Scott Shafer

KQED Contributor

Scott Shafer is a senior editor with the KQED Politics and Government desk. He is co-host of Political Breakdown, the award-winning radio show and podcast with a personal take on the world of politics. Scott came to KQED in 1998 to host the statewide California  Report. Prior to that he had extended stints in politics and government. He uses that inside experience at KQED in his, reporting, hosting and analysis for the politics desk. Scott collaborated Political Breakdown and on The Political Mind of Jerry Brown, an eight-part series about the life and extraordinary political career of the former governor. For fun, he plays water polo with the San Francisco Tsunami.

By Scott ShaferBy Scott Shafer

What’s Katie Porter’s Lane in the 2026 Governor Race?

San José Mayor Matt Mahan's Aggressive Plan to Tackle Homelessness

Could GOP Spending Cuts Cost Republicans the House?

Newsom Splits With Democrats on Trans Athletes in Sports

The outside of a door.

Why California’s Homeless Shelters Are a ‘Bridge to Nowhere’

How Trump 2.0 Has Embraced Project 2025

Homeless Shelters Rife With Chaos, Assaults, Scandals — and Little Accountability

Barbara Lee, Loren Taylor Square Off in Oakland Mayoral Forum

Where Does Trump’s Pivot to Russia Leave Europe, NATO and Ukraine?