THE 2026 ALBANY POWER 100

3. Andrea Stewart-Cousins

State Senate Majority Leader

NYS Senate Photography

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is outlining plans for an ambitious legislative session centered on affordability. Her agenda includes lowering utility costs and ensuring that the state’s Raise the Age Law is funded adequately. Stewart-Cousins is also supportive of a bill to increase protections for undocumented immigrants. She was the first top Albany leader to endorse New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani last year.

9. Betty Rosa

Commissioner, New York State Department of Education

Roger Derrick, Roger Derrick Fine Art

State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa is presiding over changes that could overhaul the student experience in New York public schools. Rosa is recommending that teachers stop giving timed math quizzes to reduce student stress. Last year, Rosa expressed concern about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s school cellphone ban, arguing that students whose families risk deportation need to be reachable.

14. Janno Lieber

Chair and CEO, Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Guerin Blask

Janno Lieber is on track to become New York’s most transformative transit chief since the days of Dick Ravitch. Last year, Lieber oversaw the implementation of congestion pricing and the flow of funds into the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to fund a slate of maintenance and expansion projects. The plan has withstood threats from President Donald Trump and local legal challenges.

20. Gary LaBarbera

President, Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York

Last year was a successful one for Gary LaBarbera in Albany. The Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York president helped to shepherd the Sustainable Future Program, construction paid family leave, clean energy apprenticeships and the prevailing wage on hauling of concrete and asphalt to passage. LaBarbera supports Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed nuclear power plant upstate.

58. Jack O’Donnell

Managing Partner, O’Donnell & Associates

Blanc Photographie

Jack O’Donnell is a New York government expert who is shaping the future of New York. The powerhouse lobbyist has been expanding his Buffalo-based firm statewide. He helped obtain funding for the University at Buffalo, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum expansion, the Strong National Museum of Play and the Corning Museum of Glass. O’Donnell’s firm also advocated for expanding Elijah’s Law, which protects children with severe allergies in New York City schools.

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A message from O'Donnell & Associates

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