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.

Give it a listen!