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
Who's running for California governor? Hear from top candidates
With ballots already mailed out, California gubernatorial candidates are making their last push to gain votes in the highly-contested primary. ABC7 News Eyewitness Political Reporter Monica Madden is aiming to catch up with all of the candidates as they swing through the Bay Area on the campaign trail, watch those full interviews by tapping the link.
Bianco vows to 'dismantle' Newsom budget in outsider bid for California governor
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is closing out the final stretch of California's gubernatorial primary by pitching himself as a political outsider ready to aggressively upend Democratic leadership in Sacramento.
Governor's Race: Republican Steve Hilton pitches affordability, 'change' to win over non-red voters
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton is betting Californians are frustrated enough with the state's high cost of living to vote for change in a deep-blue state. He sat down for a one-on-one interview with ABC7 Eyewitness News.
Governor's Race: Katie Porter speaks 1-on-1 on strengths, criticisms and priorities for California
On June 2, Californians will choose their top two picks to replace termed-out Gov. Gavin Newsom. ABC7 Eyewitness News Political Reporter Monica Madden is catching up with candidates in these final weeks and spoke one-on-one with former Orange County Congresswoman Katie Porter.
SJ mayor pitches tech accountability plan in bid to stand out in California governor's race
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is betting California voters want a Democrat focused less on ideology and more on results - casting himself as the Silicon Valley candidate best positioned to regulate artificial intelligence without stifling innovation.
Ex-Capitol Hill staffer recounts 'uncomfortable' Swalwell interactions amid new reported allegations
Former East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing renewed scrutiny after a new CNN report detailed accounts from more than a dozen women who described their interactions with him as "uncomfortable."
New report intensifies debate over San Francisco's 'CEO tax' measure
The so-called "CEO tax" would increase an existing city business tax tied to executive pay - applying to companies with at least $1 billion in revenue, and in which its executives earn at least 100 times more than the company's median worker. But a new analysis by the Pragmatic Policy Group argues the tax would not stay confined to large corporations.
Crowded California governor's race tests limits of state's top‑two system as primary draws near
Former State Controller Betty Yee's exit from California's already crowded governor's race -- and her subsequent endorsement of Tom Steyer -- is reigniting a long-running debate over whether the state's top-two primary system is narrowing the field too early and reshaping political decision-making behind the scenes.
Democrat Betty Yee drops out of race for California governor
San Francisco native and former California state controller Betty Yee has announced she's leaving the race for governor after low polling, giving emotional remarks and thanking her family.
Several women accuse Swalwell of sexual assault; congressman calls claims 'flat false'
Sexual assault allegations have been reported against East Bay Rep. Eric Swalwell, one of the top contenders in California's race for governor, following a report by the San Francisco Chronicle detailing accusations from a former female congressional staffer.