News We Want to Share
In Memory of Camille Brandon
Who’s In Line for WNY’s Congressional Seat?
November 14, 2023
Who has a leg up in the race to fill WNY’s Congressional seat?
Our Jack O’Donnell is on the line with WBEN-AM News Talk 930 to discuss the politicians lining up to run for the seat held by Congressman Brian Higgins, who announced he is stepping down next year. Listen here.
GOP Debate Debrief and More
November 9, 2023
Jack joins the morning team at WBEN to size up the GOP presidential contenders after their latest debate and talk about the strong victory in the Erie County Executive race here.
Election Debrief with News 4 Buffalo
November 8, 2023
Is it too early to declare a winner in the race for Cheektowaga Town Supervisor? Jack talks to reporter Patrick Ryan from News 4 Buffalo. Watch the top video here.
Election Debrief with News 4 Buffalo
November 7, 2023
Our Jack O’Donnell joined Dave Greber and Kelsey Anderson of News 4 Buffalo for an Election Night debrief on the unprecedented win in the Erie County Executive race and the nail-biter for Cheektowaga Supervisor. Watch here.
Jack on WIVB-TV Erie County Executive Debate
October 24, 2023
Who won the Erie County Executive debate hosted by WIVB-TV? Jack gives his take and breaks down the hot issues between Republican challenger Chrissy Casilio and Democratic incumbent Mark Poloncarz, as he sits down with Dave Greber and Kelsey Anderson of News 4 Buffalo. Click here and check out the top video to watch Jack’s interview.
Even-Year Elections?
September 28, 2023
Our Monday Morning Memo Wins Award
September 21, 2023
OD&A is proud to announce its weekly newsletter, Monday Morning Memo, is the recipient of a Silver Excalibur Award by the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The award celebrates the best work in communications from Western New York’s top professionals and companies.
The Monday Morning Memo represents the efforts of the entire OD&A team, led by Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell, creator of the newsletter, with exceptional dedication from Vice-President and Policy Director Jim Moore, Associate Michael Greco, and Director of Communications Joanna Pasceri.
While we are honored to receive this recognition, the credit belongs to all of you, our faithful readers, who believe in our mission and have helped us grow tremendously over the years. Thank you for being a friend and supporter of OD&A!
OD&A Recognized as a Top Political Consultant
October 10, 2023
We’re on the move! 
Thank you to City & State NY for recognizing us as one of NY’s most effective campaign advisers in its Political Consultants Power 100!
O’Donnell & Associates has built an accomplished campaign management team to complement its burgeoning political services sector.
Led by Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell, a veteran political strategist, and OD&A VP and Director of Campaigns Alec Lewis, our team also includes media and government experts and highly-driven boots-on-the-ground support staff.
Find out more on how we are helping our clients win here.
Jack O’Donnell #24 on Upstate Power 100
September 18, 2023
OD&A works hard every day for our clients to fuel growth in Upstate NY and across the state, and we thank City & State NY for recognizing our efforts by ranking Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell #24 on its Upstate Power 100, a list featuring leaders who have the region on the up and up.
Jack is proud to be honored with NY’s top officials, including Governor Hochul, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and prominent State lawmakers and labor leaders. We also congratulate our clients who join us on the list, including UB President Satish Tripathi #19, Delaware North Chair Jeremy Jacobs #22, and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation Chair Mary Wilson #32.
City & State NY writes: Jack O’Donnell is a top lobbyist who knows how to get stuff done in Albany and has a reach across the state. His clients include Alstom Transportation, Rise Light & Power, the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, Delaware North and such venerable Western New York institutions as the University at Buffalo, Niagara University and the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. O’Donnell is the author of “Bitten by the Tiger,” a book about former Gov. William Sulzer, the only New York governor to be impeached.
Congratulations Jack!
Is a Funding Deal in Sight?
September 22, 2023
Our Monday Morning Memo Wins an Award
September 21, 2023
OD&A is proud to announce its weekly newsletter, Monday Morning Memo is the recipient of a Silver Excalibur Award by the Buffalo Niagara Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The award celebrates the best work in communications from Western New York’s top professionals and companies. Read more about the award and subscribe to the Monday Morning Memo here.
Even-Year Elections?
August 9, 2023
How Does a Third Indictment for Trump Affect His Campaign?
August 3, 2023
What does a third indictment against former President Trump mean to his campaign to return to the White House? What kind of impact is it having on the electorate?
How Another Indictment Affects Trump
June 13, 2023
Now that Donald Trump faces a second indictment while running for President, what happens next?
Jack provides analysis with Kelsey Anderson and Dave Greber from News 4 Buffalo here.
Kara Hughes Recognized as a Top NY Lobbyist
July 26, 2023
Congratulations to OD&A’s Kara Hughes, Senior Adviser and Head of NYC Practice who has been named Who’s Who in Government Relations by City and State NY.
