Battleground Politics With Lauren Mayk

The race for Pennsylvania’s first congressional district in Bucks County could help determine who controls Congress after the midterm elections. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Democratic candidate Bob Harvie who is attempting to flip the seat.

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With Election Day approaching, Pennsylvania’s Republican U.S. Senator Dave McCormick spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the midterms, gas prices, his work with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman and more in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

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The midterm elections are rapidly approaching and one of the most closely watched Congressional races is right here in our region: Pennsylvania's 7th District in the Lehigh Valley. NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk sat down with the two major party candidates who are running. NBC10 asked both candidates for the same amount of time for an interview - the Brooks campaign gave us less time than we asked for, limiting our time with the candidate. 

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The midterm elections are rapidly approaching and one of the most closely watched Congressional races is right here in our region: Pennsylvania's 7th District in the Lehigh Valley. NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk sat down with the two major party candidates who are running. NBC10 asked both candidates for the same amount of time for an interview - the Brooks campaign gave us less time than we asked for, limiting our time with the candidate. 

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The Lehigh Valley will play a critical role in the upcoming Pennsylvania elections. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Latino voters in Allentown about the issues they’re most concerned about ahead of the midterms.

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Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker reflected on 1,000 days in office by talking about what her administration has done so far and what could be ahead in city hall and beyond. In a one-on-one with NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk, Mayor Parker, who is up for re-election next year, talks about the battle over the ride-share tax, cleaning up Kensington, the larger political environment and more.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Intro

:23 – Accomplishments of 1,000 days

1:17 – The biggest challenges facing Philadelphia

3:34 – A holistic approach to tackling violence

5:53 – Cleaning up...

In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Senator Joe Pittman, a Republican and the majority leader of the Pennsylvania Senate, speaks with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the return to session, skill games and more.

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On Sept. 9, 2026, members of the Pennsylvania House met at Congress Hall in Philadelphia’s Old City to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of the Pennsylvania constitution. Before the historic session, House Speaker Joanna McClinton spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the upcoming Pennsylvania election, the future of data centers, transit funding and skill games in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Intro

:51 – A historic session in Philly

2:36 – Childhood dreams and career goals

3:18 –...

The attorney for John Dougherty, also known as "Johnny Doc," confirmed with NBC10 that the former IBEW Local 98 business manager has been released from prison. The update comes one day after attorney George Bochetto told NBC10's Lauren Mayk that President Donald Trump shortened Dougherty's sentence by signing a commutation on Thursday, Sept. 3. Bochetto sat down with Lauren in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

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As the 2026-2027 school year began in the School District of Philadelphia, NBC10 Political Reporter Lauren Mayk sat down with the man in charge of Philadelphia schools, Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington. They talked about what Watlington hopes to see this year, how long it’s going to take to deal with an asbestos issue at Kensington High School and the district’s Facilities Plan.
 

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In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Philadelphia’s new managing director Carlton Williams. Williams has held multiple jobs in Philadelphia under multiple administrations, including L&I and the Office of Clean and Green. He speaks with Lauren about his new role, how he handled another big job in the spotlight and what’s currently on his plate.

Here's a full breakdown of the episode:  

:00 - Intro  

1:02 – Williams’ approach to his new role  

2:48 – How Williams will differ from previous managing director Adam Thiel  

5:09 – Adjusting to a new...

Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order placing what he described as the most stringent requirements on data center development in the country. But how will the new guidelines work? In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk discussed the order and its expected impact on data centers with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Gov. Josh Shapiro on data centers

1:54 – Response to Gov. Shapiro’s executive order

3:08 – How new permit process will impact the pace of data center...

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited the Energy Transfer Marcus Hook Terminal on Aug. 7, 2026. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Interior Secretary Burgum about energy, gas prices as well as the Trump administration’s approach to data centers, changes to the President's House slavery exhibit, and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

0:00 – Intro

1:00 -- Energy and gas prices in the U.S.

3:52 -- Trump administration and data centers

7:09 -- Reasoning for changes to the President's House slavery exhibit

11:00 -- Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool modifications and ch...

The City of Philadelphia is in negotiations with waste management company Reworld, which operates an incinerator in Chester. Philadelphia's waste disposal process has been a source of debate, and City Council is expected to vote on the contract when it returns in September. Philadelphia's Sanitation Commissioner Crystal Jacobs Shipman and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier discuss the implications of the waste incineration contract, and what’s next.

