From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , we break down the moments everyone’s talking about and what they actually mean. Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, is tracking the policy and political moves from New York to Washington. Here’s what we dig into: The poll surprise: Hochul’s approval hits a record high, yet a third of New Yorkers say they may leave the st...

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , get to know Marc Cohen! We head to Rochester to sit down with the Vice President of Government Affairs at O’Donnell & Associates. Marc’s path runs through Congress, the New York State Capitol, and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, where he worked on behalf of more than 1,300 businesses across the Finger Lakes region. He’s also deeply i...

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , we break down the money moves and political fights that could shape what you pay and what your city gets. Jack gives it to us straight. What’s smart, what’s risky, and what it all means. In this episode, we dig into: Why the governor is sending another $1.5 billion to New York City Mayor Mamdani’s push for higher taxes and his warning about a possi...

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell — Meet the Team , we sit down with Michael Greco. He's a Buffalo native and Senior Associate at O’Donnell & Associates. Michael has witnessed the many sides of politics, from New York City Council races to the halls of Congress, and now he’s helping clients navigate it all. In this episode, we talk about: What first sparked his interest in po...

A lot is happening in New York politics this week, and not all of it was expected. There are surprise exits. Big budget pressure. And cities across the state asking Albany for help… loudly. On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , we break down what’s really going on and what it could mean next. Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell &Associates , joins us from the Lobby...

For this week’s Meet the Team episode, we’re welcoming a familiar voice in New York politics, even if you’ve only known him by his byline. Ralph Ortega has spent more than 30 years telling New York’s story from the inside. From breaking news and investigations to shaping the conversation as Editor-in-Chief of City & State New York , Ralph has had a front-row seat to some of the biggest moments...

A last-minute running mate pick. Party leaders pushing back. Poll numbers moving. And a few big fights brewing as convention season and a high-stakes election year kick off. On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , Jack breaks down what’s really going on and what to watch next. We get into: A surprise lieutenant governor pick just days before the Democratic Convention Why Brooklyn D...

What does it really take to keep a fast-moving government affairs firm running smoothly? This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , we continue our Meet the Team series with someone who knows that answer better than anyone. We’re sitting down with Diane Ong, Chief of Staff at O’Donnell & Associates, for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about her experiences from Capitol Hill… to...

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack discusses the political implications during this critical election year and the pressures of the upcoming budget season. In this episode: Why New York is on track to lose influenceon Capitol Hill, and can it be turned around? The rapid rise of the Democratic Socialists of America and what it signals for this election cycle Mayor Zohran Mamdani’...

Meet Dr. Ellen Grant! In this conversation, Dr. Grant shares her extensive experience in healthcare, discussing the challenges organizations face today, the importance of government funding, and the need for innovative solutions. She also emphasizes the significance of servant leadership and community support in addressing these issues, while also reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey and the...

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , Jack reveals what’s next, now that Governor Hochul has dropped her $260 billion Executive Budget , loaded with record spending and affordability promises. In this episode, Jack discusses: Will there be a bruising budget battle with the Legislature? State tax revenues are up nearly $6 billion… will they offset budget spending? New York’s Medicaid sp...

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell , Jack digs into what the Governor’s State of the State speech really means as Albany heads straight into budget season and an election year. Hochul is pitching big ideas aimed at helping New York families, with affordability front and center, but how easy will it be to turn those promises into reality? Jack breaks down where the Governor’s age...

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 ti...

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 Repub...

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...

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...

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 rati...

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...

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 shu...

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: I...

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 en...

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 And...

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 an...

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 m...

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...