Sen. Rand Paul’s political operation is bringing on the digital strategist who helped propel Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to a surprise win in a 2012 Republican primary in Texas en route to the U.S. Senate.
Vincent Harris, who runs the Austin-based Harris Media, has been hired as the chief digital strategist for Mr. Paul’s political action committee, RANDPAC.
“Vince will bring a new level to ingenuity and creativity to our online efforts moving forward,” the Kentucky Republican said in a statement. “His past work demonstrates his tremendous ability to engage people online, and he will complement our aggressive online strategy.”
Though no candidates have officially announced a 2016 presidential run yet, the move could portend other early jockeying among possible contenders for campaign staff, particularly staff with online and digital backgrounds.
Mr. Harris has worked for a long list of clients across the country. In addition to working for Mr. Cruz, he played a significant role in the digital strategy for incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in Mr. McConnell’s re-election campaign this year and he worked for former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee’s campaign team during the 2008 GOP presidential nomination contest.
In a statement, Mr. Harris said he is “thrilled and honored to be working for a man with deep conviction and faith.”
Doug Stafford, executive director of RANDPAC, said Mr. Harris is “truly an innovator” who has “led the charge to bring the GOP into the digital age.”
“His candor and honesty have enabled candidates across the nation to develop successful strategies that have been unrivaled in past campaigns,” Mr. Stafford said.
According to the PAC, Mr. Harris will complement the current digital team of Saber Communications and CanDo Politics.
CNN first reported the news of the hire.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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