John Goncalves for Congress Announces Major Campaign Hires
Providence, Rhode Island – John Goncalves announced today several key hires to lead his campaign for Congress in Rhode Island’s 1st District. Goncalves is running in the 2023 special election to replace outgoing Rep. David Cicilline.
Tad Devine and Julian Mulvey of Devine Mulvey and Longabaugh will lead television, radio, and campaign strategy. Devine was the chief strategist for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign, as well as a senior adviser in Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign and John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. A Rhode Island native, Devine has been an adviser for many prominent Democrats in the state, including Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed, Seth Magaziner, and Lincoln Chafee. Mulvey served as media consultant for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign and produced the advertising for Joe Biden and the DNC in 2020.
“Devine Mulvey Longabaugh is pleased to work with John Goncalves and his campaign to be our Representative of the First Congressional District,” said Tad Devine. “John is an outstanding teacher and legislator who has represented his constituents with energy and purpose on the Providence City Council. Our state and nation need new leaders who have the capacity, legislative experience, and courage to take on the challenges we face like building a strong and fair economy, protecting Medicare and Social Security, tackling climate change, and creating a safer, fairer, and more inclusive society. I’m confident that John Goncalves will be an outstanding member of the House of Representatives just like David Cicilline.”
Erik Balsbaugh of New Ground Strategies will serve as the campaign’s General Consultant. Balsbaugh brings over a decade of experience in campaign management, public policy, and communications for winning campaigns of high-profile politicians. He previously served as New England Primary Director for Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and John Kerry.
“With Tad and Erik leading this extremely talented team, we have the pieces in place to win this race and start delivering for the working people of Rhode Island,” said Councilman John Goncalves.
Lucas Benjamin will serve as interim Campaign Manager. Benjamin has previously worked on several prominent New England campaigns, including Maura Healey’s successful 2022 campaign for Governor of Massachusetts, and was a staffer for Rep. Jake Auchincloss and Rep. Kendra Horn.
Delana Jones, Sam Rivers, and Zac Cohen of Bottled Lightning Collective will serve as the campaign’s direct mail consultants. BLC is a nationally recognized 100% women-owned and LGBTQ+ owned political consulting firm. Jones is an expert storyteller who most recently led direct mail strategy for Senator John Fetterman. Rivers has deep expertise in Rhode Island politics, having served as campaign manager for Gubernatorial Candidate Helena Foulkes. Cohen is experienced in leading successful direct mail campaigns for prominent clients, including the DCCC-Independent Expenditure, House and Senate Majority PACs, and multiple red-to-blue races.
Andrew Snyder of Nordeast Digital will lead digital strategy, online fundraising, and digital advertising efforts for the campaign. Snyder has run numerous successful digital efforts at the Congressional level, including red-to-blue flips, member-on-member primary victories, and the groundbreaking upset win for Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. Snyder has also done impactful digital strategy work for Democrats and advocacy organizations up and down the ballot, including Josh Harder, Andy Kim, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Forward Majority Action, Accountable Tech, and Indivisible.
James Chin will serve as Digital Consultant and Web Director. Chin has previously worked on John Goncalves’ successful 2020 special election & 2022 reelection campaigns for Providence City Council – Ward 1.
Corey Jones will be assisting with policy, field, and strategy. Corey recently ran for Providence City Council in Ward 3 on the East Side, falling short in the primary by less than 30 votes. Corey is a veteran organizer having previously worked for Abby Finkenauer For Congress, the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus, and Cathy Glasson For Governor.
Kait Sweeney will lead communications strategy and serve as spokesperson for the campaign. Sweeney most recently served as communications director for the progressive PAC Democracy for America and has extensive experience on numerous prominent Democratic campaigns, including Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.
