The Smerconish Podcast · Episode 2106 · November 9, 2026 · 37 min

Trump Won This District by 14 Points. Democrats Just Flipped It | Jon Ralston

A political earthquake in Nevada—and a preview of the battle for the White House in 2028. Michael broadcasts from Las Vegas and sits down with Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, to dissect the Democrats' stunning midterm sweep, including the shocking flip of a congressional district Donald Trump carried by 14 points. Was this a lasting shift among working-class voters or simply a repudiation of Trump? And what does it mean for the next presidential election? With Nevada poised to play a pivotal early role in the 2028 Democratic primaries, Ralston assesses potential contenders including Mark Kelly, Andy Beshear, Ro Khanna, and Rahm Emanuel, along with the emerging Republican rivalry between JD Vance and Marco Rubio. Plus, the power of Nevada's Culinary Union, the state's changing demographics, and why Democrats shouldn't get too comfortable after their big victory. Original air date 9 November 2026.