The congressional race in the Lehigh Valley could help decide who controls the House of Representatives in Washington. Incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Susan Wild is facing Republican challenger Ryan Mackenzie in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. NBC 10 reached out to both campaigns to interview the candidates - only Wild agreed to speak with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, they spoke about a wide range of issues, including inflation, the cost of childcare, immigration, abortion and more. Here’s a full breakdown of their interview: :30 – Inflation and unsatisfied voters 3:39 – Inflation and the federal government 5:05 – The cost of childcare 7:17 – ‘No taxes on tips’ proposals from presidential candidates 8:34 – Trump’s proposal for no taxes on social security, overtime 10:26 – Differences between Biden and Harris 12:19 – Foreign policy and aid for Ukraine 15:23 – Immigration and border security 21:42 – Abortion rights 23:56 – The 7th District race and Pennsylvania

1:01 - On corruption in New Jersey politics2:30 - Kim's effort to change "county line" ballots3:53 - How to tackle inflation and high prices6:37 - On critiques from Bashaw on government spending8:42 - Kim's stance on tax policy10:33 - How would a Senator Kim deal with a President Donald Trump?11:56 - Potential changes to the structure of the Supreme Court13:37 - On abortion law16:04 - On immigration

:32 - Why should voters take a chance on Bashaw?1:22 - On the economy2:31 - How Bashaw would vote on tax policy and government spending4:44 - Where Bashaw thinks the government can make cuts5:59 - On Trump's tariff plan7:22 - Bashaw's stance on abortion10:30 - What is Bashaw's relationship with Trump?11:58 - On the integrity of the 2020 election13:30 - On immigration17:52 - On corruption in New Jersey politics19:06 - How Bashaw, a gay man, felt about an LGBTQ-equality group endorsing his opponent

Pennsylvania’s Senate race is one of the most-watched in the country. Senator Bob Casey, a Democrat, is facing Republican Dave McCormick. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk invited both candidates to speak with her. Sen. Casey is the first to accept. He spoke with Lauren following a West Philadelphia campaign event and covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, Medicare, abortion, immigration, and aid for Israel and the situation in Gaza. Editor’s Note: The interview took place before the death of Hamas leader Yahwa Sinwar was confirmed. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: :43 – The economy, high prices and ‘greedflation’ 2:43 – Social security and Medicare 5:05 – Abortion and women’s health care 6:49 – Immigration and the border 9:33 – Israel-Hamas war

We traveled across Pennsylvania talking to voters and local leaders about the presidential electionNBC10’s Lauren Mayk spent a week in October traveling across Pennsylvania, a key swing state that is expected to play a pivotal role in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren shares highlights from her tour in which she spoke with voters, volunteers, officials and political leaders about Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump and key issues of the election. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: :33 – Speaking with voters in the Pittsburgh area 2:10 – Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker talks the importance of Beaver County, Pa.3:50 – House Speaker Joanna McClinton on the political differences across Pennsylvania 4:27 – Fracking and the energy industry 6:28 – Speaking with voters and volunteers in Erie County, Pennsylvania 11:13 – Penn State University students on the presidential election 14:13 – Gov. Josh Shapiro on Kamala Harris and the election 18:42 – Eric Trump talks about his father Donald Trump and Pennsylvania 23:12 – Scranton Mayor and voters speak on the election 24:49 – Hazleton Latino voters and the presidential election in Luzerne County28:15 – Lancaster County voters and the presidential election 29:47 – Berks County leader, voter speak on the election

