Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate
Kevin de León is President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, representing the 24nd District, which includes Downtown Los Angeles and the surrounding area.
PROFILE
Kevin de León
Guest
FROM Kevin de León
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Kevin De León on running for U.S. Senate State Senator Kevin de León is hoping to unseat Dianne Feinstein, who’s been in the U.S. Senate for more than two decades. They are both Democrats. De León wants voters to see him as a progressive option. If elected, he’s promising to push issues like single-payer health care, immigration reform, and clean energy. Senator Kevin de Leon at KCRW. Photos by Christopher Ho.
Olney in L.A.
Retirement security on the chopping block Congress is working to block a California law meant to establish retirement plans for low-income workers. Why?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
California State Senate leader on Trump's border wall President Donald Trump signed executive orders on building a wall along the US- Mexico border and on punishing sanctuary cities. What does this mean for Los Angeles?
To the Point
A new 'Tea Party' emerges from the left States' Rights, designed to curb federal power by the 10th amendment, led to the Civil War and helped the Solid South resist school integration. Now the doctrine is being invoked on behalf of undocumented workers, minority voting, legalized marijuana and regulations to curb climate change. With Trump Republicanism installed in Washington, California and other blue states say they're “strangers in a foreign land.” Why should they subsidize less productive states with federal taxes — when the Electoral College gives them less voting power?
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Democrats take on Donald Trump California’s state legislators are back at work this week. The Democrats have a majority in both houses and have wasted no time criticizing President-elect Donald Trump. They announced legislation to thwart the tough immigration policies he promised during the campaign.
Olney in L.A.
California v. Trump What does the future hold for Californians, the majority of which rejected President-elect Donald Trump and his divisive brand of politics?
Olney in L.A.
Smog Alert In the past 30 years, smog has decreased dramatically in Southern California thanks to the South Coast Air Quality Management District. But the region is still the nation's smoggiest. Now some people are questioning why the new AQMD board is weakening air pollution regulations and adopting rules backed by oil refineries and other major polluters.
Which Way, L.A.?
Cleaning Up Exide, after Decades of Pollution and Misconduct For decades, there've been reports of toxic contamination from the Exide battery recycling plant in Vernon. Finally, after the threat of federal prosecution, Exide has been shut down — with promises of demolition and cleanup. That's not due to action by the State Department of Toxic Substances Control, which allowed Exide to operate without a permit for more than 20 years.
Which Way, L.A.?
New President Pro Tem of the California State Senate The California State Senate has been rocked with scandal this year. Roderick Wright of Inglewood was convicted of perjury. Leland Yee of San Francisco is under federal indictment for smuggling weapons. Ron Calderón of Los Angeles faces corruption and bribery charges. Now, Kevin de León of Los Angeles has been unanimously elected President Pro Tem of the Upper House, saying that his priorities include restoring public trust in the legislature.
Recommended
KCRW Features
Jerry Gonzalez, Latin Jazz Heavyweight, RIP We interviewed Gonzalez twice on KCRW—in 1996 and 2000—and we hear excerpts from those Café LA visits in this special feature.
The 805
A Santa Barbara doctor learns to treat his own pain At the peak of his career as a palliative care doctor in Santa Barbara, Michael Kearney found himself burned out and in a state of personal suffering. Even though he had become an expert in treating the pain of others, he couldn’t treat his own. That changed when he had a revelatory experience that provided him with a path forward. Meanwhile, the November election is just days away, a look at what could happen to the Central Coast if California voters pass Proposition 10.