2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

John Delaney Announces Key Campaign Hires

John Delaney Announces Key Campaign Hires

FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, MD – Today, presidential candidate John Delaney announces several key hires and lead consultants including his Campaign Manager, Deputy Campaign Managers, Senior Communications team, Pollster, and Policy Director.

Iowa native John Davis will serve as Delaney’s Campaign Manager. Davis brings to the Delaney campaign extensive political experience. Davis managed Congressman Leonard Boswell’s reelection campaign in 2004, was presidential candidate John Edwards’s Traveling Chief of Staff, and was Congressman Bruce Braley’s Chief of Staff from 2009-2014. Davis has also served as Congresswoman Louise Slaughter’s Chief of Staff, as Deputy Chief of Staff to Senator Amy Klobuchar, and as a Committee Staffer to Senator Maria Cantwell.

Delaney’s media firm is AL Media of Chicago. Last cycle, AL clients included Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, Senator Bill Nelson, and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Delaney’s Pollster is Harrison Hickman of Hickman Analytics, Inc. Hickman has been a top Democratic public opinion researcher and political consultant for almost four decades, working in over 400 elections. His previous presidential clients include Bob Kerrey, Al Gore, Jr., and John Edwards.

Delaney has 25 campaign staff in Iowa and six in New Hampshire.

Delaney Senior Staff and Lead Consultants

John Davis - Campaign Manager

Xan Fishman - Deputy Campaign Manager: Fishman was Chief of Staff and Legislative Director in Delaney’s House office and has worked for Delaney since 2011.

Tracey Friedlander - Deputy Campaign Manager: Friedlander joined the campaign after serving as an international legal and policy advisor in the public, private, and government sectors, most recently at the Inter-American Development Bank, working on war crimes issues at the State Department, and advocating for disadvantaged youth on issues of juvenile justice, homelessness, and education.

Will McDonald - Communications Director: McDonald was Communications Director in Delaney’s House office and has worked for Delaney since 2011. McDonald is a University of Iowa graduate (Ph.D. English).

Michael Hopkins - National Press Secretary: Hopkins was a Senior Communications Strategist for CateComm, where he consulted on Andrew Gillum’s campaign for Governor. Hopkins worked on Secretary Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign and for President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Ann Rakestraw - Communications Strategist: Rakestraw was most recently Associate General Counsel at Verizon. During her 17 years at Verizon, she worked on a variety of litigation, regulatory, and policy matters.

Samantha Price - Policy Director: Price was a Senior Legislative Assistant in Delaney’s House office.

Ahmed Elsayed - Deputy Press Secretary: Elsayed was Communications and Advocacy Director for the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives and worked on Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s election campaign in 2016.

Monica Biddix - Iowa State Director: Biddix was Iowa gubernatorial candidate Andy McGuire’s Campaign Manager and was past Communications Director for the Iowa Democratic Party.

Chris MacKenzie - New Hampshire State Director: MacKenzie is a New Hampshire native and a former Communications Director to Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Communications Director for U.S. PIRG.

AL Media
Ann Liston - Media Consultant
Eric Adelstein - Media Consultant
Andy Meyer - Digital Consultant

Hickman Analytics
Harrison Hickman - Pollster

Bergmann Zwerdling Direct
Achim Bergmann - Direct Mail Consultant
Alex Zwerdling - Direct Mail Consultant

Pacific Campaign House
Cheryl Hori - Digital Consultant

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Congresswoman Julia Brownley Endorses Kamala Harris for President

Congresswoman Julia Brownley from California is endorsing Senator Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Brownley has represented California’s 26th congressional district since 2013 and was recently named to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. Before being elected to Congress, Brownley served in the State Assembly from 2006-2012 and was a member of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education for 12 years, including three terms as its president.

