Skoufis on failed DNC bid, 2026, and New York Dems
Dispatches from Planet Albany
State Sen. James Skoufis may not have gotten to lead the DNC, but he did get the next best thing: an invite to this podcast. We talked with the Orange County Democrat about his unsuccessful national leadership bid, his political ambition in New York, the 2026 race for governor, and reforming the Democratic state party.
info_outline
Held for consideration
Dispatches from Planet Albany
This week's Dispatches from Planet Albany episode features content that couldn't fit on the radio, but is perfect for political nerds looking for inside baseball conversations. We peppered state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about his political ambitions, who he's backing for governor in 2026, the debate over aging elected officials, and how he'll approach oversight of the new CDPAP contract. And Richard Rifkin, legal director for the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, gets into the weeds on the court ruling that upheld COELIG and shares some reflections as a former ethics watchdog.
info_outline
100% chance we're talking election betting
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Did you know you can legally bet on political outcomes in America? And not just big elections, but obscure political races in New York City or the fate of Gov. Kathy Hochul's rebate check proposal. In light of host David Lombardo jumping into this world with both feet, we explore the odds behind some of the most hotly discussed elections in Planet Albany and consider what other political events in New York are worth a bet. Our guest is a vice president with The Parkside Group. And first we'll check in with Shontell Smith, a partner with Tusk Strategies, to discuss the significance of the...
info_outline
The politics of the prison strike
Dispatches from Planet Albany
We explore what contributed to the wildcat strike by prison guards around New York and whether there is a long-term solution to the underlying tension in the state corrections system. Our guest is Chris Gelardi, a reporter with New York Focus.
info_outline
So you're telling me there's a chance
Dispatches from Planet Albany
For our banter with Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith, we discuss the conscious decoupling between Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado and Gov. Kathy Hochul. Then we reflect on the governor's underwhelming effort to put so-called guardrails on the powers of New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Our deep dive this show is into the 21st Congressional District and whether Democrats should be spending any of their blood, sweat and tears on this GOP-controlled seat when it becomes up for grabs in a special election. We talk about the Democrats' l with SKDK Managing Director Morgan Hook and The Parkside Group...
info_outline
Delgado splits from Hochul
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado formally detached his political future from Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday, announcing he would not be running for re-election in 2026. In light of this shakeup in the political landscape, we had to do a bonus episode of the podcast and we turned to Rich Azzopardi, a veteran of years of gubernatorial drama and now the founder of Bulldog Strategies. We discussed the next steps for Delgado, unpacked in real time the response from the Hochul administration, and considered whether this creates openings for other Democrats hoping to be governor.
info_outline
Fantasy Lawmaker Draft
Dispatches from Planet Albany
We're breaking new ground on the podcast and holding our first ever fantasy draft, where we choose elected officials for six different categories. Our teams will be assembled by Dan Clark, author of the Capitol Confidential newsletter for the Times Union, Raga Justin, a Capitol reporter for the Times Union, and David Lombardo, home cook. After you listen to the podcast, to vote on who drafted the best team. If you enjoy this podcast format, please suggest other draft formats that could intersect with Planet Albany.
info_outline
It's Caucus Weekend in Albany
Dispatches from Planet Albany
This weekend is one of the biggest celebrations in Planet Albany, as the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislators hosts its 54th Annual Conference. We talk about the glitz and glamour, the workshops, overhauling the association's scholarships, and the code of conduct with Charlene Gayle, the organization's executive director. We also gab about the past week's political headlines with Shontell Smith, head of the New York practice for Tusk Strategies.
info_outline
Is the gravitational pull of Planet Albany weakening?
Dispatches from Planet Albany
Democratic consultant Bradley Honan, president and CEO of the Honan Strategy Group, is making the case that (while still acknowledging that the legislative leaders and governor still call the shots). We also get our first "Delgado Watch" update from Jason Beeferman, author of the , who tracked down Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado this week to discuss his relationship with Gov. Kathy Hochul.
info_outline
NYC polling and election calendar maneuvering
Dispatches from Planet Albany
On this bonus episode, we're joined by Democratic political operative Bradley Honan, CEO & President of the Honan Strategy Group. Up first, we discuss the potential fallout for Democrats in New York if they adjust the election calendar to Then we learn why Honan is and consider how candidates should be strategizing for a ranked-choice election.
info_outlineThis week is a sampling of Planet Albany voices, as we check in on the budget process, consider the appointment of a new DEC commissioner, and examine why there was no major investment in the child care workforce.
We'll hear from New York State Budget Director Blake Washington, Assembly Children & Families Committee Chair Andrew Hevesi, Senate Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Pete Harckham, and ReInvent Albany's Rachael Fauss. And if you're yearning for more policy-focused discussions, you can check out our Capitol Pressroom conversations with all these guests.
We're also hosting a free, live recording of the podcast on the morning of May 20 at the Bull Moose Club with Tusk Strategies Partner Shontell Smith and NY Working Families Party co-Director Jasmine Gripper. Reserve your spot today!