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
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.
Gov. Newsom signs affordable housing bill changing where CA directs financing to build developments
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new affordable housing bill that streamlines state financing and reduces impact fees, aiming to cut costs and speed construction of more homes statewide.
Another proposal to reopen SF's Great Highway as relitigation continues: 'It's time to move on'
Organizers seeking to reopen San Francisco's Great Highway on weekdays submitted signed petitions in an effort to qualify a measure for the November ballot. Supporters of the measure say the closure benefits "the few at the expense of the many," but opponents say "it's making the community stronger" and "it's time to move on."
As America turns 250, Bay Area leaders say democracy's story isn't finished: 'We have to go forward'
As the United States marks 250 years since declaring its independence, Americans are celebrating a milestone while also grappling with uncertainty about the country's future. The question hanging over this Fourth of July is one that reaches beyond fireworks and parades: Is the American experiment still working? For several Bay Area members of Congress, the answer begins with history.
Multiple arrested during fight at SF Trans March; Sen. Scott Wiener claims harassment at event
Vandalism along the route of the San Francisco Trans March on Friday led to five arrests and a scuffle that injured two officers, police said. California State Sen. Scott Wiener also said he was chased away from the Trans March by harassment over his stance on Israel and Gaza.
New bill would reward companies for training and hiring the human workforce behind AI
A new federal proposal aims to expand workforce training partnerships between employers and colleges as artificial intelligence reshapes the job market.
SF Supervisor Jackie Fielder to return after mental health leave; reflects on recovery in video post
San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder will return to City Hall next week after taking a three-month leave of absence, saying she stepped away from the job because her mental health demanded it. "This leave, and even my whole adult life, has been an entire journey on mental health," Fielder said. "And I know I'm not the only one who struggles with it."
Silicon Valley spent big in California's primary election. Did tech money influence the results?
California's June primary delivered a mixed verdict on Silicon Valley's growing political influence.