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| USLege · Best in Government Affairs Awards · New York 2026 |
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Meet New York's Best in Government Affairs — Chosen by Their Peers
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The inaugural 2026 Best in Government Affairs – New York class is here: 46 of the people who move state policy, nominated and reviewed by the peers who work alongside them. Presented by Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege.
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Great work in government affairs usually happens behind the scenes. Not this time.
Today we're proud to introduce the 2026 Best in Government Affairs – New York honorees — 46 lobbyists, legislative staffers, association leaders, policy strategists, communicators, rising stars, and longtime legends recognized across seven categories. What makes this class different is who chose it: not a panel of sponsors or a pay-to-play ballot, but their own peers. Nominations came from the colleagues, clients, and counterparts who see this work up close, and an advisory board of respected New York leaders reviewed every one. There was no cost to nominate and no cost to be featured. It's peer recognition, plain and simple.
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In their words
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"Recognition from peers carries a different weight in this business, where we work alongside each other so closely, because it comes from people who have a firsthand understanding of what we do every day."
— Emily Whalen, Attorney and Senior Advisor, Brown & Weinraub Advisors, LLC
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"Peer recognition means knowing that the work you put your heart into was seen by the people doing it alongside you — the people who understand what happens behind the scenes and how much goes into getting something done."
— Darci Lindgren, Legislative Director, New York State Assembly
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The 2026 Best in Government Affairs — New York Honorees
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Click any name below to read their full profile.
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01 · Association
Association Advocates of the Year
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02 · Veterans
Longtime Legends in Government Affairs
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03 · Innovation
Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year
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04 · Lobbyists
Powerhouse Lobbyists of the Year
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05 · Emerging
Rising Stars of the Year
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06 · Voice
Strategic Communicators of the Year
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07 · Behind the Scenes
Top Staffers of the Year
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A night that gives back
The 2026 honorees will be celebrated in person at Lark Hall in Albany this September. In keeping with the spirit of public service these awards honor, the evening will also give back: Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege, will match guest donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York — every dollar doubled to help feed New Yorkers across the Capital Region. Whether or not you can join us in September, you can be part of it.
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Congratulations to every one of the 2026 honorees. You are the people who move New York — often without the spotlight, always with the skill, persistence, and integrity this work demands. Your peers saw it. Now everyone will. Here's to you. 🎉
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Learn more →
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The Best in Government Affairs Awards are peer-nominated, peer-reviewed, and free at every step — no cost to nominate, no cost to be featured, no advertising or sponsorship dollars involved. Presented by Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege, in partnership with the Times Union.
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