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
CA gubernatorial candidate Rep. Eric Swalwell denies 'false' accusations of inappropriate behavior
With California's primary election weeks away, Eric Swalwell has addressed accusations of inappropriate behavior with female staffers, denying the reports as his campaign says he's being targeted because he's a frontrunner in the race.
Pres. Trump endorses former Fox News host Steve Hilton for California governor
President Donald Trump delivered a major endorsement in the California governor's race that could shake things up.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta sues Pres. Trump over mail-in voting executive order
In a partnership with more than 20 other states, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Friday arguing that President Donald Trump's executive order affecting mail-in voting is unconstitutional. It marks California's 66th lawsuit against the White House, according to Bonta's office.
SF Chinatown's historic Empress of China building being revived into cultural campus
One of the most iconic towers in San Francisco's Chinatown is set to become a new cultural destination. Community and city leaders unveiled plans Thursday to transform the historic Empress of China building into a cultural campus celebrating Chinese-American art, culture and history.
CA senators demand answers from DHS after ICE arrest tied to TSA data at San Francisco Airport
In a formal inquiry sent to DHS leadership, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are asking what authority allowed TSA information to be used to alert ICE ahead of the SFO arrest of a Guatemalan mother and her child.
Rep. Eric Swalwell responds to reports that FBI wants to revive Chinese spy investigation case
Congressman Eric Swalwell spoke Monday morning about reports that the FBI may release files about an old investigation into Swalwell's connection with a suspected Chinese spy.
TSA-ICE data sharing that led to SFO arrest raises new concerns over how DHS systems are used
TSA Deputy Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill testified that TSA does share its data with ICE as it operates under DHS. "We are supporting the mission of our colleagues at the Department of Homeland Security that includes enforcement of immigration laws," McNeill said.
Did SF police violate sanctuary law at SFO? Advocates demand answers after ICE arrest
A group of community organizations is alleging that the San Francisco Police Department unlawfully assisted federal immigration agents during the arrest of two immigrants at the airport on Sunday.
Cesar Chavez allegations highlight why sexual assault survivors often stay silent
Advocates and experts say fear of disbelief, public scrutiny and blame can discourage disclosure, particularly when the accused holds power or public reverence.
Newsom says CA may reconsider Cesar Chavez holiday name after abuse allegations
The comments mark one of the clearest signals yet that the state could reconsider how it commemorates Chavez - a figure long central to California's labor and Latino history - just two weeks before the March 31 holiday bearing his name.
