Dispatches from Planet Albany

Gov. Kathy Hochul is going to end up with more than 3.6 million votes in her re-election victory, but where did the support come from? We try to explain the shift in the governor's favor from 2022 with the help of political analyst Michael Lange, who talks about Hochul's alliance with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the national blue wave, and the lackluster GOP gubernatorial campaign. We also try to figure out whether the top of the ticket in New York came with any coattails this year and Michael discusses the writing process for his book.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

The blue wave that hit the country on election night also hit New York, delivering big wins for Democrats up and down the ballot. So what comes next for the GOP? For that perspective we check in with Assemblyman-elect Marc Molinaro, a Hudson Valley Republican, who has experience winning and losing in New York. He discusses party infrastructure, his controversial GOP colleague Anthony Constantino, and what candidates can do to avoid getting swept up in wave elections. The veteran politican also talks about the aftermath of his 2018 bid for governor and how he'll approach being a rank-and-file lawmakers in 2027. And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

Most new parents try to clear their schedule with the birth of a child, but Assemblyman Alex Bores added a congressional primary to his to-do list shortly after his son arrived in 2025.  The Manhattan Democrat discussed navigating these simultaneous responsibilities, as well as the challenges of traveling with a baby in New York City and the importance of recording video with a new child. He also stresses the importance of being a supportive partner and proper newborn lifting techniques.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

When it comes to parenting, you hope for the best and prepare for the rest. That's a lesson that's been hammered home for Assemblymember Jen Lunsford, who has had to deal with fertility challenges, food allergies and becoming a "jock mom." She discusses these challenges and joys of parenting with host David Lombardo in advance of his new daughter's arrival at the end of September. The Rochester-area Democrat also talks about her decision to have one child, the sentimental aspects of parenting and finding points of connection with her son. And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom

State Senator Jeremy Cooney has wanted to have a kid of his own since he was a kid. And this spring the Rochester-area Democrat became a dad with the birth of his son, Aidan.  He joined the podcast to talk about becoming an older dad, including his fitness journey, returning to work after parental leave and the multiple layers of significance to his son's full name.  And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).   Subscribe to our newsletter / https://www.publicmediasubscriptions.org/WCNY/subscription/pressroom  Follow the show on Twitter / https://twitter.com/CapPressRoom Follow the show on Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/capitolpressroom/ Follow the show on Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/thecapitolpressroom