Republican Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance and Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz were both in Pennsylvania for campaign rallies over the weekend. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Vance at his rally in Leesport about Donald Trump’s controversial statements on Haitian immigrants, how a Trump presidency would handle healthcare and IVF treatments and a recent report alleging that Mark Robinson, the Republican candidate for governor in North Carolina, referred to himself as a “Black Nazi” in an online post.Lauren also spoke with Trump supporters at the Leesport rally as well as Kamala Harris supporters at Walz’s rally in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, including a Kenyan native and US citizen who spoke out against Trump’s comments on immigrants.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:JD Vance interview :44 – The Mark Robinson allegations2:03 – How healthcare and IVF would work under a Trump presidency4:28 – What Vance would say to immigrants who are upset about Trump’s rhetoricInterview with voters at Tim Walz rally 6:29 –US citizen from Kenya on Trump’s comments on immigrants6:53 – Harris supporter on why she’s ‘desperate’ to keep Trump out of the White House7:45 – Harris supporter explains why Tim Walz appeals to her and how she feels about the presidential raceInterview with voters at JD Vance rally 10:30 – Pa. voters explain why they support Donald Trump and JD Vance12:00 – Trump supporters discuss the issues that matter to them the most14:44 – Trump supporter discusses racial division and how to solve it

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are set to face off at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for the presidential debate on Tuesday, Sept. 10. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with National Constitution Center president and CEO Jeffrey Rosen about the preparations being made. She also speaks with Pennsylvania voters about what they want to hear from both Trump and Harris during the debate and the rest of the presidential race. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:Jeffrey Rosen, National Constitution Center President and CEO :33 – The significance of having the presidential debate in Philadelphia1:08 – How the National Constitution Center is preparing for the debate1:49 – The stakes of Tuesday’s presidential debate2:27 – How the rules impact the dynamics of the presidential debate3:18 – The importance of watching the entire presidential debate 4:07 – Appearance vs. substance in presidential debates5:34 – The impact of the 2008 debate between Obama and Clinton at the National Constitution Center6:31 – Things to watch for during Tuesday’s debateMajesty Moreland, voter 7:50 – How she feels about the presidential race8:09 – What she’s looking for in Tuesday’s debate9:00 – How she feels about Kamala Harris and her policies10:35 – Whether or not she will vote in November11:20 – Issues she hopes Harris, Trump address in the debateNeil Stolar, voter 11:53 – Keeping an open mind as the presidential race continues12:40 – Whether or not the debate will influence who he votes forIrma Fralic, voter14:10 – What she wants to hear during the debate14:35 – Whether or not she has an idea of what both candidates would do with foreign policyPam Barnes, voter15:17 – What she hopes to hear from Harris, Trump during the debate16:33 – Who she will vote for and why

NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk was on the floor with delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In this episode, hear her conversations with lawmakers (Philadelphia Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Senator Chris Coons) - and an unexpected appearance by Delaware Governor John Carney - on the night Hillary Clinton and President Biden took the stage at the DNC. She also spoke with former Congressman Patrick Murphy from Bucks County about his friendship with Gov. Tim Walz and his family. 1:06 – Philadelphia Council member Katherine Gilmore Richardson reflects on Hillary Clinton’s run in 20161:34 – Richardson on chants of “Lock Him Up” during Hillary Clinton’s speech2:44 – Pennsylvania Congresswoman Madeleine Dean how she’s feeling being at the DNC for the first time4:47 – Rep. Dean on President Joe Biden stepping aside and not running again5:55 – Delaware Gov. John Carney joins the conversation to reflect on President Biden’s life in politics8:30 – Delaware Senator Chris Coons on the historic nature of the DNC9:21 – Sen. Coons shares the advice Pres. Biden shared with him10:07 – Coons talks about Biden’s decision to step aside for Vice President Kamala Harris to run for the White House11:05 – Coons discusses Biden’s potential impact on VP Harris’ campaign and possible administration13:20 – Coons on protests regarding the Israel-Hamas War and the election14:55 – Former Congressman Patrick Murphy from Bucks County shares insight into knowing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz17:02 – Murphy shares his thoughts on former President Donald Trump’s criticism of Walz’s military service18:33 – Murphy how Bucks County voters will view Walz’s record as governor in Minnesota

Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker’s spirited statements during the ceremonial roll call has made him one of the breakout stars of the Democratic National Convention. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk spoke with Mayor Walker about his late sister and how she inspired him. She also spoke with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg about Harris and the importance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:Interview with Pete Buttigieg:38 – The importance of Pennsylvania in the 2024 presidential election1:18 – Kamala Harris’ stance on fracking2:05 – Whether or not a Harris administration would be similar to Biden’s administration3:02 – What the VP nomination process was like4:05 – Attacks on Tim Walz’s military service4:21 – Robert F. Kennedy Jr.5:16 – Whether or not Buttigieg would serve in a Harris administration5:31 – Whether or not Buttigieg would run for president againInterview with Mayor Dwan B. Walker6:15 – Mayor Walker introduces himself and Aliquippa6:30 – What the roll call was like at the DNC7:03 – How Walker’s late sister inspired him9:43 – What it’s like to nominate a Black woman as president11:08 – What made Walker attend the DNC11:34 – What Walker represents12:33 – Speaking with voters about the economy

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk spoke with Parker about Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Harris’ choice of Tim Walz as a runningmate over Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Parker’s plans to turn out voters in Philadelphia this fall. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode. :37 – Parker’s goals at the DNC 1:45 – Parker on whether Harris can win Pa. without Shapiro as her running mate 3:12 – Whether or not promoting Shapiro for VP ended up backfiring 4:46 – How Parker’s connections with Philly voters will impact the presidential election 6:50 – Whether or not Parker is nervous about what Harris could face as a woman of color running for office8:21 – Trump’s comments on Harris’ race 9:23 – Whether she would consider no taxes on tips in Philly 12:06 – Whether she’d consider serving in a Harris administration

There has been some political drama in Montgomery County connected to the presidential race. A local Republican Committee official says he will not vote for the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and has encouraged others to join him. Matthew McCaffery said that led to a formal complaint against him and talk of a disciplinary hearing if he didn't resign. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10's Lauren Mayk sat down with both McCaffery and the chair of the Montgomery County Republican Committee to ask about what happens now as well as talk of ticket-splitting and winning over voters. Here's a full breakdown of the episode: 0:44 – Matthew McCaffery discusses being a lifelong Republican and why he’s not supporting candidate Donald Trump2:15 – McCaffery explains his previous votes3:12 – McCaffery talks about why choosing Joe Biden or Kamala Harris is a better choice in his eyes4:40 – Why he voted for Nikki Halley in PA’s primary5:20 – Reflecting on Nikki Haley supporting Donald Trump6:42 – Going against his own party8:20 – McCaffery discusses where any disciplinary actions stand against him9:37 – McCaffery explains why he thinks he should still hold his seat despite breaking the bylaws10:22 – The fight for the Republicans who are pushing back against Donald Trump and his supporters11:43 – McCaffery discusses other candidates and who he supports in the upcoming election12:43 – McCaffery looks ahead at what his future looks like in the Republican party and as a voter14:14 – Christian Nascimento explains Montgomery County Republican Committee bylaws16:11 – Nascimento on the difference between being a voter, being part of party leadership16:30 – November election17:44 – Nascimento on fighting for every vote19:40 – Impact of change at the top of the Democratic ticket20:32 – Potential impact on down-ballot races21:32 – The excitement of voters on the ground in Montgomery County22:52 – If having a woman on the top of the Democratic ticket changes Republican’s strategy22:37 – How Montgomery County’s committee works with nearby counties24:17 – Nascimento shares his thoughts on the possibility of voters ticket-splitting24:55 – How rare is a situation like the one with McCaffery26:45 – If Matthew McCaffery would be kicked out in the event he doesn’t resign

United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recently visited Philadelphia to meet with city employees who’ve benefitted from the public service loan forgiveness program. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Cardona about a wide range of issues, including student loan forgiveness, campus protests, education funding and whether he’d serve in a Harris administration. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: :51 – Student loans 2:36 – Timeline of student loan forgiveness plan 5:00 – The Hatch Act 6:00 – Access to financial aid 7:50 – Campus protests amid the Israel-Hamas War 10:00 – School funding in Pennsylvania12:15 – Possibility of serving in a Kamala Harris administration

