Monica Madden
Monica is passionate about making the nuanced issues of politics easy to understand and accessible for everyone. She loves to share her reports and behind-the-scenes on social media, with a passion for meeting younger generations where they are, so everyone can access reliable information about what is happening in their communities and government. You can follow and connect with her on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook @TheMonicaMadden.
Before coming to San Francisco, Monica was the Capitol Correspondent at KXAN in Austin, covering the biggest stories in Texas for more than a dozen Nexstar-owned stations. For three years, Monica was on the political beat covering the Texas Legislature. She also frequently crisscrossed the Lone Star State covering everything from wildfires and flooding in the north to issues along the southern border. In 2023, Monica was part of an Emmy-award winning team for best politics/government content for her reporting on the mass school shooting in Uvalde, which she heavily reported on accountability over the failed response for two years.
Prior to Austin, Monica was a political reporter and weekend anchor at WHO 13 News in Des Moines. While in Iowa, she extensively covered the 2020 Iowa Caucuses and interviewed several presidential candidates. Monica enjoyed covering the state legislature, putting into context the policies and issues that affect all Iowans.
Monica is a proud graduate of the University of Missouri, where she majored in broadcast journalism and minored in business. During Monica's time at Mizzou, she worked as a reporter, anchor and digital producer at the local NBC affiliate, KOMU 8 News. On campus, Monica was involved in lots of extracurriculars - including Mizzou Off Broadway, the Student Suicide Prevention Coalition, and various leadership roles in her sorority, Delta Delta Delta.
She's been keen on politics since a young age, in fact, Monica's "dream job" was becoming President of the United States in 2nd grade (that was short-lived). But she truly caught the bug after spending a semester in New York City interning at NBC for Andrea Mitchell Reports in 2018.
Outside of work, Monica loves being outdoors. She looks forward to taking advantage of the scenic views, hiking trails and beautiful weather in the Bay Area. She loves live music, theater and spending quality time with friends and family over a good meal! Monica grew up in Phoenix, Arizona but has always been fond of California. While she mostly covers politics, she is always open to a good story regardless of the topic. If you have story ideas, email Monica or connect with her on social media.
Monica's Stories
Oakland mayoral election: Top candidates share vision for city, crime and more with ABC7
The race for Oakland mayor is on and the top two candidates are making their case ahead of the April 15 special election. They go one-on-one with ABC7 News to share their vision for the city.
CA Democrat, RFK Jr. align in fight against ultra-processed foods in school meals
The 'Make America Healthy Again' movement has in-part popularized a push to rethink what is in the ingredients of food we're eating, but a California Democrat championed this long before the Trump administration put a national spotlight on the issue.
SF mayor announces 'Breaking the Cycle' plan to address homelessness crisis
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is outlining his "Breaking the Cycle" vision to more effectively get people off the street and connected to services while preventing more people from becoming unhoused. Here's what it entails.
Gov. Newsom finds surprising common ground with influential MAGA voices in new podcast
One standout moment in Wednesday's episode included when Steve Bannon agreed with Newsom about concerns about Elon Musk's growing power in the federal government. Bannon has called Musk a "parasitic illegal immigrant."
Who's running for CA governor to replace termed-out Gavin Newsom? Here's a look at field - so far
The field of candidates for California's next governor just got a little bigger. Here's a look at the field so far and how it could change if former Vice President Kamala Harris joins the race.
Could a US Supreme Court conversion therapy case for LGBTQ+ children affect CA? Experts weigh in
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case about whether state and local governments can enforce laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ children.
Amid mass pharmacies closures, San Francisco explores co-op model
As San Francisco faces a wave of pharmacy closures, the city is now exploring ways to financially support mom-and-pop drug stores, including a cooperative model to help them with bulk purchasing and insurance reimbursements.
Early Measure A results show San Mateo Co. voters want embattled sheriff gone. What comes next?
Passage of Measure A will not automatically result in Sheriff Christina Corpus' removal from office. Here's what the next steps would be after the San Mateo County special election.
San Mateo Co. voters to weigh in on embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus' future
Voters in San Mateo County will decide Tuesday whether or not to give the Board of Supervisors the power to remove embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus from office in a special election.
With new powers, SF Mayor Daniel Lurie announces 1st project to address fentanyl crisis
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie signed his priority legislation that will allow his office to forgo the typical lengthy Board of Supervisors approval process for projects related to homelessness, public safety and the drug crisis.