"I am proud to endorse Kamala Harris for President because she has the vision we need for America's future — bringing people together, lifting up diverse voices, and fighting for our shared values,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “I worked with Kamala when I was in the California legislature and I know she has the tenacity, fearlessness, and experience to lead this country into a better future for all Americans. Her passion and track record as a champion for justice and an advocate for women and families is unparalleled. She's exactly the kind of effective and compassionate leader our country needs."
Brownley is fifth member of the California congressional delegation to endorse Harris’s campaign joining Reps. Barbara Lee, Katie Hill, Nanette Barragan, and Ted Lieu. Her endorsement follows Governor Newsom, five statewide officials (Kounalakis, Padilla, Ma, Thurmond, Lara), labor and civil rights leader Dolores Huerta as well as 21 members of the California State Senate Democratic Caucus including Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins.

Andrew Yang Annouces Madalin Sammons as his new Press Secretary.

ANDREW YANG HIRES RICHARD OJEDA'S COMMS MANAGER
West Virginia native Madalin Sammons joins Yang2020 as Press Secretary

New York, New York – Democratic Presidential candidate Andrew Yang announced an addition to his Yang2020 staff, hiring Madalin Sammons as his new Press Secretary. Madalin joins the democratic candidate’s team during a time when Yang’s name recognition and support is expanding nationwide. He's already received the requisite 200+ individual donations from more than the required 20 states, and he's well on pace to hit the 65,000 donors required to make the debate stage later this year.

Madalin is charged with coordinating and managing all press inquiries and relationships as well as promoting campaign events and activities through press releases.

Madalin spent the last two years serving as Communications Director to Richard Ojeda during his high profile congressional race in WV-03. As well as Communications Director, Madalin also served as a spokesperson for the campaign.

Zach Graumann, Campaign Manager, stated, “Madalin is a talented press secretary and strategist who has the experience and network to launch an insurgent national campaign. We are excited to have her boost our national profile as we share our message of the Freedom Dividend across the country.”

Julián Castro Travels to Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, February 28, 2019

Julián Castro Travels to Las Vegas, Nevada on Thursday, February 28, 2019

SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 27, 2019) – On Thursday, presidential candidate and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will travel to Las Vegas, Nevada, his first trip to the state since announcing his campaign. Prior to declaring his candidacy, Secretary Castro visited Nevada twice to campaign for various candidates in the 2018 midterm elections, and a third time in January during his exploratory phase.

In Nevada, Secretary Castro will join activists to discuss his vision for a compassionate immigration agenda that protects our borders and upholds our collective values as Americans. He will also highlight how the Trump administration’s hateful and senseless immigration agenda has targeted vulnerable communities and diminished America’s reputation as a refuge for those fleeing violence, persecution and disaster.

On Thursday, Secretary Castro will participate in an open-press meeting with local DREAMer mothers and join a roundtable with local nonprofit leaders working on immigrant rights. He will also participate in closed-press events including a tour of the Immigrant Home Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides legal services to immigrants, and a town hall hosted by NowThis News to discuss affordable housing and universal pre-K with 15 Las Vegas residents.

Lunch with DREAMer’s Moms and North Las Vegas Community

WHEN:

Thursday, February 28, 2019
12:00 PM PT

WHERE:

Gorditas El Lagunero
1920 Las Vegas, Blvd
North Las Vegas, 89030

WHAT:

Secretary Castro will join local “DREAMer Moms” group and the North Las Vegas community for lunch at a staple community restaurant.

Roundtable with Make the Road Nevada Leaders

WHEN:

Thursday, February 28, 2019

WHERE:

Make the Road Nevada Community Meeting Space
4250 E. Bonanza Road, Suite 14
Las Vegas, NV 89110

WHAT:

Secretary Castro will participate in a roundtable with activists from Make the Road Nevada, a non-profit organization that works with working class and immigrant communities to improve economic justice and affordable housing.

