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
FBI files reveal former Rep. Eric Swalwell admitted relationship with suspected Chinese operative
Former Rep. Eric Swalwell told FBI investigators he had a physical relationship with Christine Fang, the suspected Chinese operative at the center of a yearslong counterintelligence investigation, according to newly declassified records released.
Consumer advocates push back on PG&E spending requests as utility bill frustrations boil over
Frustrations over rising utility bills boiled over at a CPUC meeting Thursday, where consumer advocates urged regulators to reject PG&E's latest spending requests. Advocates and utility customers argued that Californians are already struggling with some of the highest energy bills in the country.
CA governor candidate Xavier Becerra proposes free 'power hour' electricity plan
Becerra unveiled the proposal Tuesday at POLITICO's Sacramento Summit, saying his plan would offer free electricity during a designated midday window. The Democrat said he would work with the regulators, energy providers and other stakeholders to determine how this would be paid, but didn't outline a funding plan.
East Bay congressional race to replace Eric Swalwell heats up between Aisha Wahab, Melissa Hernandez
Voters in the East Bay have about a week to decide who will fill the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell's congressional term in a special election that has become an expensive and increasingly contentious contest between two Democrats. BART Board President Melissa Hernandez and state Sen. Aisha Wahab are facing off in the race.
California offers new tax credit for drivers who switch to electric vehicles: Here's what to know
If you've been thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, California is offering a new tax incentive. Now, Californians will automatically get a $3,500 tax credit for a new zero-emission car, or half that for a used EV.
Alameda County weighs nation's first $30 minimum wage
Under the plan, larger employers would be required to reach the $30 hourly wage sooner, while smaller businesses would have more than a decade to comply.
Prop 40: Despite Newsom's opposition, CA Democrats endorse billionaire tax measure
Supporters say Prop. 40 would apply only to Californians with a net worth that exceeds $1 billion. According to the campaign, the tax could generate about $100 billion and would be paid by roughly 200 billionaires.
In California governor's race, Steve Hilton looks to court voters wary of Trump
Republican gubernatorial nominee Steve Hilton is making an early play for one of the toughest voter blocks for any California Republican: voters who don't like President Donald Trump.
Sausalito city manager expected to be charged with misdemeanors after alleged yacht break-ins
Sausalito City Manager Elaine Forbes is expected to be charged with four misdemeanors during her arraignment Wednesday after authorities accused her of breaking into multiple yachts over the weekend and causing damage.
Clint Reilly, influential SF political strategist and San Francisco Examiner owner, dies at 79
For decades, Clint Reilly was one of the most influential figures operating behind the scenes of Bay Area politics, managing campaigns for Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, advising candidates and helping professionalize a political consulting industry that would grow into a year-round enterprise. He died Sunday at 79.