From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell

Lawmakers are heading out the door in Albany. Whichpriorities made the cut... and which ones quietly ran out of time?

In this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell,Jack takes you inside the final sprint, where deals happen fast, tensions rise, and every vote counts.

Inside this episode:

• Jack’s thoughts on the marathon finish and the session overall
• A controversial push to make redistricting easier—smart strategy or political escalation?
• New York’s AI dilemma: can the state regulate data centers without driving away the future?
• Why a major packaging and recycling bill stalled out
• How far do protections go to stop companies from changing prices based on your personal data?
• What some hot primary races will say about the direction of political parties

Give it a listen!

New York finally has a budget. After weeks of delays, lawmakers wrapped up a marathon session just after midnight, delivering the latest state budget in 16 years.

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down the politics behind the budget process and what this bruising battle reveals about how Albany really works.

This week:

• Why Jack believes the budget could have been finished on time
• How lawmakers get cornered into voting for policies they don’t fully support
• Can anything change in how the budget is approved?
• Why next year’s negotiations could look dramatically different
• And what—if anything—happens on redistricting before session wraps up?

Only 307 days until the next budget deadline.

Give it a listen!

After weeks of delays, deadlocks, and behind-the-scenes drama, New York’s budget is finally moving. And when the dust settles, this will be the latest state budget approval in 16 years.

This week, Albany insider Jack O’Donnell joins us 'From the Lobby' to break down the budget battles, the political maneuvering, and the fallout that could shape New York politics heading into election season.

In this episode:

• Where the budget process stands heading into the holiday weekend
• Why legislative leaders may not want to save the 450,000 New Yorkers losing healthcare because of federal cuts
• Will state aid increases go to Upstate cities struggling with major deficits?
• Why NY is moving ahead with redistricting in the middle of the budget battle
• President Trump campaigning for Congressman Mike Lawler—smart politics or risky move?
• And Jack reacts to the end of the Sabres’ surprisingly exciting season

Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack offers some perspective on this drawn-out budget season & has an update on talks after last week's public blowup.

In this episode:
• Whether this year’s budget chaos is unusual or classic Albany

• Can the budget process really change as lawmakers are promising?

• Do New Yorkers really care more about policy than spending numbers?

• The push to stop companies from changing prices based on your personal data

• The political wins and worries surrounding the NYC budget

• And how Bruce Blakeman’s public funding victory could change the race for governor

Listen now to From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell!

A budget deal… or not? Just when it looked like Albany had finally landed the plane, leaders sent mixed signals and turned the state budget process into another headline-grabbing showdown.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down the confusion, the compromises, and the political pressure behind a $268 billion state budget that arrived late, and still may not be fully settled.

In this episode:
• Why the budget was “done”… until it suddenly wasn’t
• What Governor Hochul gave up to get closer to a deal
• Does the lengthy budget fight hurt Hochul politically?
• Why redistricting conversations are heating up again in Albany
• Jack’s unforgettable Sabres playoff moment during the Canadian national anthem!

Listen now From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

A month late, but finally some movement on the NY budget. On this episode of 'From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell,' Jack is back, tracking every twist, every trade-off, and every pressure point.

In this episode:

• Why the budget is still not done & how close we really are to a final deal
• The growing frustration with how Albany gets things done. Should the process change?
• A rare moment of unity in New York City on taxes and a fast shutdown from Albany
• A major SCOTUS ruling that could reshape elections

• The bigger national mood: rising costs, global tension, and political pressure

Got 10 minutes? Worth a listen!

From campaigns… to a New York senator’s office… to the heart of New York City Hall, Kara Hughes has built her career on the inside of government and politics.

This week, we sit down with OD&A’s Senior Advisor and Head of NYC Practice to discuss her decades of public service and policy work.

Kara has helped shape legislation, navigated crises, and now advises clients on how to move ideas forward in a complex system.

In this episode:

• How she got her start  and what pulled her into politics
• Lessons from working across campaigns, government, and policy
• Her role in 9/11 recovery efforts & the weight of that moment
• What she learned negotiating legislation at City Hall
• Her take on where New York City stands with challenges and opportunities
• Life outside work and how she starts her day, every day

Listen as we take a closer look at the experience behind the strategy!

Three weeks late. No budget. And patience is wearing thin.

So, are we any closer to a deal?

In this episode of From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnell dives into the budget talks and the quiet shifts that could change the outcome.