Meet and Greet with John Delaney in Charles City Iowa on Sunday, March 17, 2019

Meet and Greet with John Delaney in Charles City Iowa on Sunday, March 17, 2019

Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 1 PM

101 N Main St, Charles City IA

https://www.facebook.com/events/385540068843384/

First Iowa Elected Official Endorsement Goes to Cory Booker

Amy Nielsen is the first Iowa elected official to endorse any candidate for President in 2020

Des Moines, IA -- This morning, Representative Amy Nielsen became the first Iowa elected official to endorse Cory Booker for President in 2020.

Representative Nielsen hails from North Liberty, Iowa, and is serving her second term in the Iowa House of Representatives. A staunch public education advocate and former mayor of North Liberty, Representative Nielsen is also the first Iowa elected official to endorse any candidate for President in 2020.

Representative Nielsen announced her endorsement in a video posted to Twitter this morning followed by an exclusive guest post on Iowa Starting Line.

IOWA STARTING LINE: America Needs A Leader Who Can Bring Us Together
“We need a leader who will unite us instead of seeking opportunities to divide us. We need a leader who isn’t afraid to tackle our nation’s toughest problems by putting forward bold solutions.

I believe that leader is Cory Booker, which is why I’m excited to endorse Cory for President of the United States.

Iowans can trust Cory to have their backs. Throughout his career, he has taken on big challenges to lift up those most in need of help. He knows that we can’t achieve the American Dream by going it alone.”

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

CEDAR RAPIDS GAZETTE: Rep. Amy Nielsen becomes first Iowa lawmaker to endorse 2020 hopeful
“As a former mayor myself, I know the types of tough decisions that you must make when you are the city’s chief executive officer and how that prepares you to tackle big things in the future,” Nielsen said.

Booker is part of a growing field of candidates competing in Iowa’s first-in-the-nation precinct caucuses scheduled for Feb. 3, 2020. Although the pace of the campaign has picked up rapidly over the last month, there have been few endorsements.

POLITICO: Iowa lawmaker becomes first to endorse Booker
Nielsen’s nod comes as 2020 presidential candidates trek through Iowa this month to lay early groundwork in an already crowded primary field.

Earlier this month, Nielsen and Booker held a joint event in Cedar Rapids. Booker also attended a fundraiser for Nielsen at a local event last October after Booker headlined the state Democratic Party’s Fall Gala. At the time, Booker traveled throughout the state plugging Democrats and raising money for the party in the midterm elections.

John Delaney to Return to New Hampshire on Monday, March 4 and Tuesday March 5, 2019

John Delaney to Speak at Nashua Forum, Manchester Town Hall Next Week

FRIENDSHIP HEIGHTS, MD – Presidential candidate John Delaney will return to New Hampshire next week. Delaney will be holding meet-and-greet events in Peterborough, Tilton, Londonderry, and Raymond. Delaney will also participate in a forum at Temple Beth Abraham in Nashua and a town hall at the WMUR studio in Manchester. Delaney opened his first New Hampshire field office in Manchester earlier this month. Delaney also announced his senior staff hires earlier today.

MONDAY, March 4, 2019:
WHAT: Meet and Greet at Summerhill Assisted Living in Peterborough
WHERE: Summerhill Assisted Living; 183 Old Dublin Rd, Peterborough, NH 03458
WHEN: 2:00PM

WHAT: Hot Chocolate and Coffee with John in Peterborough
WHERE: The Bagel Mill; 145 Grove St. Ext, Peterborough, NH 03458
WHEN: 3:30PM

WHAT: Forum with the Greater Nashua Congregation at Temple Beth Abraham with Rabbi Jon Spira-Savett
WHERE: Temple Beth Abraham; 4 Raymond St., Nashua NH 03064
WHEN: 7:00PM

TUESDAY, March 5, 2019:
WHAT: WMUR Live Town Hall
WHERE: WMUR studio in Manchester; 100 South Commercial St., Manchester, NH 03101
WHEN: 8:30AM

WHAT: Tour of Concord Coalition to End Homelessness
WHERE: 238 N Main St., Concord, NH 03301
WHEN: 10:30AM

