In 2022, corruption charges blew up the career trajectory for then-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. More than three years later, with the case dropped by federal prosecutors, the Harlem Democrat has a new life and a new perspective on the legal system and his life's journey.

Benjamin visited the studio to reflect on the allegations of bribery from his time in the state senate, consider the role of the governor's number two and what makes a good lieutenant governor, and share his plans for the future.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

A recent report from the Business Council of New York State made the case that employers in the Empire State don't feel like they're being heard by state policymakers. Putting aside that every interest group feels like this, it's undeniable that business interests do play a lot of defense during the legislative session in Albany.

To discuss the lobbying efforts of the business community we sat down with former Democratic Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, who is now a lobbyist with Brown & Weinraub.

And for Working Rules we explored the relationship between New York governors and the State Education Department with Patrick Mannion, an upstate representative of the state Board of Regents.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

What does it mean to be a Democrat?

That's the question being posed to the party faithful in New York by Matt Castelli, who is best known in the Empire State for his 2022 congressional shellacking at the hands of Rep. Elise Stefanik. The former CIA operative has regrouped in Dutchess County, where there is speculation about a 2027 run for county executive, and is hoping to rebuild his party's brand in New York with input from the county committees.

Castelli joined the show to make the case that Democrats have to stand for more than a resistance to President Donald Trump, discussed his political future, and offered some messaging tips for candidates from his party.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has a short list of accomplishments in Albany during his time in the Assembly, but his plans for the Big Apple will require him to be successful at the state's Capitol.

We talked about that path to success with Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, a Bronx Democrat, who has been described as part of Mamdani's "brain trust." We consider what he'll prioritize for Albany in 2026, how she can be helpful to his agenda, and what the relationship between the mayor and governor could look like next year.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

After months of flirting with a gubernatorial run, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik jumped into the race in November.

We discuss the North Country Republican's longshot path to the Executive Mansion in Albany with Chapin Fay, a veteran GOP strategist and founder of Lighthouse Public Affairs. We talk about the importance of New York City for Stefanik in a general election, consider the ramifications of a GOP primary, and debate whether President Donald Trump or NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will be more problematic for their respective parties in the race for governor.

Democrats made inroads all over New York on Election Day, including flipping some Republican-held county legislatures, and the party's mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, got the highest number of votes in decades.

We break down this good news for the Democratic Party, the not-so-good news in Nassau County, the status of the New York party infrastructure, and the prospects of governing and running for elections in 2026 with the help of BerlinRosen Senior Vice President Loren Amor, SKDK Senior Vice President Bryan Lesswing, and Long Island Assemblymember Chuck Lavine.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado joins the show to talk politics, including share his grievances with the New York Democratic Party under the control of Gov. Kathy Hochul and NY Dems Chair Jay Jacobs.

The gubernatorial hopeful also discusses the future of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and what he's looking for in a number two.

You can catch our conversation about his policy positions, including support for Medical Aid in Dying, in The Capitol Pressroom feed.

The field of contenders for three downstate casino licenses has been whittled down to three options and the selection process could conclude imminently, so we're checking in on how we got there and what might happen next.

Crain's New York Business political reporter Nick Garber discusses the surprise decision by MGM to abandon their casino bid, highlights some of the peculiar moments in this journey, and considers whether less than three licenses will be awarded.

Then for Working Rules we make some election predictions with The Parkside Group's Alex Elmasri, including reading tea leave in early voting results and calling the 115th Assembly District special election.

After documenting the challenging working conditions and underwhelming compensation for central staff in the Assembly, New York Focus senior reporter Sam Mellins reports that at least the pay is getting better for the behind-the-scenes personnel that make the people's house run.

Mellins discusses who is getting a raise and the status of unionization efforts by legislative staffer.

Then for Working Rules, Slingshot Strategies partner Alyssa Cass joins host David Lombardo to dissect Gov. Kathy Hochul's underwhelming appearance at a campaign rally for Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani over the weekend. We consider if this has larger implications for New York's political scene, including the gubernatorial primary and budget process.

Wonder who is on the rise in New York? Curious what campaign are heading in the wrong direction?

Patrick Wildes, director of Albany Law School's Government Law Center, and Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, join host David Lombardo to offer trading tips on issues and people for our Capitol stock market.

They make predictions on the future of Sen. Andrew Gounardes, treatment courts, efforts to promote affordability, and much more.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).