Here’s what we’re getting into:

• Is there any real progress on a final budget?
• Kathy Hochul softens her stance on climate goals—is it a compromise or a strategy?
• The auto insurance fight and why Gov. Hochul will stand her ground
• A new tax on high-end second homes… and now other regions want in!
• Democrats are gaining ground heading into the midterms—real shift or early noise?
• Sticker shock for the FIFA World Cup: Why Jack says NJ is wrong to make costs out of reach

Quick, clear, and straight to the point—Listen in!

In this Meet the Team episode of From the Lobby, we sit down with Lauren Voorhees, a University of Toronto grad stepping into her new role in NYC, bringing a mix of legal insight and global experience.

From working on justice reform to living across Europe, Lauren’s not just starting a job—she’s bringing a different lens to the work.

Here’s what we get into:

• ​The connection between political science and psychology and how it caught her attention
• ​Her nonprofit work providing equal justice to marginalized communities
• ​Funding challenges for nonprofits and what she has learn about creating buy-in for donors
• ​How living in Spain, Denmark, and Switzerland changed the way she thinks about government and problem-solving
• ​What she does to unwind outside of work and World Cup excitement in NYC

It’s a conversation about perspective, purpose, and what the next generation is bringing to the table. Give it a listen!

Budget talks just got louder. Lawmakers are calling each other out, and Governor Hochul isn’t backing down.

In this episode of From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnell breaks down the tension building in Albany, the political pressure behind it, and what it all means as budget talks continue to drag.

Here’s what we’re getting into:

• ​Do tense budget talks extend the date for a new deal?
• ​Questions around campaign cash and insurance money. Does it complicate the governor’s push for reform?
• ​A new tax idea targeting high-end second homes. Is this a win for NYC Mayor Mamdani?
• ​Bruce Blakeman put on the spot—fair questions or political hit?
• ​A growing clash between Zohran Mamdani and Julie Menin—what does it mean?
• ​And a quick break from politics as Jack basks in the rebirth of the Buffalo Sabres, including his Stanley Cup prediction!

Fast-moving, straight answers, and the context you need! Give it a listen!

A surprise exit in Albany. A wave of lawmakers heading out the door. And a budget that’s still inching along.

We break it all down with Jack O'Donnell, who’s closely watching every move and every delay.

In this episode:

• ​What does Crystal Peoples-Stokes’ retirement from politics mean for Albany and Western New York?
• ​Why are nearly 20 state lawmakers choosing not to run again?
• ​The budget slowdown. Is progress actually happening?
• ​Biggest budget fight and where it stands
• ​Conflicting polls on Zohran Mamdani, so which way is New York City really headed?

Worth a listen!

The NY budget deadline came and went. How much longer does this process go?

In this episode of From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnellwalks us through where things stand and what bogs down budget talks every year.

At the same time, a new poll is turning heads in thegovernor’s race, and in New York City, a budget fight is getting louder.

Here’s what we’re digging into:

• The budget is late (again)—are we close, or nowhere near a deal?
• Why big policy issues keep getting folded into budget talks, and who benefits
• A new poll shows Bruce Blakeman gaining on Kathy Hochul—is it real momentum?
• Blakeman’s campaign hits a snag over funding. How much does it hurt?
• A tense standoff in NYC between Zohran Mamdani and the City Council. Who blinks first?
• And in Washington, a possible deal on DHS funding. Is it progress, or just talk?

Get up to speed with Jack!

Budget talks are dragging. Protests are boiling over. And what is really happening behind closed doors?

In this episode of From the Lobby, our Jack O’Donnell goes beyond the headlines and tells you what really matters.

Inside this episode:

• Why the Albany budget fight is getting more intense by the day
• How immigration is jamming up negotiations
• What’s behind Zohran Mamdani’s sudden shift away from tax hikes
• The governor’s race: is Kathy Hochul already out of reach?
• Questions swirling around Mike Lawler’s campaign spending and whether voters care
• Airport chaos, a deadly runway incident in New York, and rising pressure on Washington to fix TSA funding

Join us for some straight talk from Jack!

In this week’s episode of Meet the Team, we sit down with Peter McGowan, one of the newest members of O’Donnell & Associates, already jumping into the day-to-day work in Albany.

From New York City government relations… to State Senate campaigns… to time with Congressman Joe Morelle, Peter knows how decisions come together from multiple sides.

