Dispatches from Planet Albany

Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani have largely been able to paper over their ideological differences, but the financial situation in the Big Apple could test that dynamic.

Host David Lombardo and Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Plummer consider whether the mayor and governor's unholy alliance can withstand this public disagreement and if the ultimate outcome is increasing taxes or some other solution to fund New York City's budget.

We also reflect on how interest groups in Albany had to change their lobbying approach when the state Senate flipped hands in 2019 and how much...

Assemblymember Brian Cunningham's public profile has gone up a notch or two since making a short list of running mates for Gov. Kathy Hochul, but the Brooklyn Democrat is still far from a household name (even among Albany insiders).

So host David Lombardo sat down with Cunningham in the studio at the Capitol to discuss his background (he interned with Sen. Kevin Parker), whether he's been vetted for the LG role (he hasn't), and the untold story behind his first name (you'll have to listen for that one).

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet A...

Host David Lombardo and Lighthouse Public Affairs founder Chapin Fay handicap the odds for the contenders to be Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's running mate on the Republican ticket to win the executive mansion in Albany.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

Because a reunion between Gov. Kathy Hochul and her number two, Antonio Delgado, is unlikely, she'll be running with a new lieutenant governor candidate in 2026. But who?

The Dispatches from Planet Albany number crunchers have run the odds on a variety of options and host David Lombardo has The Parkside Group Vice President Alex Elmasri assess whether the lines should be higher or lower. 

They cover some of the frontrunners, names that would be good choices, and a couple jokes. You decide which is which. 

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, ple...

The highlights from Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget have permeated the consciousness of Planet Albany, but what about the other tasty morsels from the fine print?

Host David Lombardo and Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark share some parts of the executive proposal that they think have been underappreciated, including new fees on lobbyists while cutting funding for the ethics watchdog and giving retroactive subsidies to New York City's theater productions.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could re...

Gov. Kathy Hochul is planning to propose a budget that makes major investments into child care, increase spending on education and boosts the state's commitment for health care, but without raising taxes.

How does that math work?

We consider how Hochul and her budget team will make the numbers add up in her executive proposal with the help of Rockefeller Institute of Government President Bob Megna. The former budget director talks about the state's recent cash reports, which show revenues dramatically exceeding expectations, and considers how reserves might address future ambiguity. 

Then we h...

Nearly five years since the legalization of marijuana in New York and the effort to standup a recreational marketplace is still facing challenges.

To discuss some of the recent headaches, including leadership turnover at the state's marijuana regulator, and some ideas for addressing the illegal products ending up on shelves in New York, we spoke with Herb Barbot, the former director of operations at the state Office of Cannabis Management and now the chair of the Empire State Green Standard Alliance.

Then we have another episode of "Know Your Politicos," with an internal Marathon Strategies c...

To commemorate the Planet Albany Fantasy Lawmaker League for 2026, we held a live draft in the Capitol.

Host David Lombardo was joined by Assemblyman Josh Jensen, a Rochester-area Republican, and Bloomberg Government Capitol reporter Raga Justin to assemble a roster of six state lawmakers. They explained their preparation strategy, revealed some of the names at the Capitol they can't pronounce, and responded to some of the team names that were selected for the league. (SPOILER: Some are great.)

And don't forget to assemble your state lawmakers for the 2026 Planet Albany Fantasy Lawmaker League. Make your s...

Since 2017, The Center for Effective Lawmaking has been trying to gauge the effectiveness of state and federal legislators. And they recently turned their analytical skills to the New York state lawmakers from the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. 

We broke down their report with the help of Craig Volden, the organization's co-director and a professor with Frank Batten School of Leadership & Public Policy at the University of Virginia. He explained how they calculate their scores, addresses the challenges of quantifying effectiveness, and considers how the analysis could be improved in the future.

And don't forget to assemble y...

In advance of the legislative session, host David Lombardo and Tusk Strategies partner Shontell Plummer are making some predictions for the year ahead and putting out into the world their hopes and dreams for life in Planet Albany.

They discuss the timing of the budget, the potential for increasing taxes, funding for child care, overhauling alcohol laws and the possibility of seeing dogs at the Capitol.

