The Beltway & Beyond

From Virginia and New Jersey to New York City and beyond, the 2025 off-year elections offered a glimpse into the political landscape heading toward 2026. What voter dynamics stood out most, and what trends could define the next midterms? Featuring Public Strategies’ Mark Alderman, Michael Acevedo, Julia Hammond, and Katie Schwab.

All eyes are on Virginia. As the election nears, our political insiders unpack the campaigns, candidates, and key issues driving the race—and what these contests could reveal about the nation’s political trajectory heading into 2026. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Julia Hammond, and Heidi Hertz, along with Jerry Kilgore, former Virginia Attorney General and co-chair of Cozen O’Connor’s state attorneys general practice.

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, joins host Howard Schweitzer to reflect on her decades leading one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Together, they explore how New York’s fabric is defined by its bottom-up composition—diverse voices across sectors united by a shared vision. The city’s resilience and commitment to public-private collaboration offer lessons for how government and business can work together to solve complex challenges. Featuring Public Strategies CEO Howard Schweitzer and Partnership for New York City CEO Kathy Wylde.

From hostage negotiations in the Middle East and peace talks in Ukraine to strikes on suspected cartel vessels off Venezuela’s coast, President Trump appears active on virtually every major global front. Yet as the government shutdown grinds on at home, the question remains: when will he weigh in and push to bring it to an end? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Patrick Martin.

From a breakthrough in Middle East diplomacy to the deployment of troops in Chicago, President Donald Trump’s recent moves highlight the complexities of governing at home and abroad. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and John Dunn.

With the 24 hours of the government shutdown underway, Washington is on edge—but is the rest of the country paying attention? In New York, Mayor Adams’s sudden exit from November’s race has upended the political landscape, setting the stage for a potential showdown between Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani and moderate Andrew Cuomo. How will the shutdown and shifting federal-local dynamics play into the mayoral contest? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Jamie Ansorge.

How will shutdown politics shape Virginia’s elections? Will the state serve as a litmus test for the 2026 midterms? Can Democratic messaging around threatened health care subsidies break through to voters? And how much will candidates themselves matter—versus the weight of national politics? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Mark Alderman, and Julia Hammond.

Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has reignited debates over free speech, cancel culture, and political power. The episode breaks down all things Jimmy Kimmel—what his case reveals about hypocrisy on both sides, the role of government pressure, and what it means for the future of public discourse. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

America faces unprecedented division. With citizens operating from two incompatible sets of facts and losing any sense of common ground, the dehumanization of both parties is pushing the nation toward a dangerous tipping point in political violence. How can today’s leaders rise to meet this moment? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.

Eight months into Trump’s presidency, Washington faces shutdown politics, shaky economic signals, and questions about his legacy. As recession fears grow and populism surges, the GOP’s midterm prospects may rest on how Trump lands the economic plane. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer, Patrick Martin, and Towner French.