Ed Gillespie

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Edward Walter Gillespie (born August 1, 1961) is an American Republican political strategist, lobbyist, and former Counselor to the President during the administration of George W. Bush. He has also served as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee and ran for public office in Virginia.

Early Life and Education

Ed Gillespie was born in Mount Holly, New Jersey. He graduated from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics.

Career

Political Consulting

Gillespie began his career as a Capitol Hill staffer, eventually becoming a top aide to House Majority Leader Dick Armey. He co-founded Quinn Gillespie & Associates, a bipartisan lobbying firm, with Jack Quinn, a former White House Counsel to President Bill Clinton.

Republican National Committee

In 2003, Gillespie was elected as the Chairman of the Republican National Committee. During his tenure, he was credited with helping the Republican Party maintain control of both houses of Congress and re-electing George W. Bush in the 2004 presidential election.

Counselor to the President

In 2007, Gillespie was appointed as the Counselor to the President by George W. Bush, succeeding Dan Bartlett. In this role, he was a key advisor to the President and played a significant role in shaping the administration's policies and communications strategy.

Gubernatorial and Senate Campaigns

Gillespie ran for the United States Senate in Virginia in 2014, narrowly losing to incumbent Mark Warner. He also ran for Governor of Virginia in 2017, but was defeated by Ralph Northam.

Personal Life

Gillespie is married to Cathy Gillespie, and they have three children. The family resides in Alexandria, Virginia.

Related Pages

• Republican National Committee
• George W. Bush
• Counselor to the President
• 2014 United States Senate election in Virginia
• 2017 Virginia gubernatorial election