In 2023, we expanded our Political Department to help fill the communications void on Republican political campaigns. We heard from numerous GCs and campaign managers who told us they were struggling to find good communicators to help with candidate messaging, debate prep, keeping the day-to-day trains running on time, booking interviews, and managing social media.
We never imagined how much we would grow and change in just a couple of years. We have not only expanded our department physically, but K2 & Company has also expanded its reach from coast to coast.
Last cycle, we worked with candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, and even President of the United States from Alaska to Virginia and everywhere in between. Take a look at where we have expanded our reach!
As we hit the ground running for the 2026 cycle, K2 &Co. is already devising strategies to tackle the biggest issues Democrats will bring our way in just a matter of months. In the meantime, here’s what we are looking at.
Michigan is shaping up to be the most important state for the GOP in 2026
Although it may sound like a bit of a stretch as Republicans play defense in North Carolina and go on offense in Georgia but let us explain ourselves:
In 2024, President Trump destroyed the Blue Wall, proving that Republicans can win in Michigan. An open U.S. Senate seat for the first time in a decade, plus a term-limited Governor, statewide races for Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, 110 state House seats and 38 state Senate seats will put significant eyes and resources into the state. It also gives Republicans opportunities to win up and down the ballot – something they have been unable to do in recent years.
Meanwhile, Democrat strongholds including Bay, Arenac, Gogebic and Lake counties are now Red and continue to move further towards the right.
Electing Republicans and flipping Michigan Red can have a monumental impact on our political landscape, making it one of the states we’re keeping a close eye on this cycle.
Can Tim Walz’s National Tour Save His Profile in Minnesota and Across the Country?
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s short stint as vice presidential candidate for the Democratic Party has stretched far beyond the November 2024 loss. While former Vice President Kamala Harris mulls her political future away from cameras, Walz seems to be using his failed run for the White House to capitulate his profile nationally.
K2 & Co. Senior Communications Director, Preya Samsundar joined the TPT Almanac panel at the end of March to discuss Walz’s road show and its impact on his image and the party at large.
As Preya said, “this is a face-saving measure for Tim Walz than anything else. He comes back to the state very weak, he comes to the state having to enter into a potential re-election for a third time when he’s unpopular, when he’s wasted $19 billion, he’s raising taxes. Now he’s trying to go find that fame and capture some of that love and attention and he’s not finding it.”
Check out her latest commentary on Walz’s national efforts on TPT Almanac.
Will it pay off for Ken Martin to replicate DFL’s model nationally?
K2 & Co. Senior Communications Director, Preya Samsundar, took an introspective look at DNC Chairman Ken Martin’s nearly 15 years at the helm of the Minnesota DFL and whether or not the approach that found him success in Minnesota will translate to Democrat victories in 2026 and beyond.
Preya said, “In the 14 years since Martin was elected chairman in 2011, he has been a thorn in the side of Minnesota Republicans who failed time and again to compete with the infrastructure, fundraising and overall cohesiveness that he brought to the state party’s table. Even as the states around Minnesota — the Dakotas, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio — grew redder and more competitive, Martin and the Democrats managed to hold on to their power statewide, even while losing traditionally blue areas like the Iron Range and western Minnesota.”
Check out her latest opinion piece in the Minnesota Star Tribune.
How to Learn More
Although the 2026 cycle is just beginning, we remain focused on helping our clients target the right audience, craft the most persuasive message, and achieve their goals. To learn more about the services we offer, click here, and be sure to follow us on social media as well.
Brittany Yanick
Vice President of Political Communications