Why It Matters
After a multi-year absence from federal lobbying, Wawa is returning to Washington with a new firm, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP, focused on economics and economic development. Previous lobbying efforts were handled by ACG Advocacy LLC and Nixon Peabody LLP, covering defense and securities issues. The sole registered lobbyist is Joe Heaton, Of Counsel at Taft, Stettinius & Hollister.
Broader Context
Wawa announced plans to expand into Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, targeting up to 60 Ohio locations over eight years. The company's first Indiana store opened in May 2025 in Daleville, with plans for up to 13 stores per year in that state. Taft, Stettinius & Hollister registered four new clients in the third quarter of 2026, including Safelite Group Inc., PROXIMO Spirits Inc., and RapidSOS Inc., in addition to Wawa.
Between The Lines
Rep. James R. Baird (R-IN-4) posted about attending a ribbon-cutting for a new Wawa location in Plainfield, Indiana in October 2025. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6) referenced a Wawa gas station in September 2026 to illustrate rising fuel prices.
The Bottom Line
Wawa's registration marks a return to federal lobbying after several years away, with the filing listing Economics/Economic Development as its sole issue code and no specific issues identified.
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