Daniel Squadron with Zohran Mamdani: The Fourth Branch

In his new book, The Fourth Branch, Daniel Squadron—co-founder of The States Project, an initiative that organizes support for state legislatures, and former New York State Senator—argues that the real site of change, and the greatest opportunity for impact, lies closer to home. The Fourth Branch explores the role that state legislatures play in shaping everyday life, and the roles that we can play in impacting our state legislatures. For nearly every major issue—from climate change and minimum wage to reproductive rights—there are crucial actions that citizens can take to make lasting, concrete change.

In conversation with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Squadron discusses the power of state government and how to participate meaningfully in American democracy today.