Sending a big thank you to all Friends of Ferox for supporting our firm as we continue to provide our signature hustle.
Welcome back to The Hustle from Ferox Strategies!
But First, We Are Thrilled To Share The Big News That Ferox Strategies Has Been Named A Top-Performing Lobbying Firm By Bloomberg Government For The 5th Year In A Row!
FEROX FORECAST:
ELECTION OUTLOOK
The stage is set for the 2024 showdown as Biden and Trump secure party nods, marking a historic rematch not seen since Teddy Roosevelt clashed with Taft over a century ago. As the nation gears up, the fate of both houses of Congress hangs in the balance, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this high-stakes election. Stay tuned for updates and insights from the Ferox team.
Presidential Prospects
More so than ever, the American public finds itself at a crossroads, deeply concerned about the rise of political extremism and threats to democracy. While Democrats grapple with extremism, Republicans are steadfast in their concerns about immigration, intensifying the national discourse.
The economic landscape presents another battleground, as inflation and charges of “shrinkflation” amplify worries about financial stability. The economy eclipses other pressing matters such as crime, abortion, student debt forgiveness, and foreign conflicts. President Biden and the Democratic Party have endeavored to deflect blame, pointing fingers at corporations for their perceived role in exacerbating economic woes. Their call for corporate accountability, from drug makers to grocery stores, aims to reshape voter perceptions ahead of the looming November election, yet skepticism remains pervasive.
President Biden’s campaign has struggled to remind voters of his administration’s achievements in economic revitalization, infrastructure development, and climate policy. Cracks continue to form as a substantial portion of voters in key swing states remain uncommitted or express no preference, particularly in response to his stance on Israel. This vulnerability threatens to erode his narrow margins of victory in these pivotal regions, amplifying the Democratic Party’s race against not Trump, but the couch.
Meanwhile, Trump emerges as a formidable opponent, launching a relentless assault on Biden’s pressure points. His critiques strike a chord with many Americans disillusioned by what they perceive as a lackluster response to pressing challenges, particularly concerning immigration and border security. This sentiment reverberates not only in traditionally Republican strongholds but also in Democratic bastions like New York, Chicago, and Denver, where residents voice frustration over the strain on local resources caused by an influx of migrants.
Trump’s unique position as a former president seeking reelection imbues his candidacy with a sense of novelty and intrigue. His enduring popularity among a significant segment of the Republican base is underscored by the endorsements of 137 House Republicans, 33 GOP senators, and the pivotal support of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Against this backdrop, both Biden and Trump find themselves walking a precarious tightrope, with approval ratings hovering around the critical 40% threshold. Despite starting on equal footing in the 2020 Presidential election with approval ratings of 49%, Trump’s subsequent decline to 34% following the events of January 6, 2021 is met with a surprising resurgence of “Trump nostalgia” among voters now. This nostalgia, coupled with growing fatigue with Biden’s presidency, fuels a yearning for change.
Congressional Circus
The razor-thin margin of Republican control in the House of Representatives casts a long shadow over the unfolding election drama. With 11 GOP-held districts classified as toss-ups and another two leaning towards Democratic capture, the battle for control becomes increasingly uncertain, injecting a sense of urgency and volatility into the political landscape.
With this uncertainty, the GOP struggles to maintain its promise of effective governance, grappling with internal strife, legislative stalemates, and the seemingly constant looming specter of government shutdown threats. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent motion to remove Speaker Mike Johnson only adds to the tumult, underscoring the challenges facing the Republican leadership.
In the Senate, the balance of power hangs precariously as the Cook Political Report designates four Democrat-controlled seats as toss-ups, with an additional Democrat-held seat categorized as solidly Republican. These crucial battlegrounds in Arizona, Montana, Ohio, and Nevada each present an opportunity for either party to gain or retain control. The outcome of these races could profoundly shape the future direction of Senate legislation and policy agendas.
Notably, in Maryland, Senator Ben Cardin’s impending retirement sets the stage for an unexpectedly intense electoral contest. Despite Maryland’s traditional Democratic leanings, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan emerges as a formidable challenger, boasting widespread support and even earning high approval ratings from Democrats. Hogan’s potential to turn a deep blue Senate seat red introduces a new element of uncertainty into the political equation.
DEPARTING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
As the election cycle unfolds, a notable wave of retirements sweeps through Congress, with 51 Members opting to step down at the end of their current terms. Among them are several influential committee leaders, including chairs of pivotal House committees such as Energy & Commerce, Select China, Financial Services, and Appropriations. This turnover signals a significant shift in congressional leadership and underscores the potential for a reshaping of legislative priorities and agendas in the years ahead.
The chorus of announcements regarding congressional retirements and Members seeking other offices adds to the air of unpredictability surrounding the upcoming election. While the wave of departures may seem unprecedented, historical data reveals that such turnover is not uncommon during presidential election years. Nevertheless, the confluence of retirements and electoral uncertainties promises to make the upcoming election cycle a riveting spectacle.
FEROX IN THE NEWS
Debra Dixon and Lauren Doepke promoted – Ferox is proud to announce the promotion of two of our rockstar team members. Dixon was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Doepke now serves as Manager of Government Affairs. The Washington Business Journal featured their well-deserved promotions in their “People on the Move” in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Ferox Principals featured on TV – Principals Cristina Antelo and Mark Williams continue to join the airwaves and share their political acumen. Antelo recently joined Fox 5 DC to discuss President Biden’s State of the Union address, and Williams met with Fox 5 DC and Newsmax to provide his insight on a range of topics, from government funding to TikTok.
