The Awards Ceremony
Best in Government Affairs · New York
The 2026 Best in Government Affairs New York awards ceremony was held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Lark Hall in Albany, where 46 honorees across 7 categories were recognized on stage. First photos are below, and the full gallery is coming soon.
Great work in government affairs usually happens behind the scenes. Not this time.
September 16, 2026 Lark Hall · Albany 46 honorees · 7 categories
Presented with Capitol Confidential Pro, a partnership between Hearst’s Times Union and USLege.
The night in pictures.
A first look at the 2026 Best in Government Affairs New York awards ceremony at Lark Hall in Albany.
More photos coming soon
The full gallery from the evening is on its way and will be posted here. Questions, or want a particular photo? Email jess@uslege.ai.
One evening, the best of the Albany policy world in one room.
It was a night of celebration, and the in-person close to the 2026 Best in Government Affairs New York program. Winners were nominated by their peers, reviewed by an advisory board that knows Albany, and were recognized on stage and handed their award in person.
This program is 100% peer led with no cost to participate or be recognized.
Thank you to the sponsors Capitol Confidential, Times Union, and USLege for supporting the New York program.
How the evening unfolded.
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM Welcome receptionBites, beverages, and live music
- 6:30 to 7:00 PM Awards ceremony46 honorees across 7 categories
- 7:00 to 8:30 PM Dessert and networkingDessert, beverages, and live music
The night counted for someone else too.
We asked each guest to give $10 on the night, and Capitol Confidential Pro matched every dollar given. Together the evening sent a $1,000 donation to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.
The Food Bank distributes food to nearly 1,000 charitable agencies and serves more than 355,000 people each month across 23 counties of northeastern New York.
Thank you to everyone in the room who chipped in.
Guest gifts, matched by Capitol Confidential Pro.Every dollar given on the night was matched dollar for dollar.
USLege did not collect or handle any donations. Guests gave directly to the Food Bank.
46
Honorees · 7 Categories
Presented with
- Times Union
- Capitol Confidential
- USLege
Reviewed by four who know Albany.
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Kenneth Zebrowski
Senior Advisor
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Lisa Hofflich
Partner
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David Carlucci
Former NY State Senator
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Brendan Lyons
Investigations Editor
Frequently asked.
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Thank you for a great night.
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · Lark Hall, 351 Hudson Avenue, Albany.
See the 2026 honorees