Ballard Partners Leads Lobbying Firms in Q3 2026
The firm recorded $35 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2026, marking a 39.4% increase over the previous year.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Public Companies
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Ballard Partners emerged as the top lobbying firm in Washington D.C. for the third quarter of 2026, generating $35 million in revenue. This performance represents a 39.4% increase compared to the $25.1 million recorded in the same period of 2025.
Why it matters
The firm's strong financial growth is driven by international clients like Korea Zinc seeking to build ties with the U.S. government. Ballard Partners continues to hold significant connections to the Trump administration, attracting companies that pay substantial quarterly lobbying fees.
Ballard Partners generated $35 million in revenue during Q3 2026, outperforming BGR Group which reported $22.59 million. Korea Zinc currently pays a quarterly lobbying fee of $600,000 as part of its $7.4 billion investment project in Tennessee.
The players
Ballard Partners
This is a prominent lobbying and public affairs firm based in Washington D.C. known for its deep connections to the Trump administration.
Brian Ballard
He is the founder and president of Ballard Partners who has maintained a long-term professional relationship with Donald Trump.
Korea Zinc
This is a major Korean industrial company that has invested $7.4 billion into manufacturing facilities in Tennessee.
Susie Wiles
She is a veteran political strategist who previously worked as a lobbyist at Ballard Partners.
Pam Bondi
She is a former attorney general who previously worked as a lobbyist at Ballard Partners.
The details
Under the U.S. Lobbying Disclosure Act, firms must report their engagements and activities while representing foreign and domestic interests. Notable former lobbyists at the firm include Susie Wiles and Pam Bondi, who have both transitioned from the firm into prominent political roles.
Timeline
In 1987, Brian Ballard sent a letter to Donald Trump.
In 2016, Brian Ballard served as a campaign fundraiser.
In 2025, Korea Zinc hired Ballard Partners.
During Q3 2025, Ballard Partners recorded $25.1 million in revenue.
During Q3 2026, Ballard Partners recorded $35 million in revenue.
Market Landscape
The firm operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Lobbying Disclosure Act, which necessitates consistent reporting of influence activities. This transparency highlights how Ballard Partners leverages its political capital to capture market share from competitors like BGR Group.
While the firm's revenue growth reflects high-level corporate influence, these lobbying activities often correlate with major industrial investments like the $7.4 billion Korea Zinc project in Tennessee. Such projects can lead to local job creation and infrastructure development within the impacted states.
The takeaway
Lobbying firms remain central players in facilitating large-scale foreign investment in American industry. Understanding these connections helps clarify how corporate interests successfully navigate the regulatory environment to launch multi-billion dollar projects.
Further reading
For more on industry performance, see the Public Companies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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