Albany Agenda
Albany Agenda
Are we really talking about redistricting again?!
Despite what you may hear, a mid-decade redistricting in New York is both very difficult and very unlikely.
Campaigns & Elections
Applyrs wins landslide victory in Albany mayoral primary
Backed by both progressives and the Albany Democratic establishment, City Auditor Dorcey Applyrs beat businessman Dan Cerutti by 24 points.
Energy & Environment
Environmentalists are not on board with Hochul’s new nuclear plant
Green energy advocates were quick to denounce the governor’s plan to build a nuclear facility to provide zero-emission energy as a distraction from real clean solutions
Campaigns & Elections
Council president and top mayoral aide vie to become Syracuse’s next mayor
Incumbent Mayor Ben Walsh isn’t on the ballot in the Democratic primary, but the fight between his deputy Sharon Ownes and Common Council President Pat Hogan could serve as a referendum on his mayoralty.
Energy & Environment
As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation
The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.
Immigration
Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill
The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.
Power Lists
The 2025 Albany Power 100
The ever-evolving hierarchy in state politics.
Albany Agenda
Heading home, here’s what lawmakers got done in the last legislative week
The state Senate and Assembly passed hundreds of bills in the final days of the legislative session. These are some of the most important.
Immigration
Stefanik laces into Hochul over immigration in preview of 2026 race
“We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik, who would like to be that governor.
Albany Agenda
Former Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on track to join state parole board
During his long career in the state Legislature, O’Donnell supported expanding parole – and soon, he’ll get to decide who deserves it.
Health Care
Religious groups urge Hochul to kill Medical Aid in Dying bill
The controversial Medical Aid in Dying legislation has finally made it through both the Assembly and the state Senate, but the governor could still veto it.
Albany Agenda
The bills to watch in the final week of session
Prison reforms, a packaging reduction bill and the Grieving Families Act could all come up for a vote before the Legislative session ends.
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2026 New York gubernatorial election
County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul
Most of the chairs leading county Democratic committees signed a letter endorsing Hochul in their personal capacities after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced a primary challenge
Technology
‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills
The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Electeds race to endorse Hochul following Delgado campaign launch
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado’s announcement that he will challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul next year has resulted in a flood of endorsements for the incumbent.
Immigration
Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?
Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.
Albany Agenda
Faith leaders urge Assembly to pass packaging reduction bill
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act just passed the state Senate but faces intense opposition from the plastics industry and some business leaders.
Interviews & Profiles
How SUNY is responding to the Trump administration
An interview with SUNY Chancellor John King
Energy & Environment
Will NY stop blocking natural gas pipeline following Trump approval of offshore wind farm?
The state Department of Environmental Conservation previously denied a clean water permit for the Constitution pipeline, but it could choose to take no action if the pipeline reapplies for the permit.
Heard Around Town
Hochul rebuttal pokes fun at LCA, declares 2025 show ‘still sucks’
The governor also went after critics and rivals in her remarks at the event.
