The Final 5: November 10, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
How America's female mayors lead in face of adversity
Former Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges joined "The Final 5" to discuss a new study from the Women Mayors Network showing women mayors face substantially more harassment than their male counterparts. From threats and violence to “slow-burn sabotage," the study suggests these challengers especially target women of color. In her interview with Jim Lokay, she lays out how to fix it, and why it shouldn't dissuade future leaders from seeking public office.
John Fugelsang Takes Aim at “Christian Nationalism” in New Book
Comedian and commentator John Fugelsang joined "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to discuss his new book, "Separation of Church and Hate," which challenges how faith has been twisted by politics. Raised by former clergy, Fugelsang contends Christianity’s true message of love, humility, and compassion has been overshadowed by a movement obsessed with power and exclusion.
Walkinshaw 'no' on funding bill; "not going to stop fighting" for healthcare fix
Virginia Congressman James Walkinshaw told Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" the bipartisan deal to end the government shutdown falls short, citing a lack of progress on health care affordability and protections for federal workers. Walkinshaw criticized Speaker Mike Johnson for keeping the House out of session during negotiations and said he’ll continue pressing for an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits.
The Final 5: November 6, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: November 5, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Nuttycombe nails Virginia election forecast
State Navigate’s Chaz Nuttycombe, whose election forecasts proved strikingly accurate, explained how Democrats, led by Abigail Spanberger’s double-digit win, exceeded expectations in Virginia. He credited voter backlash over the government shutdown and President Trump’s unpopularity, saying national politics continue to shape local results now more than ever.
Former CDC director urges caution, clarity on Tylenol and vaccines
On "The Final 5," former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden, author of the new book "The Formula for Better Health," urged viewers to seek medical advice from doctors amid controversy over Tylenol and vaccine guidance. He said Tylenol is safe for pregnant women when necessary and warned that government shutdowns hinder vital disease-tracking systems.
The Final 5: November 4, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: November 3, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Del. Ian Lovejoy on record spending in key Virginia race
As control of the Virginia House of Delegates hangs in the balance, Del. Ian Lovejoy (R-22nd District) faces a multi-million-dollar challenge from Democrat Elizabeth Guzman. He told Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" his focus remains on “kitchen-table issues” as Republicans try to flip the lower chamber.
John Reid makes final pitch in Lt. Gov. race
Jim is joined on "The Final 5" by Virginia GOP lieutenant governor nominee John Reid, who lays out his case for the commonwealth's number two job, plus why his campaign took the unusual step of debating an AI avatar of his Democratic opponent, Ghazala Hashmi.
Chuck Todd: VA redistricting fight could define the next governor’s legacy
With control of the Virginia governor’s office and legislature at stake, longtime political analyst Chuck Todd says the state’s next big political battle could come sooner than expected — and it won’t be about policy. He joins "The Final 5 with Jim Lokay" to weigh in on the 2025 race.
The Final 5: October 30, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
Election forecaster: Spanberger "as certain as the sun" to win Va. Gov. race
Election forecaster Chaz Nuttycombe, executive director of State Navigate, told The Final 5 that his projections suggest Democrat Abigail Spanberger is a near lock to win Virginia’s governor’s race, with a 98% chance of victory, while Ghazala Hashmi is heavily favored for lieutenant governor and the attorney general race remains tight between Jay Jones and Jason Miyares. Nuttycombe projects Democrats will expand their slim House of Delegates majority by several seats and expects early voting to make up more than 40% of the total electorate. Known for his precise state-level forecasts, Nuttycombe says his live election-night model, NavCast, will give Virginians real-time insight into where the votes are coming from as results roll in.
Dems fight to hold slim majorities in Virginia House, Senate
With control of the Virginia legislature hanging by a slim margin, Democratic Delegate Dan Helmer told Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" that his party is running candidates in all 100 House districts for the first time in recent memory. Helmer said Democrats are energized by national issues like abortion rights, marriage equality, and rising living costs, framing the election as a response to GOP “extremism” in Washington and Richmond.
Virginia takes center stage as Election Day looms
Across the U.S., redistricting efforts have surged — with states like Texas, Maryland and Indiana racing to redraw maps ahead of upcoming elections. In Virginia, the spotlight is also on the governor’s race, where Democrat Abigail Spanberger maintains a sizable lead in most polls over Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Jim Lokay discusses the race with NOTUS contributing editor Dave Levinthal, who also discusses his reporting that uncovered lengthy gaps in Earle-Sears' official schedule as lieutenant governor.
Pete Snyder on the race for Virginia
Virginia's statewide elections are getting national attention, not just for the historical precedent that often favors the party opposite the White House in the race for governor, but also for the text message scandal that engulfed Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones. Jim talks about the state of the races with former GOP candidate for governor and CEO of Disruptor Capital Pete Snyder on "The Final 5."
The Final 5: October 28, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.
The Final 5: October 24, 2025
The Final 5 is a daily recap of the roller coaster that is American politics. It's not your regular newscast and that's something we're proud of.