Before arriving at the General Assembly, Sen. Sophia Chitlik served in the Obama administration — bringing a national policy lens to local politics. In this episode, the freshman Durham Democrat reflects on her path from presidential staffer to political upstart, including her primary win last year over a popular incumbent.  Plus, she shares how she builds unlikely friendships across the aisle — even as she disagrees with her Senate colleagues — with a quirky charm and intentionality that’s as strategic as it is sincere. Skye and Brian also rundown a week of veto overrides, a mini-budget emerges, reg reform on ice, Tomato Sandwich Day, #ncpol and Happy Gilmore 2, and an upcoming birthday.    The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, and the NC Healthcare Association.