Brian Jack proved himself to Donald Trump in 2016 as the lead operative charged with locking down Republican delegates during a dramatic nomination fight. Now, the Georgian has earned a higher-profile gig ahead of another testy election cycle.
Jack, a sixth-generation Georgian who graduated from Woodward Academy, was named this month as director of Trump’s office of political affairs. The position will put him at Trump’s side as he fights for another term in a volatile environment.
It also means another Georgian in Trump’s orbit as he tries to defend the state in next year’s vote, which will also be punctuated by Sen. David Perdue’s quest for a second term and competitive races for U.S. House seats in the suburbs.
For Jack, the promotion is another rung up a fast-rising political ladder. He worked as a data specialist for the Republican National Committee and political analyst for the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC before he joined Ben Carson's campaign in 2015.
Shortly after Carson ended his campaign, Jack landed in Trump's camp and was assigned the painstaking task of wrangling delegates. He led the team that recruited pro-Trump delegates, one by one, to stave off a damaging nomination battle.
Credit: Greg Bluestein
Credit: Greg Bluestein
After Trump’s election, he became the deputy White House political director and worked closely with two other Georgians: Nick Ayers, who was Vice President Mike Pence’s top aide, and Billy Kirkland, a top Pence strategist.
The Peachtree City native also built a reputation as a shrewd operative who distinguished himself in a cutthroat political environment.
“He has been an integral part of President Trump’s organization and efforts,” said U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-West Point. “We are thrilled to have a fellow Georgian climb to such a high level and look forward to our continued friendship with Brian.”
While Jack’s focus is squarely on Trump’s re-election battle – not keeping Georgia in the red column – those interests may intersect in 2020.
Democrats aim to flip Georgia for the first time since 1992, and the GOP’s path to victory is far tighter without the state’s 16 electoral votes.
“It’s an important role during a critical time for President Trump,” said Georgia GOP chair John Watson, “and I’m proud to see another Georgian – and a friend – being tapped for leadership.”
