New Years Insight: An Outlook for Infrastructure
Big infrastructure decisions are coming fast in 2026. Our resident expert Jack Ruddy explains what’s next—from funding fights to major transportation legislation.
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Congratulations to Senior Vice President Jeff Billman on one year at AxAdvocacy! Below, he shares his perspective on the shift from Capitol Hill to a multi-client lobbying firm.
Special elections are special, simply put. In the Texas race, the jungle primary produced a Republican majority when two GOP candidates collectively won over half the vote. But that advantage didn’t carry through to the runoff, where an enthusiasm gap led Democrats to over-perform in the turnout game. The takeaway: in off-cycle elections, turnout dynamics can matter more than territory. Listen to AxAdvocacy Preside nt Ashlee Rich Stephenson break down what we learned from the Texas special runoff. Watch the interview:
Our Top 3: 1) Backlash Over Federal Immigration Enforcement Intensifies: National outrage has surged after two fatal shootings by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, complicating the Trump administration’s immigration strategy and turning ICE enforcement into a central campaign issue. 2) More Redistricting Moves Continue to Pop: Republicans’ appeal of a court ruling throwing out New York City’s only GOP-held House district comes as Democrats simultaneously push mid-decade redistricting efforts in Maryland and pursue a ballot move in Virginia to reclaim map-drawing power. 3) High Profile Names Shake Up Senate Races: The 2026 map is drawing marquee names as Julia Letlow, Michele Tafoya, and Alexander Vindman launch Senate bids in their respective states, signaling both parties’ intent to nationalize key races early and reshaping the battleground well ahead of November. National Sentiment Tracking Even Before MN Shooting, Voters Overwhelmingly Disapprove of ICE
Our healthcare policy expert, Kelly McElhaney, breaks down how HHS oversight, FDA guidance, and national biotechnology strategy will reshape regulatory expectations and what innovators need to do now to stay ahead.
