SPEAKERS

Jim Ross is a nationally recognized expert in communication, political strategy, and public affairs, with more than 30 years of campaign, communications, and public affairs experience. His firm, Telegraph, produces media and provides political strategy for labor unions, governments, and non-profit organizations.

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Jim has managed press advance on presidential campaigns and has consulted on several statewide ballot measures. He led the campaigns to elect Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Mayor of San Francisco, to reelect Governor Ted Kulongoski (D-OR), and consulted on the effort to elect Jeff Merkley(D-OR) to the US Senate, unseating Senator Gordon Smith (R-OR).

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He is considered one of the Democratic Party’s top experts on how to increase voter turnout.

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Jim has lectured on politics and messaging at the Harvard Kennedy School, the University of Florida, and the University of California, Berkeley.

For more than 30 years, Tom has worked to elect candidates; pass ballot measures, solve complex government relations issues for fortune 100 companies and associations; and direct 10's of millions of dollars in political giving.

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Tom founded Swing Strategies in 2021 because he believes thoughtful engagement in the political process can improve communities, strengthen businesses, and create opportunities for quality jobs and a thriving economy. Tom has been involved in many of California's major political fights over the years -- passing redistricting reform, open primary, stopping shakedown lawsuits, and requiring 2/3rds vote on taxes and fees. He’s helped defeat many state tax measures along the way as well.

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​Tom serves as the Political Director of New Majority California and TEAMCAL (the major donor organization within the Republican Party). He has been a strategic advisor to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy since he was elected to the California State Assembly.