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
What happens next in Newsom's lawsuit over Trump's deployment of troops to LA?
It comes as roughly 200 Marines are being deployed to Los Angeles on Friday to protect federal property and personnel, according to a military commander.
Gov. Newsom returns to Trump resistance rhetoric amid Los Angeles protests clash
With California and the White House now in a legal standoff over Trump's deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles, Gov. Newsom is no longer holding back in his fierce criticism of the Trump administration.
SF launches Pride Month with celebration, reflection, and protest
From Twin Peaks to the Castro, community members emphasized Pride is both a celebration and a protest, especially in a year where advocates say attacks on the transgender community have reignited a sense of urgency.
San Mateo Co. supervisors vote unanimously to start removal process of Sheriff Christina Corpus
In a press conference after the supervisors' unanimous vote, Corpus' attorneys vowed to fight back: "We can't wait to tell her side of the story about what they have done."
Trump administration to pull $4 billion from California high-speed rail funding
The announcement came Wednesday in a 310-page report that outlines concerns about the project's ballooning costs and delays, claiming the California High-Speed Rail Authority does not have the capacity to deliver the early operating segment by 2033 as planned.
CA superintendent defends transgender athlete inclusion in school sports
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond pushed back Tuesday, telling school leaders the DOJ's threats of legal action against the state are unenforceable.
California Democrats eye future leadership as Kamala Harris weighs gubernatorial run
Despite more than a dozen declared candidates in the race to replace Newsom, the clearest front-runner may still be on the sidelines: former Vice President Kamala Harris.
TIMELINE: San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus investigation
An explosive report about San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus--alleging a culture of intimidation and retaliation as well as an inappropriate intimate relationship with her chief of staff--has plunged the law enforcement agency into disarray. Here's the timeline of events that led up to and followed the report's release.
CA to sue Trump administration after Senate's 'illegal' vote to undo state's EV rules
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Thursday plans to file a lawsuit in response to the Senate blocking the state's first-in-the-nation rule banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035.
Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee sworn in as Oakland's 1st Black woman mayor
Oakland officially got a new mayor Tuesday as former Congresswoman Barbara Lee was sworn in. She is the first Black woman to hold the position in the city.