Kara is a government relations veteran with more than 20 years experience, including as an acting director of city legislative affairs for Mayor Bill de Blasio, director of economic development for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton and executive director of New Jobs for New York. Read more about Kara here.
What’s Next After Legislative Session
June 12, 2023
What happens next after Governor Hochul’s mixed legislative session?
Our Jack O’Donnell talks to Nick Reisman of Capital Tonight. Watch here.
Issues Roundup
June 11, 2023
Election changes pass; a compact with the @TheSenecaNation stalls… Watch here as Jack weighs in on the recently adjourned NY legislative session with @MarleeTuskesTV of @news4buffalo.
Trump’s Indictments and His Campaign
June 10, 2023
Sucro’s Progress
June 4,2023
Sucro Sourcing took on a daunting “before and after” challenge at the former Bethlehem Steel site in Lackawanna. The “before” consisted of three run-down industrial buildings, remnants of the city’s steelmaking past. The “after” is the sugar refinery and related operations Sucro created inside those buildings, bringing them back to life after decades of dormancy. Read the full story.
June 2, 2023
Is Chris Christie Running in 2024?
May 31, 2023
Jack Recognized as Most Influential in NYS Politics
May 30,2023
Our Jack O’Donnell is honored to be recognized for his work shaping New York State’s future.
City and State NY writes, “Jack O’Donnell, a former aide to U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, is a top consultant in Western New York and in Albany. His firm, which represents corporations, nonprofits, biotech startups and unions, hired Kasirer alum Kara Hughes last year and counts labor expert Michael Cinquanti, former state Senate aide Alec Lewis and Schumer veteran Jim Moore among its staffers. O’Donnell is an expert on impeachment – his book “Bitten By The Tiger” is about William Sulzer, the only New York governor to be impeached – making him a go-to expert when then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced the prospect of impeachment.”
Albany Insight into Simmering Migrant Issue
May 23, 2023
The Path Forward on Asylum Seekers
May 23, 2023
“[The migrant issue] has become a such a political hot button issue where people just have to be or feel the need to be strongly on one side or the other rather than finding solutions in the middle.” Our Jack O’Donnell on the highly-politicized influx of asylum seekers in New York state.
He discusses some potential paths forward in this interview with Max Faery of WBEN.
May 22, 2023
April 28, 2023
The Irish Echo Arts Awards are a unique ceremony born from a desire to salute Irish America’s cultural champions including actors and writers, poets, and playwrights. The event took place in Buffalo, which is bold enough to declare itself the Capital of Irish America.
A NY ban on cigarettes within 10 years?
April 26, 2023
OD&A’s Alec Lewis Named to City & State NY’s 2023 Albany 40 Under 40
April 24, 2023
Congratulations to our own Alec Lewis for being recognized as a rising star in state politics in City and State NY’s 2023 Albany 40 Under 40.
As our VP and Director of Campaigns, Alec is focused on building out our campaign services and is working with a number of clients in this election cycle.
City & State NY writes, “Like a meteorologist forecasting the weather, (Alec) starts out predicting who is likely to vote during a particular election. He studies the patterns, builds a budget, and hones the messaging.” Read more.
April 20, 2023
April 20, 2023
Watch Jack’s budget update in this interview with Michael Wooten of WGRZ’s Town Hall.
Does this political insider think we’re close to a NYS budget agreement?
April 14, 2023
Sweet Outlook for Jobs in Lackawanna
April 13, 2023
April 13, 2023
Do labor unions have the power to sway the budget process in NY?
April 5, 2023
Our Jack O’Donnell talks about the impact of their support in this report from City & State NY.
Is Governor Hochul’s holdout on bail reform working?
March 30, 2023
Our Jack O’Donnell gives his take in this report from City and State NY.
The Natural Gas Debate and the Messy NYS Budget
March 29, 2023
Where does the natural gas ban stand as budget talks amp up? Jack tells WBEN’s Tom Puckett this will pass, but with some changes. Listen here.
Status of the State Budget
March 30, 2023
Breaking down the politics behind the New York budget talks
March 24, 2023
He talks to Capital Tonight reporter Nick Reisman. Watch here.
On the Proposed Natural Gas Ban
February 23, 2023
Will the growing opposition to the natural gas ban have any impact in Albany? Where does the Governor’s plan stand in the Legislature?
Our Jack O’Donnell joins WBEN’s ‘A New Morning’ team with the inside track.
Lawyers Urgently Calling for Grieving Families Act Passage
February 17, 2023
Attorneys for families of the Tops shooting victims in Buffalo are calling on Governor Hochul to reverse course and sign the Grieving Families Act, which would expand the scope of damages in the case of a wrongful death. “…Expect [the Act] to be reintroduced by the sponsors, but it’s a ways away from becoming law,” says our Jack O’Donnell. More from WBEN’s Tom Puckett.
February 16, 2023
How will the rejection of the Chief Judge nominee affect budget negotiations? “While this was a defeat for the governor, anyone who thinks they can roll her in budget negotiations will be in for a surprise…,” says our Jack O’Donnell. More on the fallout from reporter Shantel Destra of City & State NY.