In this episode:

• When politics first clicked for Peter, and what led him to this path
• The shift from fast-paced campaigns to government work
• What he learned in New York City about how decisions really get made
• What it’s like working in Albany, where those decisions happen every day
• How he steps away from it all and recharges

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the next generation of people shaping New York policy! Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we check in with Jack on where things stand right now, from ongoing budget talks in Albany to policy debates that could have real impacts in the weeks ahead.

In this episode:

• Albany budget talks: Why things seem to be moving slowly

• Energy policy & costs: The governor is signaling changes, but will the Legislature go along?

• Auto Insurance reform: A push to lower costs faces an uphill battle after being left out of One-House budget proposals

• Unified Ireland discussion: What you should know and why New York leaders are part of the conversation

• U.S. and Iran tensions: What a recent Senate vote says about the direction of U.S. policy

• Voting laws and the midterms: A Republican-backed bill gets attention, but what are its chances?

Jack walks us through it all! Give it a listen!

For this episode, we’re flipping the script. Usually, Joanna Pasceri is the one asking the questions. Today, she’s in the hot seat!

OD&A VP of Public Affairs Ralph Ortega, former City & State NY editor, takes the mic to interview Joanna, Director of Communications at O’Donnell & Associates and TV News veteran.

Reporter to reporter. Newsroom to lobbying.

This conversation is full of insight, laughs, and a few surprises.

Tune in to hear:

• Joanna’s journey from delivering the news to helping organizations tell their stories

• Lessons from decades in the newsroom and what still sticks with her today

• Career transitions at the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Erie County DA's Office

• Reporter habits she can’t shake and what she loves most about her work now

Curious about the person behind the questions? This is your chance to meet Joanna Pasceri, from the newsroom to O’Donnell & Associates.

The One-House budgets were released this week by the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate.

What stands out? And what actually has a chance of making it into the final budget?

Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, walks us through the biggest moves and what they could mean for New Yorkers in his latest ‘From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell’ podcast.

Inside this episode:

• The Legislature plans to spend billions more, but who will pay for it?
• Tax the wealthy: Can NY afford to ignore it?
• Energy rebate checks for New Yorkers: real relief or political tactic?
• Higher handouts for NYC
• And the question we ask every year… will the budget be on time?

If you want to understand what’s really happening with New York’s budget & what could change before the final deal, this episode is worth a listen!

What’s it really like to work on a presidential campaign in one of the most-watched states in the country? And how do you juggle all of that while still in college?

In this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, our Meet the Team series continues with Emily Sullivan, a fellow at O’Donnell & Associates.

In this conversation, we talk about:

•  The moment politics first grabbed her attention growing up in New York
• What surprised her most about campaign life when she first jumped in
• What organizing a voter outreach team actually looks like day to day
• How working on real campaigns changes the way you see politics in class
• And how she unwinds while balancing college & politics

A fun conversation about getting started in politics, learning on the ground, and the next generation stepping into public service.

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we take you inside the latest political moves shaping New York.

Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, joins us to break down what the headlines really mean.

Here’s what we’re digging into:

📊 A new Siena poll shows Kathy Hochul with a big lead, but most voters still don’t know challenger Bruce Blakeman. Can you win when many people don’t recognize your name?

💰 Momentum grows to raise taxes on millionaires, even as Hochul pushes back. Is Albany heading for a major showdown?

🏛️ A proposal to boost lawmakers’ salaries is turning heads at the Capitol. Does it actually have a chance?

⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court steps in on a disputed New York congressional district. Is the fight over or just getting started?

🏢 Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes has an idea to turn empty office space into housing. Could it really happen?

🎧 If you want to understand what’s happening in Albany & what it could mean for New Yorkers, this episode is worth a listen!

From storm recovery to healthcare funding to the future of tech, our Jim Moore has seen it all and knows how to get things done.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell — Meet the Team, we introduce you to Jim Moore, Vice President and Policy Director at O’Donnell & Associates.

Jim works at the center of some of the biggest issues facing New York and he’s helped secure millions in funding for organizations that truly need it.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What first pulled him into public service

• What he learned working in Senator Schumer's state office

• The real challenges facing healthcare nonprofits right now

• What it feels like to help secure major funding wins

• And what he does to recharge when the workday ends

Give it a listen and get to know Jim—right here From the Lobby.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we break down the moments everyone’s talking about and what they actually mean.

Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, is tracking the policy and political moves from New York to Washington.

Here’s what we dig into:

• The poll surprise: Hochul’s approval hits a record high, yet a third of New Yorkers say they may leave the state.

• Schumer and Gillibrand slipping: Why are their numbers falling, and could 2028 bring real change?

• Tax the rich? More than 1,000 rally in Albany. Is their cause gaining momentum?

• Trump’s marathon speech: What stood out in the hour-and-forty-seven-minute address? Did it help the Republican Party ahead of the midterms?

If you want to understand where things are heading—before they get there, this one’s for you! Check it out!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, get to know Marc Cohen! We head to Rochester to sit down with the Vice President of Government Affairs at O’Donnell & Associates.

Marc’s path runs through Congress, the New York State Capitol, and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, where he worked on behalf of more than 1,300 businesses across the Finger Lakes region.

He’s also deeply involved in his community, and he’s a devoted husband and dad.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What lured him into public service

• How to bridge the gap between government and the business community

• What business owners are really worried about right now

• The most rewarding part of helping clients

• What he does when he actually has free time

It's a closer look at the experience and heart behind the work.

Listen in!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we break down the money moves and political fights that could shape what you pay and what your city gets.

Jack gives it to us straight. What’s smart, what’s risky, and what it all means.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Why the governor is sending another $1.5 billion to New York City
• Mayor Mamdani’s push for higher taxes and his warning about a possible property tax hike.
• Buffalo’s $40 million bailout and whether the state can keep writing these checks
• The state comptroller’s warning about weakening oversight of billions in spending
• What President Trump needs to accomplish in his upcoming State of the Union address

Listen to Jack’s candid conversation!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell — Meet the Team, we sit down with Michael Greco. He's a Buffalo native and Senior Associate at O’Donnell & Associates.

Michael has witnessed the many sides of politics, from New York City Council races to the halls of Congress, and now he’s helping clients navigate it all.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What first sparked his interest in politics at St. Joe’s in Buffalo

• The jump from campaign life to working with former Congressman Brian Higgins

• Why balancing district priorities with national politics is harder than it looks

• How campaign and experience working for a Congressman make him a strong advocate for OD&A clients

• As a former ACHA player at Pitt, we talk Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh as a hockey town 🏒

Listen in for a great conversation with one of the rising voices at OD&A!

A lot is happening in New York politics this week, and not all of it was expected.

There are surprise exits. Big budget pressure. And cities across the state asking Albany for help… loudly.

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we break down what’s really going on and what it could mean next.

Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell &Associates, joins us from the Lobby to walk through the biggest moves from Albany to D.C.

We get into:

• Why Governor Hochul’s lieutenant governor ended his run for governor
• A wave of powerful lawmakers deciding not to run again and what that signals
• Mayors flooding the state capital asking for cash as local budgets get tighter
• Mayor Mamdani’s push to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to close a massive budget gap
• What struggling cities like Buffalo need from the state right now
• A rocky start to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s run for governor
• And a new voting bill in Washington. Does it have any chance of becoming law?

Worth a listen!

For this week’s Meet the Team episode, we’re welcoming a familiar voice in New York politics, even if you’ve only known him by his byline.

Ralph Ortega has spent more than 30 years telling New York’s story from the inside. From breaking news and investigations to shaping the conversation as Editor-in-Chief of City & State New York, Ralph has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments in state and NYC politics.

Now, he’s bringing that newsroom instinct and a deep understanding of how politics really works to O’Donnell & Associates.

In this episode, we cover:

• What TV show inspired Ralph to pursue journalism and why he stuck with it
• What it was like leading coverage during a turbulent era in New York politics: Cuomo’s downfall and Eric Adams’ rise
• The stories that left a lasting mark from 9/11 to the death of a young boy
• Why advocating for greater Latino representation has been central to his work
• How he recharges after three decades in the newsroom and his all-time favorite movie

Give this thoughtful & engaging conversation a listen!

A last-minute running mate pick. Party leaders pushing back. Poll numbers moving. And a few big fights brewing as convention season and a high-stakes election year kick off.

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down what’s really going on and what to watch next.

We get into:

• A surprise lieutenant governor pick just days before the Democratic Convention
• Why Brooklyn Democrats flip-flopped on backing Hochul
• How much Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement matters
• New poll numbers showing Governor Hochul at her strongest yet
• The next funding fight in Washington

Tune in and join us as we go 'From the Lobby!'

