Political Dictionary

Political Consultant

A political consultant is a professional who advises campaigns on strategy and communication.

Definition

Consultants may specialize in messaging, polling, advertising, fundraising, data, field operations, media, compliance, or digital outreach.

Why It Matters

They bring technical expertise and can shape campaign decisions and public messaging.

How It Works

Campaigns hire consultants to research voters, develop strategy, produce media, and evaluate performance.

History

Political consulting became a distinct profession with the rise of polling, television advertising, and data-driven campaigns.

Example

A media consultant may create television and online ads for a Senate campaign.

Common Misconceptions

  • Consultants control candidates completely.
  • All consultants are lobbyists.
  • Campaign consulting is unregulated in every respect.