Power Player in Corporate Social Responsibility
February 6, 2023
Congratulations to our Jack O’Donnell, recognized by PoliticsNY and amNY Metro as a Power Player in Corporate Social Responsibility. Read more here.
Legislative Pushback on the Budget
February 2, 2023
“I think we’re set up for a couple of real fights here between the governor and the legislature,” says our Jack O’Donnell. Listen here as Jack highlights some of the Executive Budget proposals facing legislative pushback in this report from WBEN.
Reaction to the State of the State Address
January 16, 2023
Governor Hochul delivered her State of the State address. Will the spirit of cooperation continue as Hochul moves forward on the ideas she laid out in her speech? Our Jack O’Donnell reacts from Albany with Jordan Norkus and Dave Greber of WIVB. Watch here.
O’Donnell on the Upstate Power List Again
December 2, 2023
Congratulations to our Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell on being named to the City & State New York Upstate Power 100 list (#30) which “features high-ranking elected officials, as well as local politicians, business executives, university presidents, heads of advocacy organizations, labor leaders and nonprofit heads who are key players outside of the downstate region.”
“I’m honored to be included on City & State’s Upstate Power list again this year, a recognition that reflects the work of our entire team at OD&A. While my name is on the door, our wins—passing legislation, helping our clients secure resources, delivering results—are a collective effort. If you are not already familiar with our stellar team, click here to learn more about the people behind the success of OD&A,” says O’Donnell.
November 11, 2022
Buffalo Bills Stadium Deal and the election
October 20, 2022
June 3, 2022
May 24, 2022
Inside Planet Albany
March 28, 2022
Insights into Cuomo’s Next Steps, the Bills’ Stadium, and More
March 21, 2022
March 9, 2022
September 20, 2021
Buffalo Company Partners with Bobcat, Case on 100% Electric Construction Equipment
November 20, 2020
Today, Viridi Parente’s revolutionary Green Machine technology is being used in 100% electric construction vehicles for two of the giants in the industry: Bobcat and Case Construction. More
The Working Families Party’s Fuzzy Future
October 13, 2020
““The new, higher standard is a big test for the Working Families Party; especially ironic at a time when the WFP is fielding more candidates, forcing primaries, and winning more races,” political analyst Jack O’Donnell of O’Donnell & Associates told Spectrum News. More
Trump Taking a Special Interest in NY-27
June 16, 2020
“That’s their line of attack, that he’s not a true conservative,” O’Donnell said. “So we’ll see if voters buy that or if they believe Chris Jacobs and they believe Donald Trump and the host of officials that you mentioned, but I don’t think it goes away until the votes are counted.” More
Cuomo Hopes $18M bridge, Lagoon will Turn LaSalle Park into Next Canalside
October 20, 2019
“Rediscovery and redevelopment of Buffalo’s waterfront have been key to Buffalo’s turnaround, and the new bridge will give the West Side better access to Lake Erie, helping spread the renaissance to other parts of Buffalo.” More
Jack O’Donnell named in 2019 Political Consultants Power 50
July 28, 2019
Jack O’Donnell is one of Western New York’s go-to consultants – just ask Letitia James. The founder of his own consulting firm has had the ear of Hillary Clinton and worked for Charles Schumer and Thomas DiNapoli. More
$20M of “play” money
July 12, 2018
Governor Cuomo Announces $20M to Support Expansion of Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester. The funding, provided through a Finger Lakes Forward Upstate Revitalization Initiative Grant, will help to attract new and returning visitors to one of the Finger Lakes’ top tourist attractions. More
Alstom Transport in Hornell Awarded $30 Million in Empire State Development Funds
November 30, 2016
Jack O’Donnell is one of Western New The expansion will retain more than 1,000 existing positions in Hornell and at Alstom’s operations in West Henrietta. More
Breaking Down the First Presidential Debate
September 27, 2016
Jack O’Donnell joins a panel to discuss the first Presidential debate with Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton.
The Political Fallout of the Orlando Shooting
June 13, 2016
Jack O’Donnell joins a panel to discuss the Orlando shooting.
$50 MILLION MODERNIZATION PROJECT FOR THE U.S. PLAZA AT THE LEWISTON-QUEENSTON BRIDGE
January 19, 2016
Schumer said that this expansion will not only cut down on the egregious wait times that make it difficult for visitors to cross the border, but the expansion will also create over 1,200 local jobs. More
Former Water Authority Insider Speaks About Politics
February 14, 2014
Jack O’Donnell, a former Erie County Water Authority Commissioner, discusses his efforts to bring reform and why they were needed. More
Letter: O’Donnell has earned Water Authority post
February 20, 2013
Jack, “has addressed the ‘too many chiefs’ issue by streamlining management positions and restructuring management duties. Under his watch, we have expanded our service area and continue to do so. Employee morale has improved, and labor and management relationships continue to grow.” More