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Days to go. Polls are shifting. Early voting is surging. And the balance of power could be up for grabs. On this week’s From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, political strategist Jack O’Donnell breaks down the races, the risks, and the surprises that could shape Tuesday’s results. Here’s what’s at stake: ​Kathy Hochul’s lead: Is it all but over for Bruce Blakeman?​Early voting surge: Nearly twice as many New Yorkers voted on day one compared with four years ago. How does this impact the outcome of the races?​Looking ahead to 2030: Why is Hochul already talking about a potential third term?​The races that matter: Which contest could have the biggest impact on the balance of power?​Election night surprises: Where could we see an upset?​A blue wave or a blue splash as the results come in?Plus, find out where to catch Jack’s live election night analysis as the results roll in. Listen now!

The clock is ticking toward Election Day, and the political stakes are getting higher. With early voting underway, can Bruce Blakeman make up ground against Governor Kathy Hochul? And what do the latest polls tell us about the Republican Party’s chances heading into the midterms? On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, political strategist and campaign veteran Jack O’Donnell breaks down what’s happening now and what to watch in the final days. Can attacks on rising utility bills and public safety turn the tide in New York’s governor’s race? What does a trailing candidate need to change the conversation and shake up a race? With President Trump’s approval ratings slipping and House races shifting toward Democrats, is the GOP coalition showing cracks? A moment to celebrate! From the Lobby and OD&A’s Monday Morning Memo earn PRSA Buffalo Niagara Silver Excalibur Awards for excellence in communications. Tune in for Jack’s take on the races, the strategy, and what it all means!

A fiery debate, a billionaire’s big midterm bet, and a fight over the future of New York City’s horse carriages. Who’s gaining ground, who’s taking a gamble, and what happens next? On this week’s From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell: Debate Night Showdown: Did Kathy Hochul or Bruce Blakeman come out on top? And did Hochul play the Trump card too often? The Road to Congress: Democrats see an opening, but Republicans have deep pockets. Can campaign cash overcome political momentum? Clip-Clop Controversy: NYC’s horse carriage industry could be on its way out. Is this the end of an era? Jack O’Donnell, Albany insider, campaign strategist, and Managing Partner of O’Donnell & Associates, breaks down the headlines! Give it a listen!

The news is moving fast as Election Day approaches, and the stakes are getting higher. This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack talks polls, power, and the money moves that could shake up New York: Hochul’s lead: Is Blakeman’s strength upstate and among independents enough to make this a real race?Trump’s wildcard: Will the president’s push for Blakeman help his campaign or Hochul's?The midterm ripple effect: Could Democrats flip Congress and change the course of Trump’s presidency?Wall Street’s windfall: Could record profits give New York’s strained budget some breathing room?Albany’s unfinished business: Why are hundreds of bills still awaiting action, and what happens behind the scenes before the governor makes her move?Give it a listen!

Election Day is just over a month away and the stakes are rising. On this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Joanna Pasceri sits down with Jack to break down the races, money, and issues shaping New York politics right now. Tax cuts are taking center stage. What should voters watch as Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman make their cases on affordability?The money race is heating up. How much could outside spending matter down the stretch?A congressional race to watch. Mike Lawler and Cait Conley are in a tight contest. What could decide it?New York’s AI moment. With the industry expanding rapidly, how is the state balancing economic opportunity with calls for regulation?25 years of impact. Jack reflects on O’Donnell & Associates being named to City & State’s Hall of Fame: 20 Years of Impact in New York.Then and now. What has changed most in New York politics since 2006?Listen to From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell !

Trump and Mamdani. Two political opposites. One increasingly interesting relationship. This week on From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack breaks down: • Trump & Mamdani: They disagree on plenty. So why do these meetings keep happening and does either side gain politically? • The governor’s race: Two new polls tell very different stories. What explains the wide gap and which numbers deserve the closest attention? • The October debate: Hochul and Blakeman are set to face off. What does each candidate need to accomplish and what could change the trajectory of the race? • The congressional picture: Democrats lead on the generic ballot, but neither party is viewed favorably. What does that say about the midterm environment? • AOC in Buffalo: The Queens congresswoman is coming to Western New York to rally inactive Democratic voters, but why Buffalo? Tune in for Jack’s analysis of the latest political moves, polling numbers and what to watch next from New York City to Washington, D.C.

November is getting closer, and the political stakes are getting higher. In this week’s From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell, Jack digs into the moves, numbers, and questions shaping the road to Election Day: $1 billion in utility rebate checks are about to reach New Yorkers. The timing is drawing attention with the governor’s race weeks away. Bruce Blakeman faces a steep Democratic registration advantage in his bid for governor. Can he overcome it? A new national poll has some interesting numbers for both parties, and a warning sign for Democrats who are running as Democratic Socialists. The House left Washington early, putting off an impeachment resolution involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is looking increasingly like someone who could be thinking about 2028. Jack weighs in on her potential White House run. Give it a listen!