Here's a full breakdown of the episode:  

0:08 – Trash incinerator in Chester  

0:58 -- Philadelphia Sanitation Commissioner Crystal Jacobs Shipman on Philadelphia waste contract

2:09 – Waste management contract with Reworld...

With the midterm elections less than 100 days away, both Democrats and Republicans are making their preparations. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk looks at the push from both parties in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

Here's a full breakdown of the episode:  

0:25 -- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Democrats' affordability pitch

1:57 -- Former U.S. Representative Susan Wild on running in Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District

6:10 -- Former Rep. Susan Wild on Democratic House candidate Bob Brooks

7:37 -- U.S. House of Representatives candidate Bob B...

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania's 2026-2027 budget into law on Sunday, July 12 after both chambers of the legislature passed it. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Pa. Rep. Jordan Harris, the House appropriations chair, as well as Sen. Joe Picozzi about what this year’s budget includes and the work that went into passing it.  

Here's a full breakdown:  

0:44 -- Head of Philabundance Loree Jones-Brown and SNAP cards

2:30 -- Rep. Jordan Harris on passing budget

3:30 -- Negotiations for the budget

4:05 -- Education fundin...

Philadelphia Democrats recently met at their party headquarters for a meeting that occurs every four years. These meetings have a long-lasting impact on both a local and national level. This year’s meeting occurred amid talks of what the future of the Democratic party looks like as well as what roles progressives – who recently notched big wins in Philadelphia – will play. The ward leaders also re-elected longtime chairman Bob Brady for another four years. Recently, District Attorney Larry Krasner suggested Brady should step down after 40 years in the role. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spo...

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters recently visited Philadelphia. During his visit, he spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the midterm elections, Pennsylvania and more.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Intro

1:12 – What Republicans are doing in Pennsylvania

1:42 – GOP strategy amid low approval ratings for Trump

3:02 – Higher gas prices and voters

5:50 – Where in Pennsylvania Gruters would want Trump to campaign

6:50 – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Bucks County

8:09 –NJ Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and transparency

9:37 – NJ Rep. Jeff Van Drew

11:30 – Califo...

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner recently urged Philadelphia Democratic Party Chair Bob Brady to step aside though Brady told NBC10’s Lauren Mayk he’s planning to run for another term. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Krasner speaks with Lauren about the progressive movement, changes he’d like to see in Philadelphia and his own future. 

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Longtime Philadelphia Democratic chair Bob Brady says that he plans to run again but this could be his last term. NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk has more in this edition of Battleground Politics. 

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The New Jersey Primary is set to take place on Tuesday and voters in the Garden State are preparing to make decisions that will set the stage for the midterms. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Micah Rasmussen, the director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, about the big races to watch, including the New Jersey senate, 12th district, 7th district and 2nd district primaries.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Intro

:19 – Preview of the 12th congressional district primary

2:23 –...

Pennsylvania’s 3rd District Democratic primary pitted a progressive movement against establishment power players. In the end, State Rep. Chris Rabb, a Democratic socialist, won the primary, paving the way for a seat in congress. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with prominent Philadelphia labor leader Ryan Boyer about why the candidate he backed – Sen. Sharif Street – lost. She also spoke with J.J. Balaban, a partner with Technicolor Campaigns, who analyzed the primary results.

:00 – Intro

:49 – Analyzing the results of the 3rd District Democratic primary

1:44 – A good primary for Ph...

After his victory in a Democratic primary that paves the way to send him to Congress, State Rep. Chris Rabb credited grassroots organizing for his win and said he will be a “bonus rep” for people across he country. Listen to his full interview with NBC10's Lauren Mayk in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

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We’re only a few days away from Pennsylvania’s primary election day in which voters will decide who will be on the ballot during the general election in November. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Pennsylvania Secretary Al Schmidt as he and other election officials across the commonwealth prepare for the primary. They also spoke about threats of political violence, President Trump's executive order regarding voting and how the commonwealth handles voter lists.

:00 – Intro

:25 – Man accused of threatening Pennsylvania lawmakers

1:28 – Political violence across the country

2:30 –...

The Lehigh Valley is in the spotlight this midterm election year. The winner of the race for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District could help determine who controls the U.S. House. Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican, currently holds the seat. During Pennsylvania's upcoming primary election, Democrats will decide who will go up against him.  

