# Washington Lobbying Firms Prepare for Lame-Duck Session

In the third quarter of 2026, lobbying activity increased as firms prepared clients for possible midterm election outcomes and the subsequent lame-duck session. Ballard Partners reported the highest lobbying-fee revenue at $34.9 million, nearly 40% above the same period a year earlier. These figures measure lobbying-market activity, not government contract awards, and do not indicate a procurement opportunity or agency spend.

- For procurement teams and contractors, the increase is a signal of heightened demand for policy advocacy around the post-election period, not evidence of new solicitations or contract funding.
- Ballard Partners’ reported revenue may help stakeholders gauge activity in the lobbying market; the signal does not identify specific clients, policy issues, agencies, or procurement actions.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Published:** October 21, 2026

### Vendors
- Ballard Partners (Lobbying firm; reported lobbying-fee revenue leader)