A team of Democratic strategists with a track record of supporting unconventional candidates in liberal politics is launching a new firm called Fight Agency. This group, which includes key players from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign and successful Senate bids for John Fetterman and Ruben Gallego, is focused on electing more nontraditional candidates with a populist, anti-establishment approach. They are even open to supporting left-leaning independents who do not align with the Democratic Party.
The decision to start Fight Agency comes at a time when Democrats are reevaluating their election strategies in the wake of President Donald Trump’s success with working-class voters. The firm, headquartered in Philadelphia, boasts partners like Rebecca Katz, who led Fetterman and Gallego’s campaigns, Julian Mulvey, a key member of Sanders’ 2016 team, and Tommy McDonald, an ad maker for Fetterman and progressive House challengers like Cori Bush.
The launch of Fight Agency coincides with the closure of another prominent Democratic firm, Devine Mulvey Longabaugh, where Mulvey was a partner. While the team behind Fight Agency has worked with traditional candidates like Joe Biden in the past, their focus is on backing candidates with unconventional styles and a willingness to challenge party norms.
According to Katz, the era of the “perfect candidate” is over, and rough edges are acceptable in today’s political landscape. McDonald emphasized the appeal of outsiders and working-class candidates, as well as independents like Dan Osborn, a Senate candidate in Nebraska who made waves in the 2024 election.
As Democrats seek to reconnect with blue-collar voters, Mulvey points to Sanders, Fetterman, and Gallego as examples of candidates who can resonate with working-class and independent voters. He believes that their anti-establishment and populist messaging holds the key to winning over these crucial demographics. Mulvey also acknowledges that Republicans have been more successful in tapping into anti-elite sentiments, and Fight Agency aims to help Democrats bridge that gap.
The team behind Fight Agency is gearing up to work on the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential campaign, though they have not disclosed any specific clients yet. With their experience supporting nontraditional candidates and their commitment to challenging the status quo, Fight Agency could play a significant role in reshaping Democratic electoral strategies in the coming years.
