The Beltway & Beyond

Democrats have taken control of the House and Senate and scored major victories in governors’ races, delivering a forceful rebuke to President Trump. Historic Senate wins in South Carolina and Texas, a breakthrough in Kansas after 94 years, and flips in Maine, Iowa, North Carolina, and Ohio redrew the political map. With races still to be called and the size of Democrats’ congressional majorities taking shape, what does this blue tsunami mean for the Trump administration’s agenda, congressional oversight, and the next two years of governing? Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (PA), and Rodney Whitlock (DC).

Jen Daulby—CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) and a longtime congressional leader—joins Howard Schweitzer, CEO of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on bipartisanship under pressure, rebuilding trust in democratic institutions, and the path to modernize government. Drawing on more than two decades of experience on Capitol Hill, including navigating the pandemic, January 6, and extraordinary operational challenges, Jen reflects on what it takes to lead when there is no playbook. Together, ahead of the midterms, we bring perspectives from opposite ends of Pennsylvania Avenue to consider a fundamental question: What does it take to build a government that works better for the people it serves?

With Election Day approaching, the polls tell a story of a frustrated public. Our team discusses the voter sentiment, turnout, and candidate dynamics, and what the results could mean for Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC).

Health care is increasingly at the center of America’s affordability crisis. As families face rising premiums, prescription drug costs, and out-of-pocket expenses, the conversation explores how the cost of care, uneven access, and declining trust in institutions are shaping the political landscape ahead of the midterms. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), along with new managing directors Debbie Curtis (DC) and Rodney Whitlock (DC) of the firm’s federal health policy team.

With three weeks until Election Day, the battle for control of Congress is entering its final stretch. Our team examines the closely contested Senate races, competing interpretations of the polls, and why narrow margins could extend uncertainty beyond election night. They also explore what a shift in power could mean for congressional oversight and a crowded lame-duck agenda. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Sean Clerget (DC).

Government investigations are no longer just a Washington story. From city councils to state attorneys general to Congress, oversight is becoming more interconnected, and organizations need to understand how local developments can quickly become national issues and vice versa. Featuring Public Strategies’ Rose Christ (NY), Sean Clerget (DC), and Katie Schwab (NY).

With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC).

Budget season offers a window into state priorities, policy choices, and the challenges lawmakers are working to address. As state negotiations wrap up in Illinois, New York, and Virginia, we explore the tradeoffs, areas of agreement, and key decisions that shaped this year's legislative sessions. What do these budgets reveal about governing today, and what do they signal for the road to the November midterms? Featuring Public Strategies' Julia Hammond (VA), Sydney Holman (IL), and Katrell Lewis (NY).

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, we step back from the daily headlines to examine the state of the American experiment. From the 2026 midterm outlook to global conflicts, AI, and the search for political leadership, the conversation explores the forces shaping the nation's next chapter—and whether shared experiences can help bridge the nation's deepest divides. Featuring Public Strategies' Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (PA), and Cozen O'Connor alum Jim Schultz (PA).

Judd Kessler—author of Lucky by Design, professor at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, and a leading voice in behavioral economics—joins Howard Schweitzer, chief executive of Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, for a conversation on the “hidden markets” and incentives shaping modern life. Drawing on his research at the intersection of behavioral economics and real-world decision-making, they explore how “hidden markets” influence opportunity, power, leadership, and institutional outcomes across business, government, and society.