Mar 12, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Former McCarthy aide Caleb Smith launches PR firm

Andrew Solender

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and a throng of reporters. — Aide Caleb Smith pushes his way through a throng of reporters ahead of then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

Caleb Smith, a top digital communications staffer for former House Speakers John Boehner, Paul Ryan and most recently Kevin McCarthy, is launching a public affairs firm.

Why it matters: Smith has been embedded in some of the most significant legislative battles of the last decade in Congress.

The firm, Drive Public Affairs, will be a part of the digital marketing agency Push Digital Group.

What he's saying: "Drive will bridge the digital divide for our clients–whether they are associations, corporations, or Members of Congress–and help them reach the right audience, tell the right stories, and drive the right results," Smith said in a statement.

What they're saying: Ryan lauded Smith as an "an innovative, forward-thinking communicator" in a statement, while McCarthy called him "the most creative strategist I've ever worked with."

"He was integral in building support for the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act and has spent a decade helping Members of Congress communicate complex policy ideas to a variety of different audiences," Paul said.

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Former McCarthy aide Caleb Smith launches PR firm

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