Ken Mehlman

Ken Mehlman

Name	Ken Mehlman
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Political strategist, lawyer
Years active
Organization
Known for	Campaign manager for George W. Bush's 2004 re-election; former chairman of the Republican National Committee
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Ken Mehlman is an American political strategist, lawyer, and former chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). He is best known for his role as campaign manager for George W. Bush's successful 2004 re-election campaign and his subsequent chairmanship of the RNC from 2005 to 2007.

Early Life and Education

Ken Mehlman was born on August 21, 1966, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Baltimore's Gilman School and later graduated from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Mehlman went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School.

Political Career

Mehlman's political career began in the early 1990s when he worked for several congressional campaigns and later for the National Republican Congressional Committee. His strategic acumen and dedication quickly elevated him within the Republican ranks, leading to his role as national field director during George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

In 2004, Mehlman was appointed as the campaign manager for Bush's re-election campaign, where he implemented a highly effective grassroots strategy and leveraged data analytics to target voters, contributing significantly to Bush's victory.

Following the successful campaign, Mehlman was elected as the chairman of the Republican National Committee in 2005, where he served until 2007. During his tenure, he focused on broadening the party's appeal and was known for his efforts to reach out to minority communities.

Advocacy and Public Policy

After leaving the RNC, Mehlman came out as gay in 2010 and has since been an active advocate for LGBT rights within the Republican Party. He has worked with several organizations promoting equality and non-discrimination policies.

Mehlman has also been involved in various roles in the private sector, including serving as a board member for the Private Equity Council and working as a global head of public affairs for a major investment firm.

Legacy and Influence

Ken Mehlman's career has been marked by his strategic thinking and efforts to modernize and diversify the Republican Party. His work in both political campaigns and advocacy has had a lasting impact on American politics.

See Also

• Republican National Committee
• George W. Bush Presidential Campaign, 2004
• LGBT rights in the United States