Earlier this year, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with undecided Pennsylvania voters about the 2024 presidential race. Now that President Joe Biden has dropped out of the race and former President Donald Trump has a running mate, Lauren reconnected with those voters to hear their thoughts about the changes as well as whether or not they’ve made a decision. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 1st interview: Michele Frankel of Bucks County, Pennsylvania 1:44 – Thoughts on the presidential race now that Biden is out 2:37 – State of the economy 2nd interview: Pam Barnes of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania 4:23 – The current presidential race 4:50 – Thoughts on Kamala Harris 6:04 – RNC and JD Vance 6:54 – Hearing from Donald Trump’s granddaughter3rd interview: Ian Callaghan, Temple University student 8:02 – Whether or not he’ll support Kamala Harris 9:02 – Kamala Harris and Biden’s policies 10:30 – Whether or not the country would be ready for a female president 10:53 – Concern over Harris’ chances of winning

Editor's Note: This interview took place before Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the presidential race. Senator Kim Ward is the President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate and the highest-ranking Republican in the Pennsylvania legislature. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk spoke with Sen. Ward outside the Republican National Convention about a variety of topics, including the current political environment and what’s ahead for Pennsylvania. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:1:00 – How Pennsylvania is being viewed1:50 – Trump’s chances in Pennsylvania2:50 – The impact of inflation on Pa. voters3:45 – Immigration and the border5:00 – Mass deportation5:52 – Strong rhetoric during the presidential race8:35 – Changing the political environment10:40 – Potential reactions if Trump loses11:18 – The GOP’s plans for Pennsylvania12:04 – The likelihood of knowing the election results early in Pa.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Ohio Senator JD Vance was announced as Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 presidential race. The convention also included a speech by Dave McCormick, the Republican candidate for Senate in Pennsylvania who is looking to unseat Democratic Senator Bob Casey. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with McCormick and other RNC attendees about Vance, how Pennsylvania voters could react to him and other issues. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode. Interview with Dave McCormick :46 – What it was like to speak at the RNC 1:20 – Reacting to the assassination attempt on Donald Trump 2:12 – Political rhetoric in the aftermath of the shooting 2:50 – GOP VP nominee JD Vance’s impact on Pennsylvania Interview with Jeff Bartos 3:41 – How voters in the Philly suburbs will react to Vance 4:30 – How Pa. voters will react to Vance’s stance on abortion 5:21 – Vance’s stance on Israel Interview with Andy Reilly 6:11 – The importance of Pennsylvania Interview with Lawrence Tabas 6:35 – 2024 RNC and presidential race8:04 – The GOP’s messaging in Pennsylvania 8:46 – Mail-in ballots 10:10 – Thoughts on JD Vance

The Republican National Convention took place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, only days after former President and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump was injured in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania that also left two people – including the gunman – dead and two others injured. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, delegates at the RNC share their reactions to the shooting as well as their thoughts on Trump and the current state of the GOP. Here's a full breakdown of the episode: 1st interview: James Hutchison of Lackawanna County, Pa. :41 -- Reaction to the assassination attempt 1:10 -- Concerns over Trump’s safety going forward 2:15 – Changes to the Republican party platform 3:50 – Reaction to Project 2025 2nd interview: Leslie Morgan of Delaware County, Pa.5:00 – Staying focused on the RNC platform after assassination attempt on Trump6:02 – Abortion and the current GOP platform 3rd interview: Michael Giannetta and Michael Giannetta Jr. of Lackawanna County, Pa.8:04 – Why Michael Jr. wanted to attend the RNC 8:24 – Reaction to assassination attempt on Trump 10:04 – Impact of assassination attempt on political rhetoric 4th interview: Patrick and Eve Cubbage of Northampton County, Pa. 11:08 – Overall feeling after assassination attempt on Trump

