Go behind the scenes with seasoned professionals as they share how political strategy is shaped in real time. This session offers candid insights into what it takes to win – and what strategists wish more people understood about the process.
Emmy Ruiz (D)
Emmy Ruiz, a seasoned Democratic strategist, has built a career helping candidates and causes create inclusive coalitions and deliver winning campaigns through innovative strategy and data-driven outreach. Known for turning grassroots energy into disciplined operations, Ruiz has shaped some of the most competitive Democratic races of the past decade.
Ruiz most recently served in the Biden–Harris White House as Director of Political Strategy and Outreach, guiding national engagement efforts and strengthening ties between the administration and state and local leaders. Before that, she was a senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, a key strategist for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and an organizer for Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection, earning a reputation for mobilizing under-represented communities and driving turnout in battleground states across the country.
John Drogin (R)
John Drogin, founder and CEO, formed Drogin Group to fill the need for a digital media firm that combines cutting-edge tools, comprehensive strategy, and customized client products, all backed by the newest, highly innovative analytics. After acquiring years of experience with winning campaigns and successful movements, Drogin saw the opportunity to expand the efforts to revolutionize digital media.
Drogin previously served as campaign manager for the successful Ted Cruz for Senate campaign in 2011-12, which was called the “biggest upset of 2012” by the Washington Post, and widely considered to have revolutionized digital engagement in Republican political campaigns. Following that race, numerous campaigns throughout the country sought to replicate the Cruz campaign’s winning model that propelled an unknown candidate to victory over the well-funded, sitting Lieutenant Governor of Texas.