Whom do lobbyists (or legislative advocates) represent?

Lobbyists, also referred to as legislative advocates, represent groups of people with common interests. Their primary role is to influence public policy and decision-making processes on behalf of these groups. This often involves advocating for specific legislation, regulations, or policies that align with the interests of their constituents, which can include businesses, non-profit organizations, trade associations, or other collective entities.

The effectiveness of lobbyists stems from their ability to articulate the needs and concerns of these groups to lawmakers, helping to ensure that various perspectives are considered in the legislative process. By representing a unified voice, lobbyists aim to affect changes that can benefit their constituents, fostering an environment where their common interests are promoted in governance. This contrasts with representing individual voters, political parties, or government officials, which would not encapsulate the core function of lobbying, as it is inherently about collective advocacy.