08/05/2026
: January-June 2026 total client semi-annual (CSA) lobbying compensation and expenses surged to $213.5 million, up 16.0% from the previous year, preliminary lobbying data shows. A $29.6 million (143.8%) rise in expenses over the six-month period drove the increase, even as total May-June 2026 lobbyist compensation and expenses declined 11.8% from the record-setting March-April 2026 spending figure. You can read the full news release and view detailed charts on January-June 2026 and May-June 2026 lobbying activity by visiting https://ethics.ny.gov/news/january-june-2026-lobbying-spending-surges-2135-million-16-last-year-preliminary-data-shows
“This year’s lobbying spending continues to surpass record spending in 2025, increasing for both of the most recent bi-monthly and semi-annual reporting periods,” Executive Director Berland said. “Lobbying expenses in 2026 more than doubled expense spending for the same period in 2025. This significant increase in efforts to influence government decision making once again demonstrates why providing the public with accurate and timely access to lobbying data is so crucial.”
“Budget legislation, which included numerous substantive enactments, continued to be a primary focus of lobbying activity, with budget bills comprising seven of the 10 most lobbied bills for May-June 2026,” Chair Seymour W. James, Jr. said. “With such consistent concentrated lobbying on bills that have major fiscal and policy implications, the Commission remains committed to releasing up-to-date lobbying information so that all New Yorkers can develop a clearer picture of what activity is happening and why throughout the year.”