And don't forget to assemble your state lawmakers for the 2026 Planet Albany Fantasy Lawmaker League. Make your selections by 5 pm on Jan. 16 and follow along to see who is...

For the final episode of 2025, host David Lombardo talks with Politico New York Albany Bureau Chief Nick Reisman about some of the stories from the last 12 months that will likely reverberate in 2026 and the events that New Yorkers will probably not remember.

They chat about the fallout from the prison strikes, the election law changes that never materialized, restrictions on smartphones in schools and Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature inflation refund checks.

And if this type of insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our holiday offer for supporters of the pro...

Before we say goodbye to 2025, we want to remember some of the narratives and events that captivated us (for good or bad) during the year.

For this trip down memory lane, host David Lombardo is joined by Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark and Bloomberg Industry Capitol reporter Raga Justin. They discuss cursing from politicians, the election law changes that never happened, turnover at the Capitol, and the survival skills of Jay Jacobs.

We also had the inaugural run of our "Know your Politicos," where we test the ability of guests to recognize voices from Planet...

Former state Budget Director Bob Megna, now the president of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, joins the show to explain how the Hochul administration is navigating lost federal funding.

We discuss the wiggle room in the state's spending plan, the potential for cutting agency red tape, and how serioulsy to take projected holes from the Division of Budget. He also sheds some light on behind-the-scenes discussions about child care funding and the delivery of health care in the Empire State. 

And if this type of insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be int...

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik suspended her short-lived bid for governor on Friday afternoon, so we're breaking down her anouncement and the ramifications of the decision, including what this means for the Republican gubernatorial landscape.

Our guest is Chapin Fay, a Republican strategist and founder of Lighthouse Public Affairs.

And if this type of insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our holiday offer for supporters of the program. For a $50 contribution or a recurring commitment of $5 a month we'll give you a 12×9 poster celebrating life on Planet Albany.

On paper, a Hudson Valley Senate District that includes the communities of Poughkeepsie, Newburgh and Beacon would seem made for a Democratic representative, but since redistricting it has been occupied by Republican Rob Rolison.

In 2026, Poughkeepsie City Councilman Evan Menist is hoping to flip control of the seat by riding a blue wave and talking about affordability until he is blue in the face. The former senate staffer joined the show to discuss his campaign and explain why this purple seat has eluded Democrats so far. 

And if this type of insider discussion is your cup...

It's the season of giving: Giving somewhat controversial bills to the governor for her signature, veto, or the promise of future amendments.

There are 122 bills awaiting action by Gov. Kathy Hochul (at the time of the podcast recording), so we're reflecting on the process of delivering bills at the end of the year and unpacking some of the pending legislation with the help of Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter.

And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our holiday offer for supporters of the program. F...

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's flirtation with a run for governor became official this week, as he announced his bid to be the GOP nominee to take on Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026.

We explored his path to a primary victory and an upset in November with Michael Dawidziak, a Long Island-based Republican strategist. We talked about Blakeman's resume, the possibility of strategic voting by GOP primary participants, and the role of President Donald Trump in picking his party's nominee.

And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our h...

While Democrats were making inroads all over New York in November, they were turned back in the race for mayor of Binghamton, where the GOP incumbent secured re-election despite a major enrollment disadvantage.

This got us interested in the larger Broome County Republican apparatus, so we're checking in with their 31-year-old chair, Benji Federman. We talk about his pathway into political leadership, why he supports Rep. Elise Stefanik's gubernatorial bid, and how he thinks Republicans can rebuild their presence in the state legislature.

And if this insider discussion is your cup of tea, you may...

After years of anticipation, plus some twists and turns along the way, there is clarity about the future casino landscape in the New York City area.

We broke down the significance of the state siting board's decision with Bennett Liebman, one of the architect's of the 2013 law that paved the way to the proliferation of casino licenses in New York. We consider what to expect with these projects, like when they'll start asking for tax breaks, and take a broader look at New York's gambling operators. 

And if this insider discussion is your cup of t...

The race for governor of New York won't be decided for another eleven months, but a snapshot of the contest from the fall by a conservative think tank suggests the election is winnable for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

We unpack the findings, including Gov. Kathy Hochul's underwhelming performance in New York City, and the poll's methodology with Jesse Arm, vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute, where his duties include polling. 