Republicans will formally nominate Donald Trump for president for a third straight time at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with a panel of political insiders about what people can expect from the 2024 RNC. That panel includes Jim Worthington, the Chair of the Pennsylvania Delegation to the RNC, Guy Ciarrocchi of the Commonwealth Foundation, and Mustafa Rashed of Bellevue Strategies. Then Lauren speaks with University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor Michael Wagner who compares the two swing states Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: Jim Worthington, Guy Ciarrocchi, Mustafa Rashed preview the Republican National convention :48 – How the 2024 RNC will be different from past conventions 2:00 – Whether or not everyone at the 2024 RNC will be “all in” on Trump 2:45 – Unity among Republicans 4:15 – Democrats during the RNC5:28 – Appealing to independent voters 7:00 – The current GOP platform 8:45 – What Democrats are watching for at the RNC 10:51 – Potential impact of Trump’s criminal sentencing 13:00 – GOP strategies after the RNC Professor Michael Wagner compares Wisconsin to Pennsylvania as swing states 15:00 – Why Wisconsin is a swing state 15:40 – The current political state of Wisconsin 17:20 – The political geography of Wisconsin 18:22 – The politics of the Wisconsin suburbs 19:20 – Key counties in Wisconsin 20:09 – The impact of demographic changes in Wisconsin 21:04 – What people don’t realize about Wisconsin that could make a difference in the election22:07 – How Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are similar as swing states

In the hours after the presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk caught up with a Philly resident, a Montgomery County resident and a South Jersey resident to get their reactions. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, the three voters shared their thoughts on the debate and whether or not they’re closer to making a decision. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 1st voter: Majesty Moreland of North Philadelphia :45 – Thoughts on the presidential debate 1:10 – Lack of confidence after debate 2:02 – Thoughts on Biden and Trump 2:36 – Whether or not Biden’s age impacts her vote 3:30 – Whether or not she will vote for Trump 4:00 – Where the debate leaves her as a voter 4:47 – Why she voted for Biden in 2020 5:30 – Whether or not Democrats should change their candidate 6:13 – Thoughts on Vice President Kamala Harris 2nd voter: Irma Fralic of Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 6:58 – Thoughts on the presidential debate 8:11 – Unanswered questions during the debate 11:20 – Whether or not she wants Biden and Trump to debate again 11:55 – Changing the party system 13:52 – Deciding who to vote for 3rd voter: Bill Schmidt of East Greenwich, New Jersey 15:36 – Thoughts on the presidential debate 16:52 – Thoughts on Trump’s answers during the debate 18:37 – Thoughts on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 20:45 – Who he would vote for today 21:13 – What he’s hoping comes out of the debate

In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel about the challenges the city faces, the future of Kensington and the status of an investigation into overspending by the Office of Homeless Services during the city’s previous administration. Thiel also spoke with Lauren about whether or not he would ever consider running for office.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:1:05 – The transition from fire commissioner to managing director2:04 – The differences between Mayor Kenney and Mayor Parker3:13 – Thiel’s thoughts on his successor, Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson3:53 – The next steps for Kensington7:00 – The status of the people who were in Kensington’s homeless encampment8:32 – How housing works for the previously unhoused10:28 – Current timeline of the Riverview Wellness Village12:30 – City’s involvement with treatment centers13:41 – Status of homeless shelter in Fairmount after city council votes to block renewal of lease16:14 – Pushback from city residents on homeless shelters18:11 – The city budget proposal process19:57 – The investigation of overspending in the Office of Homeless Services24:00 – Fixing staffing issues at city prisons26:44 – Expectations for full-time return to office for city employees29:30 – Thiel on whether or not he would ever run for office

Registered Democrats and Republicans are only separated by about 1,000 voters in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks with Bucks County Republican Committee Chair Pat Poprik about what she’s doing to secure votes for Donald Trump. She also spoke with a Bucks County resident who remains undecided on who she plans to vote for in the 2024 election.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: :22 – Undecided Bucks County voter’s concerns over Biden, Trump1:19 – Why Pat Poprik feels encouraged about the upcoming election 4:55 – Bucks County in the spotlight 6:12 – How Republicans are engaging with undecided voters7:30 – Pat Poprik speaks on Biden 9:20 – Voter decisions and Nikki Haley voting trends 12:38 – Pat Poprik on abortion issue15:05 – Upcoming plans and mail-in ballots