From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell

On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, we take you inside the latest political moves shaping New York.Jack O’Donnell, Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, joins us to break down what the headlines really mean.Here’s what we’re digging into:📊 A new Siena poll shows Kathy Hochul with a big lead, but most voters still don’t know challenger Bruce Blakeman. Can you win when many people don’t recognize your name?💰 Momentum grows to raise taxes on millionaires, even as Hochul pushes back. Is Albany heading for a major showdown?🏛️ A proposal to boost lawmakers’ salaries is turning heads at the Capitol. Does it actually have a chance?⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court steps in on a disputed New York congressional district. Is the fight over or just getting started?🏢 Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes has an idea to turn empty office space into housing. Could it really happen?🎧 If you want to understand what’s happening in Albany & what it could mean for New Yorkers, this episode is worth a listen! 

From storm recovery to healthcare funding to the future of tech, our Jim Moore has seen it all and knows how to get things done.This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell — Meet the Team, we introduce you to Jim Moore, Vice President and Policy Director at O’Donnell & Associates.Jim works at the center of some of the biggest issues facing New York and he’s helped secure millions in funding for organizations that truly need it.In this episode, we talk about:What first pulled him into public serviceWhat he learned working in Senator Schumer's state officeThe real challenges facing healthcare nonprofits right nowWhat it feels like to help secure major funding winsAnd what he does to recharge when the workday endsGive it a listen and get to know Jim—right here From the Lobby.

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 state. Schumer and Gillibrand slipping: Why are their numbers falling, and could 2028 bring real change?Tax the rich? More than 1,000 rally in Albany. Is their cause gaining momentum?Trump’s marathon speech: What stood out in the hour-and-forty-seven-minute address? Did it help the Republican Party ahead of the midterms?If you want to understand where things are heading—before they get there, this one’s for you! Check it out!

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 involved in his community, and he’s a devoted husband and dad.In this episode, we talk about:What lured him into public serviceHow to bridge the gap between government and the business communityWhat business owners are really worried about right nowThe most rewarding part of helping clientsWhat he does when he actually has free timeIt's a closer look at the experience and heart behind the work.Listen in!

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 possible property tax hike. Buffalo’s $40 million bailout and whether the state can keep writing these checksThe state comptroller’s warning about weakening oversight of billions in spendingWhat President Trump needs to accomplish in his upcoming State of the Union addressListen to Jack’s candid conversation!

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 politics at St. Joe’s in BuffaloThe jump from campaign life to working with former Congressman Brian HigginsWhy balancing district priorities with national politics is harder than it looksHow campaign and experience working for a Congressman make him a strong advocate for OD&A clientsAs a former ACHA player at Pitt, we talk Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh as a hockey town 🏒Listen in for a great conversation with one of the rising voices at OD&A!

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 to walk through the biggest moves from Albany to D.C.We get into:Why Governor Hochul’s lieutenant governor ended his run for governorA wave of powerful lawmakers deciding not to run again and what that signalsMayors flooding the state capital asking for cash as local budgets get tighterMayor Mamdani’s push to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to close a massive budget gapWhat struggling cities like Buffalo need from the state right nowA rocky start to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s run for governorAnd a new voting bill in Washington. Does it have any chance of becoming law?Worth a listen!

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 in state and NYC politics.Now, he’s bringing that newsroom instinct and a deep understanding of how politics really works to O’Donnell & Associates.In this episode, we cover:What TV show inspired Ralph to pursue journalism and why he stuck with itWhat it was like leading coverage during a turbulent era in New York politics: Cuomo’s downfall and Eric Adams’ riseThe stories that left a lasting mark from 9/11 to the death of a young boyWhy advocating for greater Latino representation has been central to his workHow he recharges after three decades in the newsroom and his all-time favorite movieGive this thoughtful & engaging conversation a listen!

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 ConventionWhy Brooklyn Democrats flip-flopped on backing HochulHow much Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s endorsement mattersNew poll numbers showing Governor Hochul at her strongest yetThe next funding fight in Washington Tune in and join us as we go 'From the Lobby!'

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 international policy work… to the pressure cooker of a presidential campaign.In this episode:​ What first drew Diane into public service and when she knew this was the path for herHow her background as an organizer, policy researcher, and campaign operator shapes the way she leads todayWhat it was really like running operations on the Harris–Walz presidential campaignHow her work on women’s health, humanitarian aid, and international affairs informs her approach to policyAnd what helps her unplug when politics never seems to slow down, including her all-time favorite movie!Tune in — and meet the team, From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

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 cycleMayor Zohran Mamdani’s first budget rollout and the $12 billion gap he’s blaming on the Adams administrationThe Governor’s race heats up as Hochul searches for a new lieutenant governor. Who’s in line for the number two job?Immigration takes center stage as Governor Hochul and her GOP challenger draw sharp lines over ICE enforcementAnd a last-minute push to avoid a government shutdownGive it a listen!

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 human experience in healthcare.Give it a listen!

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 spending is still going up. How long can that last?Reaction to the Governor’s push to fast-track housing by easing environmental reviewsChildcare funding and affordability: Why NYC gets the lion’s share, and will Upstate lawmakers pushback?New York City’s latest budget bombshell: multi-billion-dollar shortfalls now and even bigger gaps ahead. Does Albany have to step in?And the big question everyone’s asking… will New York get a budget done on time?Join us From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell for the inside scoop!

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 agenda is likely to gain traction, where it could run into resistance, and why funding these proposals may be trickier than it sounds. With political energy ramping up on both sides of the aisle, the budget process is shaping up to be anything but smooth.Jack also takes a closer look at what Hochul’s affordability push could mean for businesses across the state, and whether the costs of these initiatives could create new tension around economic growth and competitiveness.Plus, a check on what’s happening in Washington, where another funding deadline looms and the question remains: can Congress actually avoid a shutdown this time?Give it a listen!

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 WashingtonGive it a listen!

As the clock ticks down on Albany’s legislative session, Jack joins us 'From the Lobby' to highlight the key bills still alive—and the debates heating up:🛒 Will supermarkets finally be allowed to sell wine?🚫 Could non-compete clauses be banned?📦 Will NY businesses have a say in a bill charging them fees and requiring a reduction in packaging?🤖Is it time for AI regulation in New York?Plus, the uphill battle in the U.S. Senate to pass its version of the budget and how did the game UNO take such a dark turn? 🎧 Tune in now for the latest policy talk—straight ‘From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell!’

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!