San Diego Politics Show: Episode 2 Dives Into Key Races and City Hall Battles

Breaking down the 48th Congressional District and California governor races, as well as local issues like the fight over short-term rental taxes.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In the second episode of the San Diego Politics Show, host Matt Strabone leads a discussion with Times of San Diego reporter Andrew Keatts and San Francisco Chronicle politics editor Sara Libby on the latest developments in the races for California governor and the 48th Congressional District. The show also features an extended interview with Chris Cate, the president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, about his lobbying efforts against a proposed tax on short-term vacation rentals and a dispute with labor groups over job postings.

Why it matters

The California governor and 48th Congressional District races are two of the most closely watched political contests in the state, with major implications for the direction of state and national politics. Meanwhile, the fight over short-term rental taxes in San Diego highlights the ongoing tensions between business interests and labor groups in the city.

The details

In the extended interview, Chris Cate discusses how the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's lobbying efforts helped kill a proposed tax on short-term vacation rentals at the City Council committee level. At the same time, the Chamber found itself in a dispute with labor groups over job postings on its website for a company that runs detention centers.

  • The San Diego Politics Show is released every other Sunday.
  • The next episode will be released after the June primary election.

The players

Chris Cate

The president and CEO of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Matt Strabone

The host of the San Diego Politics Show.

Andrew Keatts

A reporter for Times of San Diego who appeared on the show.

Sara Libby

The politics editor for the San Francisco Chronicle who appeared on the show.

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What they’re saying

“We'll be up with a new episode every other Sunday from here until the June primary.”

— Matt Strabone, Host, San Diego Politics Show (Times of San Diego)

What’s next

The next episode of the San Diego Politics Show will be released after the June primary election.

The takeaway

The San Diego Politics Show provides an in-depth look at the key political races and issues shaping the city and state, offering valuable insights for voters and political observers.