What does it really take to keep a fast-moving government affairs firm running smoothly? This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we continue our Meet the Team series with someone who knows that answer better than anyone.

We’re sitting down with Diane Ong, Chief of Staff at O’Donnell & Associates, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about her experiences from Capitol Hill… to international policy work… to the pressure cooker of a presidential campaign.

In this episode:

• ​ What first drew Diane into public service and when she knew this was the path for her

• How her background as an organizer, policy researcher, and campaign operator shapes the way she leads today

• What it was really like running operations on the Harris–Walz presidential campaign

• How her work on women’s health, humanitarian aid, and international affairs informs her approach to policy

• And what helps her unplug when politics never seems to slow down, including her all-time favorite movie!

Tune in — and meet the team, From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack discusses the political implications during this critical election year and the pressures of the upcoming budget season.

In this episode:

• Why New York is on track to lose influenceon Capitol Hill, and can it be turned around?

• The rapid rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and what it signals for this election cycle

• Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first budget rollout and the $12 billion gap he’s blaming on the Adams administration

• The Governor’s race heats up as Hochul searches for a new lieutenant governor. Who’s in line for the number two job?

• Immigration takes center stage as Governor Hochul and her GOP challenger draw sharp lines over ICE enforcement

• And a last-minute push to avoid a government shutdown

Give it a listen!

Meet Dr. Ellen Grant!

In this conversation, Dr. Grant shares her extensive experience in healthcare, discussing the challenges organizations face today, the importance of government funding, and the need for innovative solutions.

She also emphasizes the significance of servant leadership and community support in addressing these issues, while also reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey and the human experience in healthcare.

Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack reveals what’s next, now that Governor Hochul has dropped her $260 billion Executive Budget, loaded with record spending and affordability promises.

In this episode, Jack discusses:

• Will there be a bruising budget battle with the Legislature?
• State tax revenues are up nearly $6 billion… will they offset budget spending?
• New York’s Medicaid spending is still going up. How long can that last?
• Reaction to the Governor’s push to fast-track housing by easing environmental reviews
• Childcare funding and affordability: Why NYC gets the lion’s share, and will Upstate lawmakers pushback?
• New York City’s latest budget bombshell: multi-billion-dollar shortfalls now and even bigger gaps ahead. Does Albany have to step in?
• And the big question everyone’s asking… will New York get a budget done on time?

Join us From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell for the inside scoop!

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack digs into what the Governor’s State of the State speech really means as Albany heads straight into budget season and an election year.

Hochul is pitching big ideas aimed at helping New York families, with affordability front and center, but how easy will it be to turn those promises into reality?

Jack breaks down where the Governor’s agenda is likely to gain traction, where it could run into resistance, and why funding these proposals may be trickier than it sounds. With political energy ramping up on both sides of the aisle, the budget process is shaping up to be anything but smooth.

Jack also takes a closer look at what Hochul’s affordability push could mean for businesses across the state, and whether the costs of these initiatives could create new tension around economic growth and competitiveness.

Plus, a check on what’s happening in Washington, where another funding deadline looms and the question remains: can Congress actually avoid a shutdown this time?

Give it a listen!

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we kick off the year with a look ahead at the political and policy battles that will define the months to come.

Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, joins us to break down his team’s comprehensive Legislative Preview and share insights on what governing looks like in a fast-shifting election year:

• The political tightrope Governor Hochul and state lawmakers are walking as they balance progressive priorities with voters’ affordability concerns

• How the 2025 elections — and the rise of a new left-leaning coalition that helped elect NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani — are reshaping New York’s political landscape

• A look ahead to the high-stakes congressional midterms, growing factional divides inside both parties, and what that means for governing

• The key issues and legislative trends Jack will be watching most closely this year in Albany and Washington

Give it a listen!

On From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, walks us through a week of bold decisions, a bombshell poll, and shifting political ground for both parties.

In this episode:

• ​Why Governor Hochul signed one of the most controversial bills of the year despite strong opposition.
• ​An eye-opening Siena College poll showing Hochul dominating the field. Can Republicans find a path back into the race for NY’s top spot?
• ​How incoming NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his progressive agenda are gaining ground with New Yorkers statewide.
• ​What’s next for Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo? Is either truly finished on the political stage?

Get the real story behind the headlines! Give it a listen!