NEW CLIENTS
Ferox is proud to welcome new clients, expanding our tech and environmental portfolios!
Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener, and more connected solutions, which enable the future of mobility. Covanta is a leader in sustainable materials management, offering solutions that keep trash out of landfills, reduce greenhouse gases, and generate clean energy.
CLIENT HIGHLIGHTS
The National Retail Federation (NRF) received the prestigious Reed Award for Best Lobby Day in recognition of its “Fight Retail Crime Day” – On October 26, 2023, NRF united retail and industry partners in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness on rising retail crime for members of Congress and hosted the first ever fly-in to advocate for the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act” (CORCA), which enhances federal coordination in combating retail crime. Presented by Campaigns & Elections magazine, the Reed Award recognizes excellence in political campaigning, campaign management, political consulting and political design, grassroots organizing, and advocacy. Ferox is proud to support NRF and celebrates the #hustle that went into an amazing lobby day!
Alexion Pharmaceuticals hosted Recognized in Rare Reception – Ferox had the privilege of attending the Recognized in Rare Reception, hosted by Alexion Pharmaceuticals on Rare Disease Day 2024. The event recognized those who have dedicated themselves to advocating for the continued diagnosis, access, and treatments for the rare disease community. Representatives Mariannette Miller Meeks (R-IA) and Don Davis (D-NC) delivered remarks expressing their continued support to combat rare diseases and the rare disease community.
SPOTLIGHT
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Reads Zara Shares Her Stripes to Honor Rare Disease Day 2024 at Children’s National Hospital –
In celebration of Rare Disease Day 2024, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra visited Children’s National Hospital to read Zara Shares Her Stripes, a children’s book developed by Ferox client Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease in coordination with patients and caregivers about living with a rare disease. Rare Disease Day is a global rare disease movement working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease.
You can read Zara Shares Her Stripes: A Story About Accepting Your Rare Condition here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
It’s a busy spring event season, but first, please check out this featured event put on by Ferox Strategies and Solidarity Strategies:
2nd Annual Brown and Bougie Brunch – Ferox Strategies is proud to sponsor the 2nd Annual Brown and Bougie Brunch! Join us and meet influential leaders, government officials, and prominent Latino journalists on April 27, 2024, at the Mexican Cultural Institute of the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C.
For more information about sponsorship and tickets, please contact Lizeth Ortega Lunha at lizeth@solidaritystrategies.com.
Additional events:
- United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) Legislative Summit – On April 22-24, the USHCC Legislative Summit will celebrate the economic contributions of the Hispanic community and present the USHCC’s 2024 Policy Platform that outlines the policy priorities for the year. Register here.
- The Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys (LIWOCA) Conference – Recognize and uplift Women of Color in law from April 24-25 at LIWOCA’s annual conference in Atlanta, GA. Register here.
- Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Annual Awards Gala – Celebrate the culture, traditions, history, and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the United States on May 14 at the APAICS Annual Awards Gala. Register here.
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Business Summit – The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency will illuminate the contributions and achievements of AANHPI businesses at the National AANHPI Business Summit on May 15. Register here.
- Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Annual Awards Gala – CHLI will host their annual gala and present the 2024 recipients for the Leadership in Public Service and Ambassador awards on May 15. Register here.
FEROX WELCOMES
Michael Taggart has joined Team Ferox as a Government Affairs Director, leading efforts on several of the firm’s clients including those in energy, healthcare, telecommunications, and retail spaces. Michael brings over a decade of experience serving as a senior policy staffer to multiple House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Republicans and, most recently, on the Committee itself as Policy Director under Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
As the top policy staffer for one of the most important committees in Congress, Michael successfully led a team of more than thirty professional staffers in developing and executing the Chair’s agenda.
Working with Committee Members, House Leadership, other Committees and Caucuses, the Senate, and a variety of outside stakeholders to shepherd all major and minor legislation through E&C, he navigated numerous challenging policy debates including on telecommunications, technology, energy, environment, commerce, and healthcare policies.
“Michael has been a critical and trusted adviser to me and the Energy and Commerce Committee in his role as Policy Director,” said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair, Committee on Energy and Commerce. “He has a vast knowledge and understanding of policy, the political environment, and the legislative process that, collectively, are essential to successfully navigating the current environment. These skills, combined with his natural leadership and strategic thinking, were a key part of the Committee’s success. I am grateful for his dedicated service to me, the Committee, and the American people.”
Ferox is proud to continue relationships with several internship programs this year!
Roxanna, a Nashville native, is a senior at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. She previously held internships with the Calvert Street Group, a consulting firm specializing in campaigning for land-use battles, and Committed Capital, a venture capital firm in the UK.
Andrew is a second-year graduate student at George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, pursuing his MA in Security Policy Studies with a concentration in U.S. national security. He previously interned at The Heritage Foundation’s Center for National Defense.
Rebecca, joining as a Health Fellow, recently earned her master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington’s Graduate School of Political Management. She was previously a legislative intern for Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-MI), assisting with the office’s health and education portfolio.
Alejandro, a Los Angeles native, is a student at Middlebury College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology. He is a Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) Global Leader and has previously interned on Capitol Hill for Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) and Rep. Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO).
Maya, a senior at The University of Texas at Austin, is a CHLI Global Leader and in the inaugural cohort of the Lyndon B. Johnson Foreign Policy semester. She previously served as a legislative fellow for Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX).
To learn more about the Ferox team, please visit our website at www.FeroxStrategies.com
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