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Dear Friend,
It’s finally springtime in New England, a welcomed change of seasons as we look forward to Red Sox Opening Day at Fenway Park, the running of the Boston Marathon and celebration of Patriots’ Day.
As we commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution this year, 2026 is also shaping up to be a consequential political year as the upcoming mid-term elections will determine whether the balance of power will shift in in Congress.
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, and more than 10 percent of incumbents are not running for re-election. In total, 56 seats will be vacated, including 21 held by Democrats and 35 by Republicans. The current breakdown stands at 217 Republicans, 214 Democrats, one Independent, and three vacancies, a razor-thin Republican majority that could be reversed in November. Historically, mid-term elections serve as a referendum on the President and tend to admonish the party in power.
Recent polling shows political headwinds for President Trump, with average daily polling numbers reported in the NY Times, show his approval ratings have dropped to 41 per cent with 56 per cent disapproving. His ratings began to decline shortly after his inauguration and have continued downward amid ongoing political and global challenges. These include prolonged government funding disputes particularly over the Department of Homeland Security and voter identification legislation, as well as significant geopolitical developments, including tensions in the Middle East. Such events have contributed to growing economic uncertainty at home.
Affordability has emerged as the dominant issue that crosses party lines and both sides are trying to own this message to appeal to voters. Rising costs, particularly for groceries, housing, healthcare, and energy are shaping both public sentiment and political messaging. The ongoing conflict affecting global oil supply routes has driven up fuel prices, bringing international instability closer to home and placing added financial strain on American households, especially lower-income families. Republicans are struggling to stay on message that the economy is healthy while consumers are getting hit every day with higher costs of living.
Closers to home, there are two races in Maine that the nation is watching during the state’s June 9 primary: the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and the primary to fill the seat that Congressman Jared Golden (D) is vacating. For the U.S. Senate seat, former Governor Janet Mills is running against political newcomer Graham Platner for the Democratic nomination to challenge longtime incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins. This race could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. And Golden’s congressional seat is seen as one that could be flipped from Democrat to Republican. Running unopposed for the Republican nomination is former Governor Paul Lepage. Democratic candidates include State Auditor Matt Dunlap, former congressional aide Jordan Wood, State Sen. Joe Baldacci and social worker Paige Loud.
Elsewhere in New England, a March 11 local special election in New Hampshire in a GOP-leaning district resulted in Democrat Bobbi Boudman beating Republican Dale Fincher in Carroll County District 7 that includes the towns of Wolfeboro, Tuftonboro and Ossipee.
Other closely watched races around the country include state elections in Florida on Tuesday, March 24, where there were two upsets in local races that flipped seats to the Democrats. In President Trump’s voting district of Palm Beach, Democratic newcomer and first-time candidate Emily Gregory prevailed over Trump-endorsed candidate, Republican Jon Maples. On the west coast, in the Tampa area, union leader and Democrat Brian Nathan narrowly defeated Republican State Representative Josie Tomkow for a state senate seat.
With just over eight months to go until the mid-term elections, Democrats have been overperforming in special elections, even in Republican-leaning areas. The surprise wins in Florida combined with the record number of GOP retirements could make it easier for Democrats to flip seats. It’s shaping up to be a competitive midterm with a slight Democratic edge right now-but far from certain.
Wishing you and your families a Happy Passover and Easter holiday.
Sincerely,
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Jenn Krowchun
Vice President
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Maddie McCullom
Senior Account Executive
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2026 World Cup Transit Readiness: From Strategy to Federal Results
As part of our ongoing work with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), O’Neill and Associates successfully led a year-long, multi-agency initiative to prepare transit systems for the unprecedented operational demands of the summer 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Recognizing early on that no dedicated federal funding existed to support these needs, our Federal team partnered with the MBTA to build and mobilize a first-of-its-kind coalition of 24 transit agencies spanning all 11 host cities. Through a strategic and coordinated federal engagement campaign, the coalition elevated this critical issue with Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Key milestones included securing more than 60 signatures on a letter from a bipartisan group of elected officials and organizing a highly attended Capitol Hill briefing with the World Cup Caucus, convening transit leaders, federal officials, and over 70 congressional staff.
These efforts delivered a major result: more than $100 million in federal transit funding, at a 100 percent federal cost share, was included in the FY26 appropriations package signed into law by the President in early February.
As attention turns to the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization, this achievement underscores the power of a targeted, unified coalition strategy.
| | Pictured: Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), MassDOT Secretary & Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Manager Phil Eng, American Public Transportation Association President and CEO Paul Skoutelas, Kansas City Area Transportation Authority President & CEO Frank White, Johnson County Transit Director Josh Powers, North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Director Michael Morris, Dallas Area Rapid Transit CEO Nadine Lee, LA Metro Senior Advisor Charles Small, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District General Managers Bob Powers, Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority Administrator Mary Ellen DeFrias, Miami-Dade DTPW Chief Planning Officer Lisa Colmenares, and USDOT Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Felicia Alexander at the April 30th World Cup Caucus Briefing. | | Pictured: Vice President Jenn Krowchun and Senior Account Executive Maddie McCullom at the U.S. Department of Transportation World Cup Summit on December 5th. | |
Reach & Results | MAAPS Washington DC Fly In | |
In March, O’Neill and Associates successfully coordinated and executed a high-impact Washington, D.C. fly-in for the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Special Education Schools (MAAPS) to meet with members of Congress and their staff, convening in-person meetings with federal policymakers.The multi-day initiative brought together 30 leaders representing 15 member schools and programs for a comprehensive federal advocacy effort.