And if this discussion is your cup of tea, you may be interested in our limited-time offer for supporters of the program. F...

Tusk Strategies partner Shontell Smith Plummer is back on the podcast after a lengthy absence to discuss whether a leak from the Hochul administration was accidentally done on purpose, the possibility of tax increases in next year's state budget, and whether Democratic lawmakers at the Capitol are going to veer to the left because of possible primaries.

We also talk about who the governor might tap to be her running mate in 2026 and whether any of the contenders need to try less.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating a...

In 2022, corruption charges blew up the career trajectory for then-Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin. More than three years later, with the case dropped by federal prosecutors, the Harlem Democrat has a new life and a new perspective on the legal system and his life's journey.

Benjamin visited the studio to reflect on the allegations of bribery from his time in the state senate, consider the role of the governor's number two and what makes a good lieutenant governor, and share his plans for the future. 

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a...

A recent report from the Business Council of New York State made the case that employers in the Empire State don't feel like they're being heard by state policymakers. Putting aside that every interest group feels like this, it's undeniable that business interests do play a lot of defense during the legislative session in Albany.

To discuss the lobbying efforts of the business community we sat down with former Democratic Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, who is now a lobbyist with Brown & Weinraub. 

And for Working Rules we explored the relationship between New York governors and the S...

What does it mean to be a Democrat?

That's the question being posed to the party faithful in New York by Matt Castelli, who is best known in the Empire State for his 2022 congressional shellacking at the hands of Rep. Elise Stefanik. The former CIA operative has regrouped in Dutchess County, where there is speculation about a 2027 run for county executive, and is hoping to rebuild his party's brand in New York with input from the county committees.

Castelli joined the show to make the case that Democrats have to stand for more than a...

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has a short list of accomplishments in Albany during his time in the Assembly, but his plans for the Big Apple will require him to be successful at the state's Capitol. 

We talked about that path to success with Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, a Bronx Democrat, who has been described as part of Mamdani's "brain trust." We consider what he'll prioritize for Albany in 2026, how she can be helpful to his agenda, and what the relationship between the mayor and governor could look like next year.

And if you enjoy Di...

After months of flirting with a gubernatorial run, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik jumped into the race in November.

We discuss the North Country Republican's longshot path to the Executive Mansion in Albany with Chapin Fay, a veteran GOP strategist and founder of Lighthouse Public Affairs. We talk about the importance of New York City for Stefanik in a general election, consider the ramifications of a GOP primary, and debate whether President Donald Trump or NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will be more problematic for their respective parties in the race for governor.

Democrats made inroads all over New York on Election Day, including flipping some Republican-held county legislatures, and the party's mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani, got the highest number of votes in decades.

We break down this good news for the Democratic Party, the not-so-good news in Nassau County, the status of the New York party infrastructure, and the prospects of governing and running for elections in 2026 with the help of BerlinRosen Senior Vice President Loren Amor, SKDK Senior Vice President Bryan Lesswing, and Long Island Assemblymember Chuck Lavine.

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado joins the show to talk politics, including share his grievances with the New York Democratic Party under the control of Gov. Kathy Hochul and NY Dems Chair Jay Jacobs.

The gubernatorial hopeful also discusses the future of U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and what he's looking for in a number two.

You can catch our conversation about his policy positions, including support for Medical Aid in Dying, in The Capitol Pressroom feed. 

The field of contenders for three downstate casino licenses has been whittled down to three options and the selection process could conclude imminently, so we're checking in on how we got there and what might happen next.

Crain's New York Business political reporter Nick Garber discusses the surprise decision by MGM to abandon their casino bid, highlights some of the peculiar moments in this journey, and considers whether less than three licenses will be awarded.

Then for Working Rules we make some election predictions with The Parkside Group's Alex Elmasri, including reading tea leave in...

After documenting the challenging working conditions and underwhelming compensation for central staff in the Assembly, New York Focus senior reporter Sam Mellins reports that at least the pay is getting better for the behind-the-scenes personnel that make the people's house run.

Mellins discusses who is getting a raise and the status of unionization efforts by legislative staffer.

Then for Working Rules, Slingshot Strategies partner Alyssa Cass joins host David Lombardo to dissect Gov. Kathy Hochul's underwhelming appearance at a campaign rally for Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani over the weekend. We consider if this has larger implications...