As New York marks 25 years since 9/11, the anniversary is becoming a political battleground. Jack O’Donnell weighs in on what that says about the state of politics today, and takes on a series of other fights unfolding in New York and across the country. In this episode: 9/11 at 25: Why is a day of remembrance becoming a political flashpoint and when will justice prevail?Open primaries: Should unaffiliated voters have a greater role in New York’s primary elections?Crime and the governor’s race: After violence at the West Indian Day Parade, the political blame game is underway.Accountability in Albany: A state senator faces scrutiny over allegations involving campaign and taxpayer-funded travel expenses.Trump’s $5,000 promise: What should voters make of the president’s latest proposal as Republicans look toward the midterms? Jack cuts through the latest headlines and looks at what’s really at stake. Listen in!

The governor’s race just got a lot more interesting. A new Siena poll cuts Kathy Hochul’s lead over Bruce Blakeman in half—from 20 points to 10. Is Blakeman really gaining ground? Or is this just one poll catching a moment in time? On this week’s From the Lobby, Jack O’Donnell digs into the numbers behind the headline and what they could mean as the campaign heats up. Inside the episode: Why Hochul’s lead has narrowed and what changedWhere Blakeman has an unexpected edge with votersThe character traits giving Blakeman an advantageAI in campaign ads and the political and legal questions it raisesThe DSA’s growing influence and its challenge with the broader electorateOne striking divide over whether New York’s best days are ahead or behindThe poll gives us plenty to talk about. 🎙️ Listen now to From the Lobby with Jack O’Donnell.

Twenty-five years ago, Jack O'Donnell took a leap and founded O'Donnell & Associates with one goal: build a public affairs firm focused on solving problems. Did he ever imagine it would grow into what it is today? In this candid conversation, Jack reflects on the moments that shaped him—both professionally and personally—and the lessons he's learned along the way. Inside this episode: Why he decided to start his own lobbying firmHow growing up in a family devoted to public service shaped his careerThe life-changing health scare that gave him a different perspective on leadership and successWhat he's most proud of after 25 yearsAnd what's next for O'Donnell & Associates Whether you've known Jack for years or are meeting him for the first time, this conversation offers a look behind the title—and the story behind the firm. Give it a listen!

The campaign trail is getting busier. The policy debates are getting louder. And with the midterms fast approaching, the political stakes are only getting higher. This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we discuss: What's behind Governor Hochul's statewide tour defending her data center moratorium?House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also hits the road to shore up votes for Democrats in the midterms.Can NY Democrats regain a veto-proof majority in the State Senate?How NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plans to address his next budget challenge.A new poll and wild accusations shake up the race for NY governor.What's next for Upstate New York? Jack shares his outlook on the region's economy & opportunities ahead. Give it a listen!

What does a lobbyist actually do? It's one of the questions we hear most, and in this episode of From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, we're answering it. This week, we turn the spotlight on the profession itself, taking you inside the world of government affairs and separating fact from fiction. Listen in as we discuss: How Jack got into the lobbying profession after years in politics and government. What lobbyists really do, and why the work is often misunderstood. How government affairs helps organizations navigate policy and connect with decision-makers. When businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations should consider hiring a lobbying firm. The biggest misconceptions about lobbying—and what people often get wrong. 🎧 Whether you're curious about the profession or wondering if government affairs could help your organization, this episode offers an inside look at how lobbying really works!

Big decisions. Big questions. And another busy week in New York politics. This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the headlines and what to watch next. Listen in as we discuss: ​Why Governor Hochul paused new data center projects, and why some are saying it’s a mistake. ​Bruce Blakeman's campaign cash claims. Why are there conflicting fundraising numbers? ​A new warning from the state comptroller raises questions about New York's financial future. Is the budget built to last? ​The search for Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes' successor and what it could mean for Albany. ​A key U.S. Senate seat suddenly opens. How could it reshape the political landscape? ​The World Cup brought global attention to the region & the country. What was the impact beyond the economic boost? Got 15 minutes? Worth a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack goes behind the headlines to explain what's driving the latest political shifts, and what they could mean for voters, lawmakers, and business leaders. In this episode: Why two new polls tell completely different stories about Governor Hochul's reelection chances. Would Congresswoman Elise Stefanik have been Hochul's toughest Republican challenger? Jack reveals his pick. Progressives are winning across New York, so why has Hochul avoided a serious challenge from the left? Jack's take on the governor's AI-powered review of state regulations. Should New York City Council members vote themselves an 18% pay raise? Despite political uncertainty, why are banks, law firms, and AI companies pouring billions into New York City? Let Jack help you make sense of this week's biggest stories! Give it a listen!

This week on From the Lobby with Jack O'Donnell, Jack breaks down the latest political shakeups, policy battles, and what they could mean as attention turns toward the midterms. Listen in as we discuss: A surprise Democratic primary upset in Syracuse. Is the progressive movement gaining ground Upstate?Is House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries vulnerable? And can he help Democrats regain control of the House? New York City's new budget. Is it a real solution—or just a temporary fix?A major court ruling clears the way for New York's all-electric buildings law. What's next? A new Siena poll gives Governor Hochul a boost, but voters aren't buying one of Albany's biggest proposals. As America approaches its 250th birthday, Jack reflects on this milestone, what the future holds, and why he is proud to be an American! Give it a listen!