Who We Are
Tactical Campaigns is an award-winning, full-service political consulting and public relations firm that delivers data-driven and innovative solutions for campaigns, businesses, and policy initiatives. With decades of combined experience in the industry, our award-winning team has a proven track record of success in helping candidates and organizations win at every level.
We understand that not all clients are the same, so we approach each project with a customized and strategic plan tailored to your needs. We combine cutting-edge technology, data analytics, and grassroots organizing to create effective messaging that resonates with voters and target audiences.
Our services include, strategic planning, data analysis, comprehensive campaign management, digital and social media advertising, direct mail, polling and research, voter targeting and outreach, public relations and crisis management. We also provide top-notch training and support for candidates, campaign staff, and volunteers.
Our dedication to building long-term relationships with our clients sets us apart from other political consulting and public relations firms. The key to success is not just winning one election or passing one policy but creating lasting change and building a solid foundation for future victories.
Our team is committed to being your partner every step of the way, from the initial planning stages to victory on election day to policy implementation. Let us help you elevate your message and achieve your goals.
Team Members
Joe DeBose
Founding Partner
Joe DeBose is an award-winning political operative who has been in the trenches for hundreds of winning campaigns across the country. As Founding Partner and Senior Strategist for Tactical Campaigns, Joe combines clear messaging and innovative tactics to help candidates navigate tough races and win.
Joe’s victories span local elections, countywide contests, state legislatures, Congressional seats, and gubernatorial races. He has been instrumental in electing two members of Congress, a U.S. Senator, two governors, and over 50 state legislators. Known for his ability to win against the odds, Joe has led Congressional campaigns to victory even when outspent by more than 5-to-1, proving that a strong plan and the right message can overcome financial disadvantages.
Throughout his career, Joe has worked with national and international media outlets as part of his campaign strategies, ensuring his clients’ messages break through and connect with voters. His expertise in managing media relations and shaping narratives adds a vital dimension to the campaigns he leads.
Growing up in a small, rural town in Southern Illinois, Joe learned early on the importance of being adaptable. That’s why you’ll find him in cowboy boots at everything from political fundraisers to family gatherings—they’re the Swiss Army knife of footwear.
Before co-founding Tactical Campaigns, Joe honed his skills as a strategist and client services director with firms like the Trafalgar Group, Gadsden-Greene Strategies, and Campaign Services. His motto, “winners don’t need spin,” reflects his belief that clear messaging and innovative tactics are what truly win campaigns.
Joe and his team specialize in public relations, video production, polling, advertising, public policy, and data-driven strategy, bringing a tailored and hands-on approach to every project.
His service in the Illinois Army National Guard instilled in Joe the value of teamwork and leadership under pressure, qualities he applies to every campaign he takes on. When he’s not working, Joe enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, shooting, watching college football and baseball, and coaching youth sports. And, true to his Midwestern roots, he takes pride in finding a great deal—and telling everyone about it.
Michael Melendez
Founding Partner
Michael serves as the expert on data and polling for Tactical Campaigns. He analyzes data and directs our polling operations. Before co-founding Tactical Campaigns, Michael Melendez cut his teeth on campaigns, managing and working on several winning efforts across the country. He directed the Trafalgar Group’s nationally recognized polling operations in 2016 and brings a deep understanding of data-driven campaign tactics and strategy.
Michael’s expertise extends beyond electoral politics. As a former government affairs manager for the Waterford Institute, a digital education nonprofit, former legislative aide, and the current executive vice president of Libertas Institute, a think tank in Utah, he specializes in organizational strategy and policy initiatives.
Michael’s passion for politics started early, developing campaign tactics and directing policy initiatives since high school. In addition to his professional pursuits, Michael is a historian and genealogist naturally drawn to baseball and the geological wonders of Utah. He brings a broad range of experiences and interests to every project he takes on, and his commitment to delivering results is matched only by his enthusiasm for limiting government.
M. Woodrow Johnston II
Executive Vice President
Woodrow Johnston is a seasoned political strategist with over a decade of experience transforming underdog campaigns into winning operations. Having held every role on a campaign—from fundraising and fieldwork to communications and operations—Woodrow brings a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to lead successful efforts at every level of government.
His career includes work on campaigns across the country, from local city council races to statewide contests. In 2018, Woodrow led the independent expenditure effort to re-elect one of only three Republicans to win in a Democratic district that year, a moderate Texas congressman who defied the odds in a highly competitive race. He has also worked with a conservative congressman from Arizona, helping navigate challenging districts and deliver critical victories for his clients.