The fly-in combined targeted advocacy training with a robust schedule of more than 20 meetings on Capitol Hill and with senior leadership at the U.S. Department of Education. These engagements provided MAAPS leaders with a powerful platform to advance key priorities, including full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), protection of Medicaid funding for school-based services, and workforce considerations related to H-1B visa policy. Just as importantly, participants elevated the voices of students, families, and educators while showcasing the impactful work taking place across MAAPS member schools.
MAAPS representatives engaged a bipartisan group of Members of Congress and committee staff in substantive dialogue, with participating schools including Melmark New England, Merrimac Heights Academy, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, White Oak School, Seven Hills Foundation, League School for Autism, Cotting School, COMPASS, Hillcrest Educational Centers, Crystal Springs, The Home for Little Wanderers, Latham Centers, St. Ann’s Home & School, James F. Farr Academy, Boston Higashi School, and May Institute.
This fly-in marked a significant success, strengthening federal relationships, elevating MAAPS’ policy priorities, and positioning the organization for continued advocacy in the months ahead.
| | Pictured: MAAPS schools and Vice Chairman John Cahill meeting with Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) | |  | Pictured: MAAPS schools meeting with Democratic Whip Katherine Clark | | | | | |
Lindsay Toghill
Vice President
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The Massachusetts State Legislature is in the second year of a two-year session. The current session will expire in early January 2027 but July 31, 2026, remains a key date on the legislative calendar. Bills that are not in Conference Committees will largely be done for the session at that time.
Over 7,000 bills were introduced in this session, but only a small fraction will pass. Currently, the legislature is in the process of moving bills out of initial committee consideration, preparing for the FY27 state budget, and actively deciding which major bills will advance before the formal session deadline.
While actively preparing for the consideration and passage of the FY27 state budget, legislators continue to pass supplemental spending bills. These bills set aside funding for a variety of priorities like the upcoming World Cup games in Massachusetts. Notably, the House has already passed the bill to allocate resources for Education and Transportation as required in the “Fair Share” tax package and the Senate is scheduled to take up the same in April.
A variety of issues remain before the Legislature. A key topic of consideration is energy, climate, and affordability. Governor Healey has offered legislation to advance clean energy measures as well as reduce consumer costs. Massachusetts is working hard to meet long-term climate mandates, but many bills are still in committee or negotiation stages.
Data Privacy continues to be a significant issue for legislators. The Senate has already passed comprehensive data privacy legislation, and we anticipate the House take action later this Spring. This complicated issue may require a late-session resolution.
Housing and economic policy continue to remain a top priority for the Governor and the Legislature. Implementation of the MBTA Communities Act has spurred new housing starts but not enough to meet the target. As the Commonwealth looks to future economic growth and attracting or retaining workers, it’s clear that housing production is key piece. This issue is unresolved at the moment but could be addressed by an Economic Development bill expected late session.
Legislative leaders have indicated an interest in passing another health care reform bill, aimed at improving the environment for primary care providers. Though no specifics have been released, we continue to monitor this issue. Additionally, legislation dealing with ICE activity in Massachusetts and early education incentives and programs also continue to get attention.
The agenda for post-budget is still unclear, though the actions of the federal government remain a significant influence on the Legislature’s plans. With the Governor up for re-election along with the entire legislature there will be a surge in activity in the last few months of session, and we will be monitoring activity for our client’s interests.
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OA in the Community
All politics is local, and so are the best ways to give back. That is why supporting the work we do in the community is so important.
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The 15th Annual Family Pantry Gala of Cape Cod
On Sunday, June 14th, Tom and Shelly O’Neill will co-chair the Annual Family Pantry of Cape Cod Gala at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port. Since 1989, the Family Pantry of Cape Cod has been an invaluable resource to the Cape community providing over 6,000 households with essential food and clothing annually. In 2025, the Family Pantry served 13,293 individuals and provided 3.4 million meals to those in need. It supplied 165,000 bags of food with 6,000 pounds of fresh produce from the Pantry’s Garden, and it continues to do extraordinary work in 2026.
The Family Pantry has been a beacon of hope to many families that are impacted by food insecurity and continues to be a safe place for families facing tough economic times. For more information on the Gala, please visit this link.
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Emerge Massachusetts
O’Neill and Associates Vice President Erin Riley and OA’s spring interns attended the recent event Emerge Women Who Dare and met Governor Maura Healey. The organization presented the Trailblazer Award to Tara Healey, Governor Healey’s sister and closest advisor, for her years of work behind the scenes ensuring that Maura got elected. Erin is on the Board of Directors of Emerge Massachusetts.
| | | | From Left to Right (Emily Rotundi, Maeve Cronin, Governor Healey, Isabella Melo, Jaclyn Kotora, Erin Riley) | | (From Left to Right, Emily Rotundi, Jaclyn Kotora, Clare Kirby, Isabella Melo, Maeve Cronin, Olivia Jackson) | | |
O’Neill and Associates is pleased to introduce our spring interns:
Emily Rotundi, a senior at Boston University studying Political Science and Spanish
Jaclyn Kotora, a senior at Emerson College studying Political Communications
Clare Kirby, a junior at Boston College studying Political Science
Isabella Melo, a senior at Stonehill College studying Business Management and Political Science on the pre-law track
Maeve Cronin, a senior at Boston College studying International Studies and Women's/Gender studies
Emily, Jaclyn, Clare, and Maeve are mentored by OA’s government relations team who works on federal, state and local issues for our clients.
Olivia Jackson is a postgrad from Syracuse University studying Public Relations. She is the Seven Letter Fellow who works with the Seven Letter public relations team in Boston.
Over the past 25+ years O’Neill and Associates has mentored hundreds of college students who have gone on to a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors.
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