“Surge voters are shaping the outcome of elections.”
“Anti-Trump surge voters will shape the outcome of elections, as long as President Trump is in office.”
Throughout the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, political observers were stunned by the rise of Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s momentum. As early as February 2025, we wrote in Crain’s New York Business about Mamdani “surging in political support”, which built on our analysis published years earlier about the power of “surge voters” in primary elections. These “surge” voters, mobilized today by anti-Trump sentiment and a focus on pocketbook issues, continue to reshape politics at every level of electoral politics. Campaigns that successfully identify and activate these surge voters will often prevail in key races over the next several years. In New York City, many of these voters were highly motivated to organize and vote because of the current affordability crisis, the subject of our most recent 5 Borough Barometer survey.
HSG Insight: In our recent 5 Borough Barometer, 56% of New Yorkers say that it’s a “real struggle” to pay their rent or mortgage each month – an issue fueling voter volatility.
CORPORATE REPUTATION – UNGA WEEK
“Corporate philanthropy isn’t charity – it’s reputation strategy on a global stage.”
Every fall, New York becomes the epicenter of corporate reputation and responsibility building efforts with the United Nations General Assembly week and the Clinton Global Initiative. These multistakeholder forums give companies and brands a unique chance to demonstrate their values to policymakers, opinion leaders, and global elites – and reaffirm their license to operate.
As we wrote in Worth Magazine, corporations that align philanthropy and thought leadership with UNGA discussions strengthen their reputation and expand global influence, building reservoirs of goodwill they can draw upon during crises or public policy battles.
HSG Insight: 68% of consumers say corporate philanthropy impacts their purchasing decisions. UNGA Week is where reputation is protected and enhanced.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS – GRASSROOTS & ALLIES
Earlier this yearfor the Albany Times Union, we analyzed the rising importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping public policy battles. The evidence is clear: coalitions of everyday voices, supported by trusted partners, move issues faster and further than top-down government relations advocacy alone. From legislative fights to regulatory campaigns, grassroots + allies aren’t optional – they are decisive, as elected officials pay closer and closer attention to their local voices.
“Decision-makers listen when everyday voices are mobilized.”
HSG Insight: 68% of consumers say corporate philanthropy impacts their purchasing decisions. UNGA Week is where reputation is protected and enhanced.
TAKE ACTION
Whether you’re preparing for the 2025 NYC primaries, showcasing leadership during UNGA Week, or organizing a policy campaign, Honan Strategy Group delivers insights that turn public opinion into impact. Let’s partner this Fall to shape the debates ahead.
CONTACT US
Bradley Honan, CEO & President bradley@honanstrategy.com / 917-501-8419
Elisabeth Zeche, Co President & Founder elisabeth@honanstrategy.com / 203-820-5059
September Insights Newsletter
POLITICS – SURGE VOTERS & THE 2025 NYC PRIMARIES
“Surge voters are shaping the outcome of elections.”
“Anti-Trump surge voters will shape the outcome of elections, as long as President Trump is in office.”
Throughout the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary, political observers were stunned by the rise of Queens Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani’s momentum. As early as February 2025, we wrote in Crain’s New York Business about Mamdani “surging in political support”, which built on our analysis published years earlier about the power of “surge voters” in primary elections. These “surge” voters, mobilized today by anti-Trump sentiment and a focus on pocketbook issues, continue to reshape politics at every level of electoral politics. Campaigns that successfully identify and activate these surge voters will often prevail in key races over the next several years. In New York City, many of these voters were highly motivated to organize and vote because of the current affordability crisis, the subject of our most recent 5 Borough Barometer survey.
HSG Insight: In our recent 5 Borough Barometer, 56% of New Yorkers say that it’s a “real struggle” to pay their rent or mortgage each month – an issue fueling voter volatility.
CORPORATE REPUTATION – UNGA WEEK
“Corporate philanthropy isn’t charity – it’s reputation strategy on a global stage.”
Every fall, New York becomes the epicenter of corporate reputation and responsibility building efforts with the United Nations General Assembly week and the Clinton Global Initiative. These multistakeholder forums give companies and brands a unique chance to demonstrate their values to policymakers, opinion leaders, and global elites – and reaffirm their license to operate.
As we wrote in Worth Magazine, corporations that align philanthropy and thought leadership with UNGA discussions strengthen their reputation and expand global influence, building reservoirs of goodwill they can draw upon during crises or public policy battles.
HSG Insight: 68% of consumers say corporate philanthropy impacts their purchasing decisions. UNGA Week is where reputation is protected and enhanced.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS – GRASSROOTS & ALLIES
Earlier this year for the Albany Times Union, we analyzed the rising importance of grassroots advocacy in shaping public policy battles. The evidence is clear: coalitions of everyday voices, supported by trusted partners, move issues faster and further than top-down government relations advocacy alone. From legislative fights to regulatory campaigns, grassroots + allies aren’t optional – they are decisive, as elected officials pay closer and closer attention to their local voices.
“Decision-makers listen when everyday voices are mobilized.”
HSG Insight: 68% of consumers say corporate philanthropy impacts their purchasing decisions. UNGA Week is where reputation is protected and enhanced.
TAKE ACTION
Whether you’re preparing for the 2025 NYC primaries, showcasing leadership during UNGA Week, or organizing a policy campaign, Honan Strategy Group delivers insights that turn public opinion into impact. Let’s partner this Fall to shape the debates ahead.
CONTACT US
Bradley Honan, CEO & President bradley@honanstrategy.com / 917-501-8419
Elisabeth Zeche, Co President & Founder elisabeth@honanstrategy.com / 203-820-5059
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