Wonder who is on the rise in New York? Curious what campaign are heading in the wrong direction? 

Patrick Wildes, director of Albany Law School's Government Law Center, and Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter, join host David Lombardo to offer trading tips on issues and people for our Capitol stock market. 

They make predictions on the future of Sen. Andrew Gounardes, treatment courts, efforts to promote affordability, and much more.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to supp...

New York policymakers will face some hard choices in 2026 about the state's health care system as the result of changes coming from Washington D.C. that include cuts to providers and regulations that could bounce people off government-run insurance. 

 Advocates of the New York Health Act, which would create a state-run, single-payer health insurance system, hope the state's predicament will make their legislation more appealing to state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Campaign for New York Health Executive Director Melanie D'Arrigo discusses the obstacles to passing this comprehensive bill in the past and how the me...

Raj Goyle is one of a growing list of Democrats looking to wrest their party's state comptroller nomination away from incumbent Tom DiNapoli. The former Kansas state lawmaker argues that the powers of the comptroller's office have been wasted and makes the case that his background makes him the optimal change candidate. 

We touch on his voting record in the Wheat State, the type of primary voter who will gravitate toward his longshot bid, and his vision for future audits.

For Working Rules we chat with Politico New York reporter Bill Mahoney about the state's t...

New Yorkers with disabilities have no problem finding rhetorical support in Albany, but champions willing and able to deliver meaningful funding and policies are harder to find. 

We explore this dynamic, including how it might change, with Michael Schweinsburg, president of the 504 Democratic Club, a political advocacy group that endorsed Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado for governor. We touch on the demands of New Yorkers with disabilities and Gov. Kathy Hochul's record.

Then Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark joins us for Working Rules to discuss the latest round in the battle between state Sen. James Skoufis a...

The Empire State Plaza and Capitol are in a period of transition that includes road work, restoring an historic staircase and a potential reimagining of how the complex is integrated into the community.

We were joined in the studio state OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy to discuss these moving parts and whether the escalators and elevators will work during the 2026 legislative session.

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

After getting tested in the fires of the Brooklyn Democratic Committee for three years, James Christopher has launched his own communications firm. Now that he's escaped the orbit of this high-profile and controversial political machine, we ask him about navigating political landmines in Brooklyn and what's in store for his future.

Then we talk with WNYC/Gothamist Capitol reporter Jimmy Vielkind about his latest reporting on the distribution of "inflation refund" checks, which will not be tax free. We discuss the politics of this $2 billion initiative championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul.  

And...

The latest game of musical chairs at the Capitol has resulted in Assemblymember Jen Lunsford serving as assistant majority leader, a role that puts her third in line to run the chamber during ordinary operations.

We talked with the Rochester-area Democrat about why she got this post after just five years (she's a nerd with perfect attendance), considered her growing debate responsibilities, and explored what leadership roles might be appealing in the future.

Then New York Playbook PM author Jason Beeferman joins us for Working Rules to discuss "Menorah-Gate," the fallout from a Rosh Hashanah s...

The campaign to reform live-event ticket regulations in New York, which was expected to be in a public coma until the 2026 legislative session in Albany, got a boost of publicity this summer when NYC Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani called on FIFA to adopt consumer friendly measures for World Cup ticket sales.

The assemblyman has given a national spotlight to an issue that is generally relegated to trade publications, personal gripes and the continued coverage of The Capitol Pressroom. Because of the attention, we wanted to check in with State Sen. James Skoufis, an Orange County Democrat...

We celebrate 100 episodes of Dispatches from Planet Albany with Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Plummer (you read that right), Capitol Confidential author Dan Clark, and Times Union Capitol reporter Raga Justin.

We take questions from listeners, reflect on more than two years of podcast recordings, and consider the next 100 episodes of the show. 

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).

Former Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, a North Country Democrat, zooms in for his exit interview to discuss why he's leaving the Capitol, reflect on his relationship with Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and consider the importance of majority representation in the legislature.

We also touch on his hair legacy and whether he might run for office again in the future. 

And if you enjoy Dispatches from Planet Albany, please leave us a rating and consider becoming a recurring contributor to support the podcast (because we could really use the money).