In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Christopher Borick, the director of the Institute of Public Opinion at Muhlenberg College, about the Lehigh Valley’s importance in the upcoming midterm elections as well as the country’s overall p...

During last year’s election, an error in printing poll books impacted thousands of voters in Chester County. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with two Chester County officials about what they’ve done to prevent another error from happening as the Pennsylvania primary approaches. 

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Pennsylvania treasurer Stacy Garrity is a Republican running for governor. With the backing of the Pennsylvania GOP party in the upcoming primary, Garrity will likely take on Democratic incumbent Josh Shapiro in the general election in November. She spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the governor’s race and other topics in the latest episode of Battleground Politics. 
 

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Philadelphia voters are choosing a new member of congress to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans to represent the 3rd District. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks with one of the candidates, State Rep. Chris Rabb. 

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Philadelphia voters are choosing a new member of congress to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans to represent the 3rd District. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks with one of the candidates, Shaun Griffith. 

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Philadelphia voters are choosing a new member of congress to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans to represent the 3rd District. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks with one of the candidates, Sen. Sharif Street. 

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Philadelphia voters are choosing a new member of congress to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans to represent the 3rd District. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks with one of the candidates, Dr. Ala Stanford.

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In recent years, SEPTA has dealt with several issues, including a funding crisis, service cuts and safety issues with its Silverliner IV railcars. As SEPTA proposes its new budget amid financial uncertainty, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with SEPTA General Manager Scott Sauer about the transit agency’s future in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 – Intro

:44 – Latest on the Silverliner IV fleet

2:45 – SEPTA’s budget proposal

6:00 – SEPTA’s focus on cleanliness and safety

7:32 – How higher gas prices are impacting SEPTA

Delaware Democrats are now vying to get an early primary day, competing with other states for the opportunity to give voters a chance to influence who Democrats nominate for president as the DNC prepares to shake up its primary calendar. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Evelyn Brady, the State Chair of the Delaware Democratic Party, about Delaware’s pitch, Pennsylvania’s role, and preparing for a potential spotlight.

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:

:00 -- Intro

:59 – The pitch for Delaware to move up in the pri...

Mayor Cherelle Parker recently announced a change to her proposed rideshare tax in order to help close the Philadelphia School District’s $300 million budget gap. The proposal would implement a tax of $1 per ride for rideshares originating from Philadelphia. While the Parker administration has said that the rideshare companies could absorb the cost, Uber has said the cost would go to the riders themselves. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with a panel who shared their thoughts on the proposal. The panelists are Donna Cooper, the executive director of Children First, Pat Loeb, a rep...

Philadelphia will receive DNC officials for a visit at the end of the month as part of a bid to host the Democratic National Convention, the president of the host committee said. The DNC last month named Philadelphia along with four other cities – Atlanta, Boston, Chicago and Denver – as frontrunners moving ahead in the selection process to host the 2028 convention. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Pick Pennsylvania president and former ambassador to Canada David L. Cohen about Philadelphia’s bid for the DNC. 

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The Philadelphia School District’s $2.8 billion master plan has been met with some opposition from students, parents and teachers. Under the plan, the district would modernize buildings and expand programs in tech, the arts as well as music. However, it also calls for the closure of 18 Philly schools. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington about the plan and its potential impact. She also spoke with Arthur Steinberg, the President of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.  

Here’s a full breakdown of the episode...

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said her office has continued to receive threats in the wake of a video she released with colleagues urging military members to refuse unlawful orders. She spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.

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The battle over Pennsylvania’s budget finally came to an end in November as lawmakers agreed to a spending plan more than four months behind schedule. The budget allowed billions of dollars to start flowing to critical organizations across the state. Gov. Josh Shapiro will have to propose his next budget a few months from now, however. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks about the budget with Pennsylvania State Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat representing Philadelphia who is also the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. They also discuss what's next for SEPTA amid its fu...

The federal government finally reopened on Wednesday after a shutdown that lasted 43 days. To avoid another shutdown, lawmakers will have to make a decision about federal funding again in January. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Rep. Brendan Boyle (D) Pennsylvania and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) Pennsylvania about the end of the shutdown. 

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Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey’s first female governor and founding co-chair of the Forward Party, about Sherrill’s victory. *Note* The interview was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. 

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