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?

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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?

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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!

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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?

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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?

Tune in here!