality Workers Organization. Together, they bring valuable perspectives on the 2024 election and strategies to revitalize rural and working-class communities in Wisconsin. We dive into the future of the labor movement in the state, examine how...

This episode on The La Follette Line, we're joined by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Democratic Party of Wisconsin Chair Ben Wikler and actor Adam Brody. With the 2024 election day just days away from the date this episode aired, our conversation highlights the critical role of the student vote in shaping Wisconsin's future. We explore the campaigns at local, state and national levels, breaking do...

On this special episode of The La Follette Line, we shine a light on Wisconsin's political scene with a diverse panel of guests: Actors Adam Scott and Ed Helms to join us to discuss their take on Wisconsin Voting and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to offer an outsider's perspective on Wisconsin's political significance. We also hear from Wisconsin Assembly candidates Rep. Steve Doyle, Elizabeth Grabe...

This week on The La Follette Line, we welcome Dr. Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, and Erik Olsen, Republican candidate for Wisconsin's 2nd Congressional District. Dr. Franklin, a nationally recognized pollster, will provide insights into Wisconsin's electoral landscape, discussing voter trends and key issues influencing the 2024 elections. Erik Olsen will share his cam...

This week on The La Follette Line, we’re joined by Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. We discuss why women win as candidates, what Democrats are doing to motivate student voters and how to foster productive conversations about politics.  Listen to the show live every Friday on WSUM 91.7 FM Madison at 12 PM CST. 

This week on The La Follette Line, we’re joined by Congressman Mark Pocan and Vogue Correspondent Jack Schlossberg. Along with our guests, we take an in-depth look at the history of progressivism in Wisconsin and how Wisconsin Progressives continue to shape the national narrative. We discuss the state and national political landscape and talk about the role social media is playing this election cy...

This week on The La Follette Line, we're joined by the National President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, Alexi McGill Johnson, and State Representative Francesca Hong. With both guests, we dive into the history of access to reproductive healthcare, particularly discussing how the issue has motivated Wisconsin voters. With the presidential campaigns ramping up, we reflect on how reproductive rights...

This week on The La Follette Line, we're joined by State Senator Kendra Roys for a conversation on reproductive rights and flipping the state senate. We dive into Roys' history of activism, talk about the importance of the student vote and reflect on access to reproductive healthcare in Wisconsin. We discuss key races for the Wisconsin State Assembly and consider the issues motivating voters this...

This week on The La Follette Line, we’re joined by Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway for a conversation into Madison’s future. We discuss her ties to UW-Madison, the ongoing housing crisis affecting students, and her efforts to improve public transit with the Bus Rapid Transit system. We also get her perspective on the recent political debate and what it means for voters in Madison.