WHAT: Meet and Greet at NH Veterans Home
WHERE: New Hampshire Veterans Home; 139 Winter St., Tilton, NH 03276
WHEN: 1:00 PM

WHAT: Meet and Greet at Tilt’n Diner
WHERE: Tilt’n Diner; 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton, NH 03276
WHEN: 3:00PM

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Londonderry and Southern Tier Dems
WHERE: Rockingham County Democrats Regional Office; 2 Litchfield Rd., Londonderry, NH 03053
WHEN: 5:00PM

WHAT: Meet and Greet with Raymond Dems
WHERE: Tucker Lodge #99; 66 Main St., Raymond, NH 03077
WHEN: 7:00PM

 

Meet and Greet with Julián Castro in Los Angeles, California on Monday, March 4, 2019

Meet and Greet with Julián Castro in Los Angeles, California on Monday, March 4, 2019

When:
Monday, March 4, 2019 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (PST)

Where:
City Club LA
555 S. Flower, 51st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Register for this event now at :
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-julian-castro-in-la-tickets-57537733911?

Event Details:
Join us for a meet and greet with Presidential candidate Julián Castro!

Pete Buttigieg To Appear at “Politics & Eggs,” Attend Meet and Greet in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on Friday, March 8, 2019

March 8: Mayor Pete Buttigieg To Appear at “Politics & Eggs,” Attend Meet and Greet in Portsmouth
Marks Second Trip Since Announcing Presidential Exploratory Committee

On Friday, March 8th Mayor Pete Buttigieg will return to New Hampshire for his second trip since announcing his presidential exploratory committee.

He will be speaking at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics’ “Politics & Eggs” program and attending a meet and greet in Portsmouth.

Additionally, he will be taping WMUR’s “Conversation with the Candidate,” which will air on March 14th.

Friday, March 8th

8:00 AM: Politics & Eggs
• Location: New Hampshire Institute of Politics, 8 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH

6:00 PM: Portsmouth Meet & Greet
• Location: Portsmouth Gas Light Co., Third Floor, 64 Market St, Portsmouth, NH 03801

Julián Castro Travels to Idaho and Utah in First Stops of 50 State Travel Tour

Julián Castro Travels to Idaho and Utah in First Stops of 50 State Travel Tour

SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 26, 2019) – This Tuesday and Wednesday, presidential candidate and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama and San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro will travel to Boise, Idaho and Salt Lake City, Utah to meet with voters as part of his pledge to visit all 50 states during the primary of the 2020 presidential campaign.

In Boise, Secretary Castro will participate in a community meet-and-greet hosted by the Idaho Democratic Party and the Boise State Young Democrats. In Salt Lake City, Secretary Castro will deliver remarks to high school and university students attending the MEChA High School Leadership Conference, attend a house party at the home of a local democrat activist, and deliver remarks at a fundraiser for the Utah Democratic Party Hispanic Caucus.

Tuesday, February 26, 2019 - IDAHO

Meet-and-Greet Hosted By Idaho Democratic Party and Boise State Young Democrats

WHEN: Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Program - 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM ET

WHERE:

Boise State University - Jordan Ballroom
1700 W University Dr.
Boise, Idaho 83725

Wednesday, February 27, 2019 - UTAH

Remarks to MEChA High School Leadership Conference

WHEN: Wednesday, February 27, 2019

12:25 PM MST

WHERE:

University of Utah, A. Ray Olpin Union
Room: A. Ray Olpin Ballroom
200 S Central Campus Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84112

WHAT:

Secretary Castro speaks to high school and university students attending the annual conference of one of the oldest Chicano organizations

House Party at the Home of Jenny Mayor-Glenn

WHEN: Wednesday, February 27, 2019

6:30 PM MST

WHERE:

Home of Jenny Mayor-Glenn
962 S 500 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84105

WHAT: Secretary Castro will attend a house party at the home of Jenny Mayor-Glenn