Calli Cooper: Communications director, Republican Study Committee

Calli Cooper had a lot to learn about how Congress develops legislation and operates when she arrived on Capitol Hill at the start of the year to be communications director for the Republican Study Committee.

But she quickly made an impression on her colleagues by bringing a fresh perspective to the messaging strategy for the largest conservative caucus in the House.

One of her most successful projects so far was organizing a “New Media” row for members of the group to get their message out on the “One Big Beautiful Bill” of President Trump’s legislative priorities. 

The event had more than 70 House Republicans speak to more than 30 influencers and content creators, many of whom were not based in Washington, D.C., and flew in to be part of it. According to Cooper, it generated tens of millions of views.

The focus on new media, Cooper said, helped members branch out beyond the typical cable news circuit to which they often gravitate.

“When I’m doing messaging, I think about my parents. I think about my friends, and a lot of them don’t just sit there and watch cable news,” Cooper said. Rather, they’re on social media and watching conservative shows and podcasts.

It also helps to “reach people directly” and break through what she described as “layers of bureaucracy and these painted narratives that are already preexisting.”

Cooper stressed that working for a member of Congress who she sees as a great boss, Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger (R-Texas), has been key to her success in the role.

“He really believes in his staff and gives us a lot of runway to be able to have our own successes,” Cooper said of Pfluger.

And she stresses the importance of teamwork, viewing success in terms of what is good for everyone rather than just individuals.

“My mantra is being a team player. It's how I've always been. I played softball my whole life. I played team sports. And so that really is what kind of motivates me, is everybody gets to win together,” Cooper said.