WASHINGTON, September 1, 2026 — Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies, the bipartisan government relations and communications affiliate of international law firm Cozen O'Connor, today announced the addition of Rodney Whitlock, Debbie Curtis, Katie Waldo, and Maddie News to the firm's federal health policy practice in Washington, D.C.
September 10, 2026
Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt confirmed that the commonwealth’s mail-in voting procedures remain intact despite an ongoing federal legal battle over the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to impose new postal restrictions. Although the U.S. Postal Service attempted to finalize rules requiring unique tracking barcodes and federal lists of approved voters, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the mandates while the Supreme Court considers the administration’s request for emergency relief. Emphasizing that the Constitution grants states primary authority over election administration, Secretary Schmidt stated that Pennsylvania’s 67 counties will continue to operate under their established procedures for the upcoming election and vowed to challenge any further attempts at federal intervention.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed legislation mandating at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, along with sixth graders who attend classes in the same building. The requirement, passed as part of the 2026–2027 state budget under HB1505, tasks the state Board of Education with providing guidance on activities that promote physical movement, social engagement, and stress reduction to enhance the overall learning environment. The new statewide rule aligns with recent localized advocacy, including a student wellness policy update in Philadelphia earlier this year that guaranteed public school students access to daily recess, water breaks, and bathroom use.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox held a joint discussion at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia to condemn the rise of political violence and promote civil dialogue on the eve of the first anniversary of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Moderated by journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro, the bipartisan event highlighted the governors’ relationship, which deepened after Governor Shapiro offered Governor Cox guidance on addressing his state in the immediate aftermath of Kirk’s death. During the forum, Governor Shapiro discussed the persistent, often faith-based terroristic threats directed at his own family, specifically noting the April 2025 arson attack on the governor’s mansion. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for politicians to reject extreme rhetoric, heal political divisions, and foster national unity ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Pittsburgh’s annual Labor Day parade marked the traditional start of the general election season, drawing prominent Democratic figures including Governor Josh Shapiro and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Amid the celebration of organized labor, Governor Shapiro defended his administration’s handling of a recent state measles outbreak and highlighted union support for his executive order regulating local data center development. Elected officials including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato also rallied alongside union members to advocate for a pending county health measure that would offer up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave for area workers.
The Pittsburgh Planning Commission postponed a vote on proposed short-term rental regulations pending a formal legal review from the city’s law department regarding enforcement and legal viability. Introduced following community safety and nuisance concerns linked to past shootings at rented properties, the legislation would require city registration and licensing, cap the number of rental units allowed in a single building, and limit new residential rentals to owner-occupied properties. Public testimony at the meeting revealed divisions: several residents argued the measures are too lenient and should place stricter limits on existing operations, while short-term rental operators pushed back against proposed caps and zoning restrictions, and the bill’s sponsor voiced frustration over continued delays in enacting citywide standards.
At a first-of-its-kind Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Texas designed to energize the conservative base, President Donald Trump delivered a keynote address urging supporters to vote as if he were on the ballot while promising a massive cash dividend to every American adult if the party retains control of Congress. The event featured speeches from several Pennsylvania Republican candidates, including U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-PA-8) and Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), who focused their remarks on economic policies and tax relief. U.S. Representatives Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA-7), Dan Meuser (R-PA-09), Scott Perry (R-PA-10) and GT Thompson (R-PA-15) are also attending the two-day convention, with Representative Mackenzie scheduled to speak Thursday. U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) indicated that he will not attend the gathering. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) also provided a brief video introduction for Senator McCormick where he praised the Republican and condemned political extremism. The two-day convention schedule will also include addresses from Vice President JD Vance, various cabinet members, and a memorial tribute to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) is facing intense criticism and potential 2028 primary challenges from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats, including U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), following reports alleging he routinely neglects his legislative duties and constituent meetings. Former staffers claim the senator has prioritized conservative media appearances and foreign policy advocacy over routine Senate responsibilities, prompting them to launch a social media campaign promising further revelations. Senator Fetterman has dismissed the accusations as smears and half-truths, defending his record and providing context for the missed meetings. Nevertheless, his political isolation continues to grow; local party leaders have distanced themselves from him on the campaign trail, and his approval ratings have surged among Republicans while plummeting among Democrats, fueling persistent speculation about a potential party switch despite his repeated denials.
A Pennsylvania coroner has confirmed that the state’s two recent measles-related fatalities involved infants who were too young to be vaccinated, with the virus acting as the direct cause of death for a six-week-old girl and a contributing factor for a newborn boy who died from a ruptured spleen. The infant deaths have ignited a political conflict between Governor Josh Shapiro, who argued that broader vaccinations could have prevented the tragedy, and federal officials including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously suggested the deaths may have been fabricated. Despite the state’s outbreak growing to more than 620 cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet officially added either infant to its national measles death tally as the agency continues to review the information.
The Trump administration has filed a second emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to reinstate new U.S. Postal Service mail-in ballot restrictions for the upcoming November midterm elections. The filing is in response to U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani’s recent preliminary injunction that indefinitely blocked the rules, concluding they were likely unconstitutional and risked disenfranchising millions of voters. The disputed regulations, stemming from a March executive order by President Donald Trump, would require states to meet nationwide ballot design standards and submit detailed voter data to a federal portal before the USPS would deliver mail ballots.
With early voting approaching, the 2026 midterms are emerging as a consequential test for both parties. Our team examines the closely watched Senate races, the voter sentiment shaping the cycle, and what the results could mean for control of Congress and the road to 2028. Featuring Public Strategies’ Howard Schweitzer (DC), Mark Alderman (DC), and Patrick Martin (DC). Click here to listen.
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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.
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September 10, 2026
September 10, 2026
September 9, 2026