The battle for New York Governor is officially on, and it’s quickly becoming one of the most heated GOP primaries in years. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is now facing a challenger in Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and with Election 2026 edging closer, Republicans are gearing up for a fierce fight over the state’s top job.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down the political calculations behind Blakeman’s entry into the race, Stefanik’s sudden vulnerabilities, and President Trump’s surprising decision to praise both candidates after previously backing Stefanik alone. Who has the inside track to win the primary, and can either contender take on Governor Hochul in November?

Plus, Governor Hochul is reviewing more than 100 bills, including the RAISE Act that calls for AI regulations. Jack breaks down the tightrope she’s walking and what he expects her to do.

And in Washington, a new deadline is looming: Obamacare subsidies expire in January. Can Congress strike a bipartisan deal before millions of Americans see their insurance costs skyrocket?

Join us From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell!

Governor Hochul is sitting on nearly 250 bills, and some of them could spark a political firestorm. Where does she stand on controversial issues like the Medical Aid in Dying Act? Jack breaks down the strategy behind the scenes.

NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani is making bold moves of his own, clearing out City Hall staff, reshaping the administration, and facing one of his first big tests: Will he sign off on a 16% pay raise for himself and the City Council?

And if you thought election season was over, think again. The next cycle is already underway, and a surprising number of incumbents at both the state and federal levels could be in real trouble. Can they maintain their edge?

Plus, President Trump’s sinking approval rating. Can he lead the GOP into the 2026 midterms? Add a public clash between Elise Stefanik and Speaker Mike Johnson, and Republican infighting is now on full display.

Jack is here to explain what it all means. Don’t miss this week’s episode, From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

The race for New York governor may be a year away, but new polling is already shaping the conversation.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jackbreaks down Governor Hochul’s early lead over her Republican opponent, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. What are Hochul’s potential vulnerabilities heading into 2026, and what will she need to do to maintain momentum?

Also, why are approval ratings for elected officials sinking across the board, and what to expect from Albany as rumors of tax increases grow.

Plus, we look at Buffalo’s budget woes, the chances of a state bailout, and the surprising Oval Office meeting between Mamdani and Trump. What can we expect from that sit-down?

Give it a listen!

It’s official! The longest government shutdown in U.S.history is finally over, but what’s the real cost, and who’s paying the political price?

Our Jack O’Donnell joins us ‘From the Lobby’ to break down the deal that reopened the government and the fallout in Washington, from Democrats breaking ranks to vote with Republicans, to the growing backlash against party leadership.

With Trump’s influence still looming large and another funding deadline just weeks away, what comes next? And how will this showdown shape next year’s crucial midterm elections?

Smart analysis, sharp insight. Join us From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell!

Our Jack O'Donnell dives into the key takeaways from Election 2025—what happened and why it matters, including what a Mamdani Administration may be like and the significance of Democratic victories across NY and beyond.

Also, will Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman run for governor next year? And will the election results prompt lawmakers in Washington to end the record-long government shutdown?

Give it a listen!

00:00 Nancy Pelosi's Departure and Its Impact

03:21 The New York City Mayoral Race

05:42 Predictions for a Mondani Administration

08:02 Democratic Victories in State Races

10:37 Historic Wins in Upstate New York

12:41 Election Results and Government Shutdown

Our Jack O'Donnell walks us through the week's big stories shaping politics and government:

• Massive early voting turnout in New York City—what does it mean for the red-hot mayoral race?

• New polls show Zohran Mamdani with a sizable lead— should we believe the numbers, or expect surprises?

• The tight New Jersey governor’s race—could it flip?

• Early signs in the 2026 New York governor’s race: Is Elise Stefanik edging ahead of Kathy Hochul?

• And the latest on the federal government shutdown, with faint signs of progress as it nears record length.

  
  

Perspective, predictions, and more, From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell!

Listen in!

Jack joins us ‘From the Lobby’ to tackle the hot-buttonpolitical issues everyone’s talking about.

This week, Washington is at a standstill. Gridlock over thegovernment shutdown is deepening, and the stakes are getting higher. Jack has the latest on the stalemate.

He’ll also break down who came out on top in the second NewYork City Mayoral debate and weighs in on Zohran Mamdani’s decision not to endorse Governor Hochul’s reelection.

Plus, with a huge budget deficit looming in NY, will Governor Hochul have to abandon her “affordability” platform, and will NY pause its new gas hookup ban?

Give it a listen!

