This July marks 250 years since America declared its independence – and on this special America250 episode, Andy takes a step back to celebrate not just the country's birthday, but the people stepping up to serve it. All year long, the Primed for 2026 series has crisscrossed the country, sitting down with the candidates and leaders shaping this critical midterm year. Now, with primary season largely behind us and the road to November coming into focus, it's time for a recap.

Looking to get caught up on all the top gov races happening in November? Look no further. 50 minutes, 36 governor's races, it's time for a rapid-fire round. We're revisiting the competitive governor primary in Maine, Georgia and the Colorado race that happened just this week. Plus, the open-seat battle for Michigan's governorship, Dr. Amy Acton's fight for Ohio, Gov. Katie Hobbs's reelection bid in Arizona, Rob Sand's big moves in Iowa, and a look ahead at the critical 2026 midterms.

Many of these candidates have now won their primaries and are gearing up for the general election. This will be a big fight. As we mark a quarter-millennium of American self-government, this episode is a reminder of what the founders actually built: not a finished product, but an ongoing argument about who gets to lead, and how. Here's to 250 years, and to the people still showing up to do the work. Let's get into it.

Looking for more deep-dives ahead of the 2026 election? Check out the full episodes:

Maine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YneO24fTVpo&t=4s

Colorado: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shv7GfI-0SU

Georgia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj0g7vDSs7Y&t=1360s

Texas: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lVvqr2RSUE

Ohio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsBX-r8McIA&t=1s

Michigan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeNpMikYCNA&t=9s

Iowa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cky6Lc6E5g&t=2754s

New Mexico: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=munw-ad1LBU&t=13s

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