Albany Agenda
Policy
State lawmakers call for withholding state employees’ federal taxes
Since Trump cut federal funds to New York, Assembly Member Micah Lasher and state Sen. Jessica Ramos want to let the state government withhold federal taxes.
News & Politics
Politics
Hochul and Adams: A match made in Albany
Mayor Eric Adams benefited greatly over his four years from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s commitment to maintaining a healthy working relationship with the leader of the nation’s largest city.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics
Could Jacobs’ refusal to endorse Mamdani help Hochul?
State party chair Jay Jacobs broke with Gov. Kathy Hochul when she endorsed Zohran Mamdani, but it might all be part of the plan.
2025 New York City Mayoral Election
Politics
Albany’s ‘3 people in a room’ are all with Zohran Mamdani
They want him to be mayor. Will they support his agenda?
Upstate
Politics
Can Democrats hold onto this North Country Assembly seat?
Now that Assembly Member Billy Jones has left the state Legislature, the GOP is hoping to flip his seat – but it won’t be easy.
News & Politics
Politics
State Legislature in store for some major reshuffling
Retirements and local electoral wins could reshape the Democratic makeup of the 2027 state legislative class.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Hochul officially shifts into campaign mode
Gov. Kathy Hochul is out with her first reelection ad, which pits her squarely against President Donald Trump.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Torres recants his past criticism of Hochul
Rep. Ritchie Torres spent months attacking Gov. Kathy Hochul from the right as he explored a primary challenge but now admits he “underestimated the governor.”
Albany Agenda
Policy
Will Hochul’s focus on redistricting fight distract from state governance?
“I assure you, my capacity for an expansive range of topics is enormous,” the governor told reporters.
News & Politics
Politics
A guide to the federal government’s numerous legal fights with NY
Since returning to power, the Trump administration has taken legal action against the state’s policies related to immigration, transit and other issues.
Albany Agenda
Politics
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
Politics
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
Policy
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
Politics
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 Pro Tempore at Hogan could serve as a referendum on his mayoralty.
Energy & Environment
Policy
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
Policy
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.
Albany Agenda
Policy
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
Politics
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
Policy