Lobbyist Jenkins and Speaker Heastie Traveled to Brazil
The two long-time associates visited Rio de Janeiro together in September 2026.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Business Travel
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In September 2026, lobbyist Peter Jenkins and New York Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie traveled together to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The trip occurred amidst scrutiny over the growth of Jenkins' lobbying firm, which shares ties to the Speaker.
Why it matters
The relationship between the two figures has raised questions about influence, particularly as Jenkins' firm experienced significant revenue growth since Heastie became Assembly Speaker in 2015. Jenkins previously acknowledged that his friendship with Heastie helped his firm attract new clients.
The lobbying firm's revenue reached $5 million in 2025, marking a 22-fold increase from its 2013 earnings of $238,000. During that same period, the firm's client list expanded from five to 20 clients.
The players
Peter Jenkins
He is a 59-year-old lobbyist whose firm saw significant revenue growth over the past decade.
Carl Heastie
He has served as the New York Assembly Speaker since 2015 and represents a district in the Bronx.
Charles Haley
He is an associate who hosted a social gathering in Brazil that both Jenkins and Heastie attended.
The details
Peter Jenkins and Carl Heastie, who were roommates at Stony Brook University, attended a party hosted by Charles Haley while in Brazil. While New York state rules generally prohibit gifts to public servants exceeding a nominal value, the nature of the travel and its influence on state business remain a point of discussion.
Timeline
In 2013, the firm earned $238,000 from five clients.
Carl Heastie became Assembly Speaker in 2015, and the firm's earnings rose to $872,830.
In 2019, Peter Jenkins acknowledged that his friendship with Heastie helped his business.
The lobbying firm reported earnings of $5 million in 2025.
Jenkins and Heastie traveled to Rio de Janeiro in September 2026.
Market Landscape
The firm's rapid revenue growth mirrors broader industry trends where lobbying success is increasingly tied to long-standing personal networks. This professional rise positions the firm as a major player in New York, contrasting with its modest origins before the 2015 leadership change.
The scrutiny surrounding this travel may influence future state-level oversight and transparency requirements for lobbyists. For the average resident, this highlights how legislative relationships can shape the business environment within the state.
The takeaway
Public officials must navigate the line between private friendships and professional responsibilities to maintain transparency. Residents should remain aware of how state rules regarding gift-giving and lobbying influence the integrity of local governance.
Further reading
For more context on how professional relationships intersect with industry trends, explore the Business Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Internewscast Journal.
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