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
Top Oakland leaders say city 'needs' Barbara Lee as mayor in new letter
After the November recall of its mayor Sheng Thao, the group wrote that Oakland is facing "a crisis of leadership." A void they believe would be best filled by Lee.
TIMELINE: San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus investigation
An explosive report about San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus--alleging a culture of intimidation and retaliation as well as an inappropriate intimate relationship with her chief of staff--has plunged the law enforcement agency into disarray. Here's the timeline of events that led up to and followed the report's release.
Newly released bodycam video shows what led up to BART police shooting at East Bay station
BART officials released new body camera video Friday of a police shooting that left a woman injured in the parking lot of the Union City station.
A look at change in Silicon Valley as tech industry shifts to support Trump
President-elect Donald Trump is getting support from Mark Zuckerberg as Meta has announced a donation of $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund. But it is part of a larger shift in the tech industry.
San Francisco homicide rates hit 60-year low, mayor says
Mayor London Breed said there is "more work to do" in making sure San Franciscans and others feel safe and comfortable in the city again but stressed the importance of the new data in helping shift perceptions.
Guyana proposes site of 1978 Jonestown Massacre to tourism; draws concern from Jackie Speier
Nearly 50 years after the massacre at Jonestown, the South American country of Guyana is considering opening up the site for tourism. Former Bay Area Congresswoman Jackie Speier, who was shot five times at the massacre, expresses her concern.
Measure to give power to San Mateo Co. supes to fire Sheriff Christina Corpus heads to March ballot
The San Mateo County Board of supervisors has taken the next step to try and remove embattled Sheriff Christina Corpus from office.
Newsom asks state legislature for $25M legal defense fund before Trump takes office
In anticipation of lawsuits against the incoming Trump administration, Gov. Gavin Newsom is asking state legislators to set aside $25 million to create a litigation fund.
San Mateo Co. captains call for Sheriff Christina Corpus to resign amid misconduct allegations
A letter to San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus that was recently made public states that the command staff unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in her leadership over the weekend.
How SF Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie's diverse transition team hopes to lay groundwork for change
"It's a great blend of people." A group of leaders from the tech industry, nonprofit world, and former government officials are hoping their diverse set of experiences will help set up San Francisco Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie for success before he is sworn into office in January.