As the 2026 midterms inch closer, the outlook for Republicans appears no brighter than it did at the start of the year. Nathan Gonzales examines the political headwinds facing the GOP and what they could mean at the ballot box.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, Public Affairs Council President & CEO Nneka Chiazor’s contribution to Business for America’s Birthday Letter to America campaign underscores a simple idea: progress depends on freedom and participation. The latest Public Affairs Council Pulse Survey research and insights from a recent Council panel suggest that finding common ground may be more realistic than it appears – and public affairs professionals have an important role to play in building trust and fostering civic engagement.

In an era of information overload and AI-generated content, audiences are looking for more than another white paper or LinkedIn post. Effective thought leadership creates connection, sparks conversation and builds community. The Council’s Becca Bycott shares several strategies for making your organization’s thought leadership more meaningful and impactful.

The vice president of strategic communications and marketing at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association reflects on her “serendipitous” career journey in communications, talks about the power of storytelling in advancing an issue, and discusses the value of staying curious.

Earlier this month, the entire Public Affairs Council team came together in Washington, D.C. for the annual Staff Retreat. Finding inspiration in Will Guidara’s book “Unreasonable Hospitality,” staff spent the day collaborating on how to better serve members, strengthen the organization and more.