Michael Fortney is a senior political and public affairs strategist who has consulted on and managed campaigns at every level—from federal to municipal—and has led high-stakes advocacy efforts for corporate and trade association clients. He has worked with some of the largest trade associations in Washington, D.C., helping navigate complex, time-sensitive advocacy fights that require disciplined message alignment, rapid execution, and coordinated stakeholder engagement.
In 2018, Fortney served as general consultant for Walker Stapleton’s campaign for Colorado Governor, successfully guiding the campaign through a five-way primary despite being outspent 5-to-1. Fortney also oversaw Stapleton’s communications and political operation, dating back to Stapleton’s first campaign for State Treasurer in 2010. Over the course of his career, he has been involved in dozens of congressional campaigns nationwide—serving as both a consultant and campaign manager in competitive, high-pressure environments.
In 2022, Fortney ran one of the cycle’s largest super PAC efforts focused on helping Republicans navigate tough U.S. House primaries—operating in crowded fields and high-attention environments where smart targeting, strong creative, and decisive execution make the difference.
Fortney has also served as a direct mail consultant on numerous races nationwide, including work for the Republican National Committee. In that capacity, he has written and concepted thousands of mail pieces and earned Pollie and Reed Awards for creativity, effectiveness, and design.
Fortney began his political career on Congressman Ted Poe’s congressional staff, went on to manage multiple campaigns in Texas, and later managed a successful judicial campaign in Kentucky. He also served as a regional political manager for Associated Builders and Contractors, covering 14 states and leading political and fundraising efforts during the fight against the Employee Free Choice Act.
Across his political and public affairs work, Fortney has built, launched, and managed diverse coalitions—often bringing together stakeholders with different priorities and strong viewpoints—while keeping teams aligned, productive, and accountable. He has led grassroots advocacy and earned media campaigns for clients in the energy, banking, and healthcare, helping generate positive coverage, mobilize supporters, and execute under tight timelines—including last-minute rallies and rapid-response coalition activations.
Michael grew up in Paducah, Kentucky, and is a graduate of Lamar University. After 15 years in Denver, he and his wife, Catharine, now live in Greensboro, North Carolina, with their two sons, Henry and Bo.