Trump and Mamdani. Two political opposites. One increasingly interesting relationship.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down:

• Trump & Mamdani: They disagree on plenty. So why do these meetings keep happening and does either side gain politically?

• The governor’s race: Two new polls tell very different stories. What explains the wide gap and which numbers deserve the closest attention?

• The October debate: Hochul and Blakeman are set to face off. What does each candidate need to accomplish and what could change the trajectory of the race?

• The congressional picture: Democrats lead on the generic ballot, but neither party is viewed favorably. What does that say about the midterm environment?

• AOC in Buffalo: The Queens congresswoman is coming to Western New York to rally inactive Democratic voters, but why Buffalo?

Tune in for Jack’s analysis of the latest political moves, polling numbers and what to watch next from New York City to Washington, D.C.

November is getting closer, and the political stakes are getting higher.

In this week’s From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack digs into the moves, numbers, and questions shaping the road to Election Day:

• $1 billion in utility rebate checks are about to reach New Yorkers. The timing is drawing attention with the governor’s race weeks away.

• Bruce Blakeman faces a steep Democratic registration advantage in his bid for governor. Can he overcome it?

• A new national poll has some interesting numbers for both parties, and a warning sign for Democrats who are running as Democratic Socialists.

• The House left Washington early, putting off an impeachment resolution involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is looking increasingly like someone who could be thinking about 2028. Jack weighs in on her potential White House run.

Give it a listen!

As New York marks 25 years since 9/11, the anniversary is becoming a political battleground. Jack O’Donnell weighs in on what that says about the state of politics today, and takes on a series of other fights unfolding in New York and across the country.

In this episode:

• 9/11 at 25: Why is a day of remembrance becoming a political flashpoint and when will justice prevail?
• Open primaries: Should unaffiliated voters have a greater role in New York’s primary elections?
• Crime and the governor’s race: After violence at the West Indian Day Parade, the political blame game is underway.
• Accountability in Albany: A state senator faces scrutiny over allegations involving campaign and taxpayer-funded travel expenses.
• Trump’s $5,000 promise: What should voters make of the president’s latest proposal as Republicans look toward the midterms?

Jack cuts through the latest headlines and looks at what’s really at stake. Listen in!

The governor’s race just got a lot more interesting.

A new Siena poll cuts Kathy Hochul’s lead over Bruce Blakeman in half—from 20 points to 10. Is Blakeman really gaining ground? Or is this just one poll catching a moment in time?

On this week’s From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnell digs into the numbers behind the headline and what they could mean as the campaign heats up.

Inside the episode:

• Why Hochul’s lead has narrowed and what changed
• Where Blakeman has an unexpected edge with voters
• The character traits giving Blakeman an advantage
• AI in campaign ads and the political and legal questions it raises
• The DSA’s growing influence and its challenge with the broader electorate
• One striking divide over whether New York’s best days are ahead or behind

The poll gives us plenty to talk about.

🎙️ Listen now to From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

Twenty-five years ago, Jack O'Donnell took a leap and founded O'Donnell & Associates with one goal: build a public affairs firm focused on solving problems.

Did he ever imagine it would grow into what it is today?

In this candid conversation, Jack reflects on the moments that shaped him—both professionally and personally—and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Inside this episode:

• Why he decided to start his own lobbying firm
• How growing up in a family devoted to public service shaped his career
• The life-changing health scare that gave him a different perspective on leadership and success
• What he's most proud of after 25 years
• And what's next for O'Donnell & Associates

Whether you've known Jack for years or are meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers a look behind the title—and the story behind the firm. Give it a listen!

The campaign trail is getting busier. The policy debates are getting louder. And with the midterms fast approaching, the political stakes are only getting higher.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we discuss:

• What's behind Governor Hochul's statewide tour defending her data center moratorium?
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also hits the road to shore up votes for Democrats in the midterms.
• Can NY Democrats regain a veto-proof majority in the State Senate?
• How NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plans to address his next budget challenge.

• A new poll and wild accusations shake up the race for NY governor.
• What's next for Upstate New York? Jack shares his outlook on the region's economy & opportunities ahead.

Give it a listen!

What does a lobbyist actually do?

It's one of the questions we hear most, and in this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we're answering it.

This week, we turn the spotlight on the profession itself, taking you inside the world of government affairs and separating fact from fiction.

Listen in as we discuss:

• How Jack got into the lobbying profession after years in politics and government.

• What lobbyists really do, and why the work is often misunderstood.

• How government affairs helps organizations navigate policy and connect with decision-makers.

• When businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations should consider hiring a lobbying firm.

• The biggest misconceptions about lobbying—and what people often get wrong.

🎧 Whether you're curious about the profession or wondering if government affairs could help your organization, this episode offers an inside look at how lobbying really works!

Big decisions. Big questions. And another busy week in New York politics.

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the headlines and what to watch next.

Listen in as we discuss:

• ​Why Governor Hochul paused new data center projects, and why some are saying it’s a mistake.

• ​Bruce Blakeman's campaign cash claims. Why are there conflicting fundraising numbers?

• ​A new warning from the state comptroller raises questions about New York's financial future. Is the budget built to last?

• ​The search for Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes' successor and what it could mean for Albany.

• ​A key U.S. Senate seat suddenly opens. How could it reshape the political landscape?

• ​The World Cup brought global attention to the region & the country. What was the impact beyond the economic boost?

Got 15 minutes? Worth a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack goes behind the headlines to explain what's driving the latest political shifts, and what they could mean for voters, lawmakers, and business leaders.

In this episode:

• Why two new polls tell completely different stories about Governor Hochul's reelection chances.

• Would Congresswoman Elise Stefanik have been Hochul's toughest Republican challenger? Jack reveals his pick.

• Progressives are winning across New York, so why has Hochul avoided a serious challenge from the left?

• Jack's take on the governor's AI-powered review of state regulations.

• Should New York City Council members vote themselves an 18% pay raise?

• Despite political uncertainty, why are banks, law firms, and AI companies pouring billions into New York City?

Let Jack help you make sense of this week's biggest stories! Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the latest political shakeups, policy battles, and what they could mean as attention turns toward the midterms.

Listen in as we discuss:

• A surprise Democratic primary upset in Syracuse. Is the progressive movement gaining ground Upstate?

• Is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries vulnerable? And can he help Democrats regain control of the House?

• New York City's new budget. Is it a real solution—or just a temporary fix?

• A major court ruling clears the way for New York's all-electric buildings law. What's next?

• A new Siena poll gives Governor Hochul a boost, but voters aren't buying one of Albany's biggest proposals.

• As America approaches its 250th birthday, Jack reflects on this milestone, what the future holds, and why he is proud to be an American!

Give it a listen!