With only 24 hours to go until election day, it’s easy to get fixated on finding the right pollsters and media channels to watch late into election night. Just as important as navigating Tuesday night is having a plan for Wednesday morning when your organization and partners will undoubtedly question what the results mean for your legislative and regulatory priorities.
Here’s what should be top of mind as you plan for the months ahead:
Assess lame duck priorities. There’s a long list of priorities, spanning from AI to outdoor recreation to permitting, that coalitions are pushing for passage in the lame duck session. How many priorities pass is largely dependent on the makeup of Congress and the administration next year. Once we know how each chamber and presidential election shakes out, it will be critical to immediately assess how this new dynamic impacts your organization’s top priorities in the remaining two months. Stay engaged, provide timely information, and be ready to advocate during what is often a fast-paced and unpredictable time.
Evaluate new faces in Congress. Understanding who will represent your organization’s interests in Congress is fundamental. As the dust settles, determine if there are any new Members of Congress within your footprint. If your district or state has elected a new Member, it’s important to have a plan for introduction and highlighting your priorities to their district or state.
Review committee and leadership shifts. Once the election is over, leadership elections and subsequent committee posts will rapidly shake up who are key players on your organization’s policy priorities. Additionally, watch out for key committee and leadership staff to move over to the administration, which could also lead to a cascade of new faces on issues you care about. Following this closely going into next year will help with hitting the ground running in January.
Prepare for administrative changes. The transition process for the winner of the presidential election will highlight what the new administration wants to prioritize early in his or her term. A Harris administration will likely bring some fresh faces and a Trump administration will have some familiar faces from his first term along with political appointees new to the administration. Getting your priorities to the transition team as quickly as possible will pay dividends in early education and getting your priorities recognized early in the new term.
Revisit your policy priorities. Election outcomes may necessitate a recalibration of your strategy. Are there new threats or opportunities? Does the shifting balance of power in Congress change the viability of your key initiatives? This is the time to reassess and adjust, positioning your organization to respond swiftly early next year.
Engage your stakeholders. Election results and what comes next are likely going to be top of mind for your organization and partners. Having an internal outreach plan for Wednesday morning and onwards will allow you to keep them looped into your strategy and engage early and often when finalizing your legislative strategy for next year.
The Brumidi Group team is here to support you as you navigate these changes. Reach out to info@brumidigroup.com to receive our election analysis Wednesday morning and register for our Wednesday morning webinar here. Our team is ready to help you analyze impacts, craft engagement strategies, and ensure your organization has a seat at the table in the new Congress and administration.
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