By: Ethan Lee
Marty Irby, the founder and CEO of Capitol South, LLC, has once again earned a spot on The Hill’s prestigious list of Top Lobbyists for 2025. This marks his sixth appearance on the list, reflecting his ongoing influence and ability to make an impact across party lines in a polarized political landscape. We sat down with Irby to discuss this latest accolade, the philosophy behind “The Capitol South Way,” and the key victories that have defined a standout year for his firm.
Q: Being named one of The Hill’s Top Lobbyists is a significant honor, especially for the sixth time. What does this specific recognition mean to you and the team at Capitol South as you reflect on the work done in 2025?
Marty Irby: We’re very grateful to be acknowledged again for 2025 in the top 2% of all lobbyists in Washington, D.C. It’s been very rewarding to achieve the accomplishments we have made for our clients in the animal welfare and sustainable agriculture space for the non-profits we represent, as well as clients in the aviation industry working to secure approvals from multiple government agencies for trade, national defense, and innovation in aeronautics with funding for NASA. We take pride in going above and beyond in our work.
Q: Your firm has been instrumental in securing wins across a diverse range of issues—from animal welfare reforms to blocking the EATS Act. Can you share a bit about the strategy behind building bipartisan coalitions, particularly with partners like Moms for America and Competitive Markets Action?
Marty Irby: We’ve worked diligently to help build a coalition of more than 2,000 non-profits, individual farms, trade groups, businesses, and advocacy groups that are committed to defeating EATS, now renamed the “Save Our Bacon” Act, and have been able to demonstrate the potential negative impact on each state, their constituents, consumers, and the state legislatures. Amplifying the voices of allies like Moms for America, the farmers we represent, and the businesses impacted by this legislation with Congress and the Administration is a critical part of the strategy to address it.
Q: You’ve been described as a “Hired Gun” in the best sense of the term—a results-oriented advocate who gets things done. How does Capitol South balance high-profile media advocacy with the behind-the-scenes work necessary to move legislation like the NDAA or USDA reforms?
Marty Irby: It’s certainly been a challenge since many of the multi-national conglomerates and trade groups that have marginalized voters want to maintain the status quo that benefits them with federal dollars. We’ve faced many unfounded attacks from the opposition, but have seen positive outcomes by proving our effectiveness in our work product. At the end of the day, proximity and persistence are two of the key factors that have helped us achieve success.
Q: Your client list is incredibly varied, spanning from national security and aerospace to autism awareness and agriculture. Is there a common thread in the types of causes Capitol South chooses to champion?
Marty Irby: We only take on clients and causes we truly believe in and are confident we can achieve positive results for. Not every task is easy or simple; most are very complex, but faith in the work we are doing, as well as dedication to the greater good, are the basis of how we choose what clients to take on.
Q: Looking ahead to 2026, what are the major legislative priorities for Capitol South, and how do you plan to sustain this momentum in an ever-evolving political environment?
Marty Irby: Our legislative priorities for 2026 include defeating the Save Our Bacon Act, increasing federal funding for autism awareness and education, and seeing new animal welfare reforms in the upcoming Farm Bill. We believe we can sustain this momentum year after year by outworking the opposition and bringing more allies to the table for negotiating new federal policies.
Marty Irby’s track record shows that persistent, principled advocacy can break through the gridlock of Washington. Whether fighting for family farmers or defending the voiceless, Capitol South continues to make a difference where it matters most. For more information on their work and services, visit www.capitolsouthllc.com.
