On Wednesday, Mercury, a public strategy firm, announced that former U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla., will join its Miami operation as a co-chairman.
Garcia was elected to Congress in 2012, beating then U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla. Garcia lost to Republican Carlos Curbelo in 2014 and was defeated again in a rematch last year. Garcia lost to U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., in 2008 and lost to Rivera in 2010.
“We are excited to welcome Joe Garcia to the Mercury family. His extensive policy experience will be invaluable as we expand our footprint in Miami, and across the Sunshine State,” said Ashley Walker from Mercury.
Mercury CEO Kieran Mahoney, a Republican strategist best known for managing George Pataki’s three successful gubernatorial bids, also welcomed Garcia to the team.
“We are pleased to welcome Congressman Garcia to the Mercury team,” Mahoney said. “His extensive policy experience in the energy and utility sectors, as well as his deep relationships in Washington, will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”
“I am thrilled to join Mercury, known across the country for their exceptional work across the public affairs, policy and political arenas,” Garcia said. “I look forward to growing the Mercury brand in Miami, and bringing my expertise to help clients achieve success.”
Garcia also worked in the Obama administration as director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity in the U.S. Department of Energy. Garcia also served on the Florida Public Service Commission.
Mercury has staff from both sides of the aisle on its team including Republican pollster and strategist Tony Fabrizio; former Democratic New York City mayoral hopeful Fernando Ferrer; Omar Khan who served as former Gov. Charlie Crist’s campaign manager in 2014; former U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.; former U.S. Rep. Max Sandlin, D-Texas; Florida Republican strategist Brian Swensen who worked for Gov. Rick Scott, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF); former U.S. Sen. David Vitter, R-La.; and former U.S. Rep. Vin Weber, R-Minn.
