A trio of former staffers from Vice President Kamala Harris has launched a new grassroots agency called Campaign Contrasts, aiming to introduce innovative strategies to the Democratic Party. The founders — Anatole Jenkins, Brandon Thompson and Jose Nunez — believe that the party needs a fresh approach to connect with voters and win elections effectively.
How Campaign Contrasts started
Following the recent loss of the 2024 election to President-elect Donald Trump, the trio felt compelled to step up and challenge the status quo, they told The Grio. Jenkins — who previously served as a senior advisor to the Democratic National Committee, or DNC — emphasized the need for a shift from outdated strategies to more dynamic and engaging methods.
Shared vision and experience
The founders of Campaign Contrasts met while working on the Harris presidential campaign in 2019, forming a bond that has now evolved into a professional partnership. With a combined 15 years of political and campaign experience, they have worked on high-profile campaigns, including those of President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama. Their experience has equipped them with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of modern political campaigning.
Strategic focus areas
Campaign Contrasts aims to address several critical areas where the Democratic Party must evolve:
- Digital-first strategies: The agency emphasizes the importance of investing early in digital programs to engage voters effectively.
- Early investments: Jenkins pointed out that many campaigns wait too long to consider organizing efforts, often starting discussions only months before an election.
- Talent development: The founders stress the need for cultivating talent that reflects the current and future demographics of the electorate.
Nunez, who has led digital organizing efforts for the Biden campaign, noted that many campaigns have struggled to adapt their organizing approaches to align with how people communicate in today’s digital landscape.
Learning from past mistakes
As the Democratic Party reflects on its recent electoral challenges, Campaign Contrasts aims to ensure that lessons are learned rather than repeated. The founders believe that the party must not shy away from identity politics, which is crucial for engaging Black and Latino voters.
What’s next
Even though Trump has yet to take office, the founders of Campaign Contrasts are already strategizing for the future. Jenkins pointed out that the slim Republican majority in the House of Representatives indicates that Democrats are still in a position to reclaim control in upcoming elections.
With the formation of Campaign Contrasts, Jenkins, Thompson and Nunez are poised to influence the Democratic Party’s approach to campaigning in the years to come. Their commitment to innovative strategies and a focus on engaging voters reflects a new generation of political operatives ready to make their mark. As they embark on this journey, their efforts could very well shape the future of Democratic politics in America.