Jack is back with a breakdown of the politics, strategy, and power plays driving the week’s biggest stories—from Washington gridlock to New York City’s campaign trail.

The latest on the government shutdown stalemate. Should Democrats trust Republicans to negotiate healthcare subsidies?

Back in New York, the mayoral race is heating up fast. With Mayor Adams out, will he throw his support behind Andrew Cuomo? Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is ramping up fundraising, and changing his image, while Governor Hochul rallies behind progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani. What would his victory mean for next year’s elections?

Plus, New York’s looming multi-billion dollar deficit and how fiscal trouble could shape Hochul’s political future.

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This week on From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnell sorts through the latest government chaos and what it all means. Tensions are rising on Capitol Hill as Republicans and Democrats go head-to-head in public clashes, while President Trump’s wave of firings raises new questions: Are they really moving the needle toward ending the shutdown?

Jack breaks down which party has the upper hand in the standoff and what the public really thinks. Has the outcry over the shutdown begun?

Plus, a closer look at New York’s deepening budget dilemma, with deficits in the billions. Is there a way out?

Tune in for clear insight and smart analysis, straight From the Lobby.

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How do we get the government back open again, and what’s really holding things up in Washington? Jack breaks down the latest funding fight, where healthcare spending is at the center of the standoff, and asks the big question: is this battle worth shutting down the government over?

Meanwhile, Trump’s budget ax is swinging again. What could it mean for key programs?

And back here in New York, the mayoral race just took another turn. With Eric Adams out, can Andrew Cuomo mount a comeback against Zohran Mamdani, the progressive favorite surging ahead in the polls? And if Mamdani wins, could that actually help Republicans across the state?

Jack dives into all that and more, cutting through the noise to make sense of the week’s biggest power moves in politics and government. Listen in!

Jack joins us 'From the Lobby,' as the country braces for an impending shutdown. President Trump has raised the stakes... will that end the showdown with Democrats? Could federal workers face mass firings? Is there any hope that a deal can be reached to fund the government before October 1?

Also, high drama in the race for NYC mayor, the latest poll, the bribery factor, and will Mayor Eric Adams exit the race? Plus, how the NYC mayor's race is changing the political landscape in NY and beyond.

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Jack's in the Lobby, delving into the latest political headlines in NY, including Governor Hochul's rising approval ratings and her endorsement with caveats in the NYC mayoral race.

Also, the growing tide to increase taxes on the wealthy in NY. Will it become a reality?

And, all eyes on Washington as the pressure mounts to pass a deal to keep the government funded. What are the options for Democrats on Capitol Hill and can both sides reach a deadline or is a shutdown inevitable?

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This week, Jack tackles the red-hot race for NYC's mayor with the latest polls showing Democrat Zohran Mamdani far ahead of his three rivals. Is it only a matter of time before someone drops out—and will NY's top Democrats ever line up behind the party's nominee?

Also, can Governor Hochul block Mamdani's plans to raise the corporate tax and taxes on wealthy New Yorkers? We’ll also look at the fight over a new state law aligning local elections with state and federal races, plus the pressure is on Democrats in Washington. Will they help Republicans keep the government operating?

Worth a listen!!

Jack weighs in on lots of big developments in politics and government, including the mad race to replace Congressman Jerry Nadler. Who are the strong contenders, and what are the implications for both state and city politics?

Also, Trump's potential influence in the upcoming NYC mayoral race, and the intense pressure Congress faces to fund the government. Who takes the blame if a shutdown can't be avoided?

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Jack is back 'From the Lobby' delving into the complexities of redistricting across the country and in New York. Is California's redistricting plan the best hope for Democrats trying to level the playing field after the GOP redistricting plan is approved in Texas?

Plus, the dogfight race for NYC mayor, Governor Hochul's "Don't Mess with a Buffalo Mom" video, and the challenges surrounding the federal budget, with the deadline just weeks away. Brace for more talk of a government shutdown!

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In this week's episode, our Jack O'Donnell dives into the complex issue of reopening New York's redistricting mid-decade after Texas makes similar moves. Join us as he explores the challenges NY faces and how the state is responding.

Plus: former Governor Cuomo hits the streets in the campaign for NYC mayor. Can he win? What does Zohran Mamdani have to do to keep the momentum in the race?

Also, federal budget roadblocks and Trump's strategy to maintain control of Congress.

And, Elise and her Batman belt come through!

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