Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce the promotion of six members to shareholder: Benjamin Bomrind, Patrick Carey, Sarah Krissoff, Jeffrey Monhait, Michael O’Donnell, and Tamar Wise. The election of these six new shareholders was voted on during the firm’s recent All Attorney Summit in Orlando, Florida.
This week, Pennsylvania Democrats swept statewide judicial contests, flipped key county offices, and made notable advances in suburban and local races, reversing prior losses and signaling momentum ahead of 2026. Voter turnout and disciplined messaging fueled wins in swing regions, while Republicans faced mobilization challenges without President Donald Trump (R) at the top of the ticket. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court retained its 5-2 Democratic majority as voters approved the retention of three justices for new 10-year terms. Historic milestones included the election of Pennsylvania’s first openly transgender mayor and multiple LGBTQ+ candidates to local councils.
As Pennsylvania’s budget talks continue, Senate Republicans are pushing to end the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), while environmental advocates argue the program is critical for reducing emissions and funding clean energy investments. City & State Pennsylvania has more.
The Commonwealth Court heard arguments this week about whether Pennsylvania’s Medicaid abortion restrictions violate the state constitution and Equal Rights Amendment, with advocates citing gender-based discrimination and state officials defending the ban as necessary to protect fetal life and taxpayer interests. WESA has more.
Pennsylvania officials warned that nearly two million residents may face weeks-long delays in receiving partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to complex federal requirements, urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow a faster, simplified payment method to ease food insecurity during the shutdown. WESA has more.
As Pennie’s open enrollment begins, premiums could rise dramatically if enhanced federal subsidies expire, leaving many residents weighing coverage options. Congressional negotiations remain stalled, raising concerns about affordability and potential increases in the uninsured rate statewide. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.
Turnout reached 34% in the 2025 general election, driven by competitive judicial retention votes and local races that energized voters beyond typical off-year levels. WHYY has more.
Macerich CEO Jackson Hsieh said the company is refocusing on leasing and revitalizing the Fashion District following the 76ers’ decision not to move forward with a proposed Center City arena, expressing cautious optimism about progress and potential support from city-led Market East initiatives. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor was elected Pittsburgh mayor in a landslide, pledging to tackle fiscal shortfalls, public safety concerns, and housing challenges while advancing downtown revitalization and preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He enters office amid budget pressures and a police staffing crisis but aims to restore fiscal accountability and leverage major events to boost economic growth. On City Council, Kim Salinetro captured the open District 2 seat, succeeding Theresa Kail-Smith, while incumbents Anthony Coghill and Dan Lavelle secured reelection, maintaining Democratic control of the council.
Allegheny County voters elected Democrats to eight contested council seats and the sheriff’s office, reducing Republican representation on Council to one seat and ending GOP presence on the County’s Board of Elections. WESA has more.
The Allegheny County Council voted 12-2 against reinstating leg shackles at the county jail, upholding a 2021 ban despite corrections officers’ push to allow their use during medical transfers. WESA has more.
The U.S. government shutdown has stretched beyond 34 days, marking the longest in history as bipartisan negotiations remain stalled over health care subsidies and funding priorities. Economic impacts are mounting, and political tensions have intensified, with President Trump urging Senate Republicans to eliminate the filibuster to pass legislation and reopen the government. Meanwhile, Sen. John Fetterman backs a carve-out to prevent future shutdowns, while Sen. Dave McCormick warns that removing the rule could lead to unchecked partisan power.
President Trump endorsed nearly all Republican members of Pennsylvania’s U.S. House delegation for next year’s 2026 midterm elections, signaling an early focus on competitive districts and party alignment. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.
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Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.
Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.
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