USLege · Best in Government Affairs Awards
New York
Best in Government Affairs
The people shaping New York state policy, recognized by their peers.
Capitol Confidential Pro · Hearst Times Union × USLege
Connected and cross-referenced New York policy intelligence.
Presented through an exclusive partnership between Hearst's Times Union and USLege, pairing expert Albany Capitol reporting with real-time USLege legislative intelligence.
One goal: recognize the people who make New York work.
From veterans whose names are synonymous with Albany excellence to early-career operators already three steps ahead, these categories reflect the full spectrum of government affairs talent in New York.
Association Advocates of the Year
Recognizes someone who leads government affairs for a trade, professional, or statewide business association and does it with clarity, credibility, and results.
Longtime Legends in Government Affairs
Honors the professionals whose decades of work have shaped New York government affairs. Trusted veterans, mentors, and dealmakers whose reputations are built on results, relationships, and respect.
Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year
Honors someone who redefines what it means to stay ahead. Recognizes the professional using every tool to surface what matters faster and make decisions with unmatched clarity.
Powerhouse Lobbyists of the Year
Recognizes a contract lobbyist whose work in New York government relations stands above the rest. Trusted by clients, legislators, and colleagues alike.
Rising Stars of the Year
Honors an early-career professional whose presence, performance, and potential are impossible to ignore. Already operating like a seasoned pro.
Strategic Communicators of the Year
Recognizes someone whose message discipline, timing, and voice influence not just public opinion, but legislative outcomes in New York.
Top Staffers of the Year
Recognizes a legislative staffer whose expertise, judgment, and hustle power a legislator's agenda from behind the scenes in Albany. These are the staffers who turn draft ideas into law and make the entire operation smarter, faster, and sharper. The member gets the credit but everyone in the building knows who made it happen.
Four steps. Three minutes. One nomination.
Peer-nominated, advisory-board reviewed. The strongest nominations include specific examples of impact, wins, relationships, and leadership.
Choose your nominee
Anyone doing government affairs work in New York qualifies: lobbyists, legislative staff, association leaders, communicators, and rising stars.
Pick the right category
One nomination per submission. Teams can submit as many as they like across categories.
Make your case
The more specific the examples of impact, wins, and leadership, the stronger the nomination.
Advisory board review
Winners are selected based on the strength and volume of nominations. Your words matter.
What every winner receives.
A feature profile on the 2026 Best in Government Affairs New York webpage
A custom award badge and digital toolkit to share the win
Exclusive promotion to a network of 12,000+ policy professionals and media partners
Public recognition campaign across editorial and social channels
Recognition at a celebration event in New York later this year
Under review.
Nominations are now closed and being reviewed by the judges. Stay tuned for information on winners and an award ceremony, expected later this year after the New York legislative session closes.
Get notifiedYour nomination, reviewed by four who know Albany.
The 2026 Best in Government Affairs New York advisory board brings together a veteran lobbyist, a leading public affairs strategist, a former State Senator, and one of Albany's most respected reporters.
Kenneth Zebrowski
Senior Advisor
Brown & Weinraub
Lisa Hofflich
Partner
Bolton-St. Johns
David Carlucci
Former NY State Senator
Carlucci Consulting
Brendan Lyons
Investigations Editor
Times Union
A proven format, coming to Albany.
In April 2026, we recognized the best of government affairs in Texas at a sold-out celebration in Austin. The New York program brings the same peer-driven approach to Albany, with categories tailored to the rhythms of the New York State Legislature.
Questions, answered.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes, you can. That said, peer nominations carry more weight during advisory board review. If you've done strong work, chances are someone who's worked with you will nominate you.
Can I nominate more than one person?
Absolutely. One nomination per submission, but you're welcome to submit as many as you like across as many categories as make sense.
What does it cost?
Nothing. There's no cost to nominate and no cost to be featured. This is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.
Who reviews the nominations?
An advisory board of four New York leaders: Kenneth Zebrowski Jr. (Brown & Weinraub), Lisa Hofflich (Bolton-St. Johns), David Carlucci (Carlucci Consulting), and Brendan Lyons (Times Union).
When will winners be announced?
Later this year, following the close of the New York legislative session. Winners will be notified as part of a public recognition campaign and celebrated at a New York event.
Get notified.
Nominations for the 2026 New York awards are closed. Leave your details and we will let teams know when winners are announced and when 2027 nominations open.
You're on the list. We'll email you when nominations open.
Someone you know deserved this.
Nominations for the 2026 New York awards are closed and under advisory board review. Get notified when winners are announced and when 2027 nominations open.
Get notifiedExplore other states.
The USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards are rolling out across all 50 states. Find yours below.