Episode Details

The Game is back! After a brief hiatus, Mark Simon and Bob Marks return to break down what they missed — and what’s coming next in a fast-moving 2026 election year.

They revisit the biggest local political story of 2025: the removal of Sheriff Christina Corpus and why new Sheriff Binder may be the stabilizing leader the department needs. They also dig into the dynamics on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors — including how trust, alliances, and personality conflicts may shape the next year.

From there, Mark and Bob discuss Mark’s recent “most influential people in the county” columns and what they reveal about a leadership transition underway — plus why emerging communities and coalitions could play a bigger role in the future.

They preview key 2026 races (including a surprisingly heated contest for County Assessor), debate whether certain offices are being politicized, and examine the charter review proposal to name the Board President the “mayor of San Mateo County.”

The episode wraps with a broader look at the governor’s race and national politics heading into the midterms — including voter trends, immigration enforcement, and why “affordability” could become the defining issue.

Chapters

• (00:00) - The Game is back (hiatus + 2026 preview)
• (02:10) - 2025’s biggest story: Sheriff Christina Corpus removal
• (05:30) - Why Sheriff Binder may be the right fit
• (09:30) - Board dynamics: unity vs. “five sole proprietorships”
• (13:40) - Most influential people list: leadership in transition
• (17:30) - Lynde, Foust & behind-the-scenes power
• (21:00) - Corzo & Mueller: trust across differences
• (24:40) - Board trust issues: Speier, Canepa, Garcia
• (28:00) - Assessor race: Canepa vs. Irizarry
• (32:30) - Politicizing non-political offices
• (35:00) - Charter review: “Mayor of San Mateo County?”
• (38:00) - Governor’s race: crowded field & top-two math
• (42:30) - National politics, midterms & immigration
• (47:00) - Affordability, campaign strategy & closing thoughts
• (49:00) - Wrap-up + weekly live show announcement

The Game is hosted by Mark Simon and Bob Marks and produced by Frank Bravo, BravoITC.com and YourTechMakeover.com. Watch or listen to every episode at TheGamePeninsula.com.