two pearls

In the dynamic political arena of California, Courtni Pugh stands out as one of the most sought-after political consultants in the state. Her recent triumphs reflect her strategic prowess, serving as the General Consultant for two pivotal statewide ballot measures in 2022. She helped lead the charge for "Yes on Proposition 1," securing a Constitutional right to abortion and contraception, and countered the controversial "No on Proposition 30," known as the "Lyft grift."

But Pugh's impact extends far beyond any single campaign cycle. Over the past two decades, she has traversed the Golden State, orchestrating numerous statewide earned media tours that garnered positive press for her clients and causes. Her deep understanding of the political landscape—knowing the key players, the electorate, the validators that made an impact, and the right media markets to target—set her apart.

Long before the whirlwind of the 2022 midterm elections, Pugh had already made her mark by running a Mayor's race in the second largest city in America and serving as a Senior Advisor on the crucial "Stop The Republican Recall" campaign. Her pivotal role from 2014 to 2017 as Caucus Director for the California State Senate Democratic Caucus marked a historic achievement—the first two-thirds majority in that house.

Beyond the state's borders, Pugh's influence stretched into the national arena. She lent her expertise as a consultant and senior staff member to numerous presidential campaigns, including Biden-Harris 2020, Bloomberg 2020, Kamala Harris 2020, Hillary Clinton 2016, John Edwards 2004, Kerry-Edwards 2004, and Gore-Lieberman 2000. Currently, Pugh serves as an Advisor to prominent figures like Katie Porter for the US Senate, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Before her consulting career took flight, Pugh played pivotal roles within the labor movement, working directly for SEIU and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. In 2010, she spearheaded the groundbreaking "Cambiando California" campaign—a statewide, multifaceted $5 million independent expenditure effort in support of Governor Jerry Brown. This initiative, at the time, represented the largest Spanish-language paid media, mail, and canvassing operation of its kind.

In a state teeming with consultants and firms, Pugh's unique distinction lay in her unwavering commitment to organized labor for over a decade. She is a trusted, known quantity. Pugh served as Western Regional Political Director for SEIU International, Political Director for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, was elected as Executive Director of SEIU CA State Council, and as Executive Director of SEIU Local 99. While in these roles, Courtni was nominated and subsequently elected to leadership including the California Labor Federation Executive Council, the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor Executive Board, and the SEIU International Executive Board (IEB). She continues to work closely with labor, with deep ties reflected in the winning coalitions she has built for successful campaigns.

Courtni Pugh's strategic brilliance may be best known for securing some of the most significant party endorsements in recent years. Leaning in and leveraging her extensive knowledge and relationships, she consistently propels her clients to success. Her unmatched understanding of Latino and AAPI voters often proved to be the pivotal factor in her campaigns. Her in-language media work across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms for campaigns like THE 2020 Biden-Harris Presidential campaign, Bloomberg for President, the DCCC, Yes on Prop 1, and For Our Future Nevada garnered national acclaim.

Pugh's ability to assemble effective teams covering everything from paid media to field operations, communications, and polling consistently delivered victories across California. Her remarkable track record secured her repeated ranking in Capitol Weekly's Top 100 Influencers in California since the list's inception in 2009. From her contributions to electing the first female and AANHPI United States Vice President Kamala Harris to her pivotal role in the “Stop the Republican Recall” campaign, Courtni Pugh's strategic prowess propelled her into an exclusive circle—one of the first and often the only woman of color amongst California's elite political power players.

Carrie Pugh is a seasoned strategist and a trusted senior advisor in the world of campaigns, civic engagement, and stakeholder management. With a reputation as the go-to expert for building political power, she boasts a diverse clientele, ranging from prominent figures in Democratic politics to political organizations, labor unions, philanthropic entities, national and local advocacy groups, AAPI community organizations, and nationwide issue campaigns.

During her tenure as the Director of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Carrie played a pivotal role as the primary liaison between the Office of the Secretary and an array of stakeholders, including business groups, trade associations, healthcare providers, labor unions, women's organizations, and consumer groups. Her leadership was instrumental in revitalizing a department severely weakened by the previous administration, and she spearheaded this expansion under the leadership of HHS Secretary Becerra.

Previously, as the Senior Director of the National Education Association's Campaigns & Elections Department, Carrie successfully directed four presidential campaign efforts and oversaw three midterm elections, as well as serving as the NEA’s chief political operative. Her portfolio at the country's largest union extended to managing numerous campaigns and introducing groundbreaking programs, such as the See Educators Run candidate training initiative. Her strategic skills were critical in national and state issue fights, most notably in the Red for Ed budget battles. Her innovative spirit blossomed at NEA, where she initiated electoral innovations and served as the chief political architect across the union's governance bodies. In addition to overseeing numerous programs, she introduced electoral innovations within NEA and held the pivotal position of chief political strategist across the union's governing bodies.

But her journey didn’t begin there. Carrie’s career was forged in the crucible of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where she spent over six years rising through the ranks from national field director and Midwest political director to Deputy Political Director and Presidential Program Manager in 2007. During her time at SEIU, she was instrumental in launching the famous "Walk a Day" program, now adopted by organizations across the nation. Her legacy also includes the 2004 SEIU Heroes program, which deployed 2004 SEIU members full-time in critical electoral battlegrounds.

Carrie Pugh is a firm believer in the importance of not just achieving victories but also in building lasting foundations. Her commitment to long-term organizing for capacity building, rather than simply short-term wins, has left an indelible mark on the progressive infrastructure and the pipeline of progressive public officials. She has actively contributed to these efforts through her role as a political director and her participation on various boards, including the Democracy Alliance's New American Majority Board, the Democratic Attorney's General Association's Progressive State Leaders Committee, and the Strategic Victory Fund. Carrie was also a member of the DNC and is known for her innovative thinking in the political landscape, as well as her mentorship of emerging leaders. Her profound life experiences and contributions have solidified Carrie Pugh as one of the most sought-after Democratic consultants in Washington, D.C.

Carrie Pugh is a proud graduate of Ball State University and resides in Washington, D.C., with her husband and two children.