Before joining Tactical Campaigns, Woodrow served in senior leadership at one of the nation’s fastest-growing political consulting firms. During his tenure, he helped oversee more than 180 campaign victories and contributed to several awards for campaign excellence. His expertise spans polling, video production, grassroots organizing, advertising, and opposition research, making him a versatile and resourceful strategist.
Woodrow’s work also extends to media relations and political analysis. His insights have been featured in outlets like the Washington Examiner, the Associated Press, One America News Network, Univision, and Real America’s Voice. His ability to craft narratives and amplify his clients’ messages has made him a trusted advisor for candidates and causes alike.
When he’s not on the campaign trail, Woodrow enjoys playing chess, practicing martial arts, and spending time with his wife, Christina, and their daughters, Gianna and Sofia.
Emily K. Rollman
Strategist
Emily is a seasoned political operative with an extensive background in political and corporate advertising. With a Juris Doctorate and a bachelor’s degree in television production, she excels in oral, written, and visual communication. Emily believes persuasion and memorability are crucial in effective communication, tailoring messaging to diverse audiences. Her expertise in transforming data into actionable results stems from working as an advertising research consultant for Fortune 100 companies like Wal-Mart and Procter & Gamble. She has contributed significantly to successful campaign efforts, working to anchor our ad team that has purchased millions in political advertising. In her free time, Emily likes to nerd out, participating in two online trivia leagues, having previously appeared on game shows Jeopardy! and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.
Dr. Thomas Young
Polling and Data Analytics
Dr. Young is a professional forecaster, analytics professor, and public policy advisor. Thomas has been polling across the United States (all 50 states) and in certain countries (Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom) for 20 years. He recently presented the results of his cutting-edge research on the use of cell phone tracking information to predict voter turnout to the 2023 American Association of Public Opinion Research Annual Conference. He teaches courses related to predictive modeling and analytics, including Big Data Analytics, Forecasting, Practical Data Science, and Survey of Statistical Packages. Over his 20-year career, he has advised hundreds of elected representatives and developed thousands of accurate polling models. He is most well-versed in Utah and federal policy, having worked for Utah’s executive and legislative branches, for county government, and consulted with the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Science Foundation. He earned his Ph.D. in business economics and bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Utah (2009, 2004) and has a Certificate in Big Data Analytics from the University of San Diego’s Supercomputer Center. Outside of Thomas’ political work, he spends his time with his wife, Allison, and their four daughters. He loves sports, investing, and, when he has time, refereeing high school basketball games.
David Kyle
Political Strategist
David Kyle is an accomplished political strategist passionate about leadership, education, and community service. He has a wealth of experience in managing successful political campaigns and helping candidates win at all levels of government.
David’s career began in business and marketing consulting. He has co-founded a software development company specializing in iPhone applications–creating several successful apps, including Police Scanner, Talk Radio, and more.
David’s interest in community service and politics led him to volunteer for his first campaign in 2009. Since then, he has worked on campaigns for U.S. Senator Mike Lee and former Governor Gary Herbert. He has also successfully managed statewide ballot initiatives and numerous political campaigns throughout Utah, helping utilize technology while building grassroots movements to elect candidates for school board, city council, mayor, county commission, state representative, and state senator. David lives in Springville with his beautiful wife and their three kids.
Jacob McCloud
Creative Video Director
Jacob McCloud is a video production powerhouse passionate about creating compelling content that connects with audiences. With years of experience under his belt, he has worked on commercial, corporate, political, and lifestyle video productions, collaborating with some of the best social media marketers across various markets. His portfolio includes creating content that has reached millions of views, making him an expert in engaging and captivating audiences.
A master at bringing individual stories to life, Jacob is committed to creating a deeper relationship between clients and their audience. As a result, Jacob’s work always leaves a lasting impression, whether producing captivating corporate videos or creating compelling political ads.
When he’s not busy crafting video masterpieces, Jacob enjoys spending time with his wife, Reagan, and their five children. He is also a dedicated teacher, sharing his knowledge and expertise by teaching video production classes in his spare time.
Jacob’s passion for politics stems from his desire to leave a better future for his children. His work in politics is fueled by a strong sense of purpose and dedication to positively impacting his community.