BEHIND EVERY VICTORY
THERE IS A STRATEGY
Recent News
We were honored to work alongside the candidates and teams that defied gravity and defined 2022.
Although results are still being tabulated in several races, The Strategy Group salutes our successful clients:
Governors
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer won by more than 10 points against Trump’s hand-picked candidate in a campaign the Detroit News labeled “a significant achievement.”
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers became the first Wisconsin Governor in 60 years to win while his party holds the White House – just days after Republican candidate Tim Michels bragged that “Republicans will never lose another election in Wisconsin after I’m elected governor.”
Maine Governor Janet Mills defeated former two-term Governor Paul LePage by double digits in what the Portland Press Herald termed “a decisive victory,” making her the first Maine Governor to win two terms with a majority vote in over 50 years.
U.S. Senate & House
Over a dozen House members, including multiple races rated as toss-ups, six of the Democratic-held districts where Trump performed best in 2020, and 11 front-liners. Between candidate committees, House Majority PAC, Shield PAC and Center Forward, it was our privilege to help elect and re-elect principled leaders like Elissa Slotkin, Andy Kim, Abigail Spanberger, Kim Schrier, Nikki Budzinski, and Sharice Davids.
Senator Tammy Duckworth became the first woman re-elected to a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois.
Senate Majority PAC and partners worked to re-elect New Hampshire Sen. Maggie Hassan.
* Denotes Independent Expenditure
State Legislatures
The Michigan House Democrats and Minnesota Senate DFL Caucus, two of only four chambers to flip from red to blue – giving both states a Democratic trifecta and paving the way for Rep. Joe Tate to make history as the first Black Speaker of the Michigan State House.
North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus and House Democratic Caucus, where the programs successfully defended and/or picked multiple targeted races.
The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Caucus, which was able to defend its most endangered incumbent despite running on maps that have been called the country’s most extreme gerrymander.
The Illinois Senate, which was able to protect its Democratic supermajority.
Other Key Victories
The Californians for Tribal Sovereignty and Safe Gaming (supported by San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, and Pala Casino Spa Resort) who defeated Prop 27 with 83% of the vote — the largest California initiative margin since 2004.
In addition, we congratulate Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien and first-time candidate (and now Louisville Mayor-Elect) Craig Greenberg.
The Strategy Group helped lead historic mayoral victories in Los Angeles County
Karen Bass becomes the first woman elected as Los Angeles Mayor and Rex Richardson the first African-American elected as Long Beach Mayor
Despite an 11-1 spending disadvantage and a record-breaking $110,000,000 spent by her opponent, Karen Bass defeated Rick Caruso to become the first woman and first Black woman Mayor of Los Angeles. The Strategy Group helped lead a focused, research-based, and people powered campaign to guide the Bass team to victory while collecting the most votes of any person ever running for Los Angeles Mayor.
Karen Bass brought an authenticity and charisma to the race that was highlighted by the years she worked as a Physician Assistant and community organizer before being elected to Speaker of the California State Assembly and then leader of the Congressional Black Caucus. In addition to highlighting Bass’s plans to treat homelessness and public safety as the emergencies they are in Los Angeles, the campaign cut through Caruso’s obscene spending advantage to ensure voters knew Bass was the life-long pro-choice Democrat who was best prepared to fix the complex crises facing the city. A keenly timed endorsement from President Barack Obama also helped build Democratic momentum for Bass heading into the final days of voting.
Long Beach provided Rex Richardson the opportunity to put down roots and raise his family. As Vice Mayor and North Long Beach’s Councilmember, he spearheaded a community renaissance, improved emergency response times, and helped build the city’s first municipal homeless shelter. Rex’s hard work earned a reputation as a collaborative regional leader on the rise.
The Strategy Group has guided Rex’s political strategy since 2015 and led a data-driven campaign focused on his record of tackling big challenges and delivering results. Rex and our campaign team built a strong coalition with the Democratic Party, Labor, Planned Parenthood, and Environmental Organizations mobilizing against an old guard machine and corporate interests to deliver a 56% win with strength in every part of the city.
Our team also helped lead the effort to elect Caroline Menjivar to the California State Senate. A Marine Corps Veteran, daughter of immigrants, and LGBTQ+ advocate, Menjivar overcame significant obstacles against a longtime San Fernando Valley political dynasty.
The Strategy Group congratulates Karen Bass, Rex Richardson, and Caroline Menjivar on their historic victories. We also share thanks and admiration for everyone in the broad, talented, and diverse group of people who worked tirelessly to help propel these leaders to victory.