Republican Justin Grabelle has announced his campaign team in his bid for Florida Congressional District 11. Grabelle, former chief of staff to Congressman Richard Nugent, announced his candidacy last week.
The district includes The Villages.
Grabelle resides in Marion County with his wife, Ginny, their son, George, and their lab, Lucy. Grabelle’s parents live in The Villages.
“Our campaign for Congressional District 11 will focus on what is most important – the needs of our local community,” said Grabelle. “We are committed to getting out there and earning each vote. Our goal is to discuss the issues that matter most to our community and show why I am the best candidate to tackle these important issues in Washington. Together, we look forward to achieving victory for our district on Election Day, so we can continue to build a better America.”
Grabelle’s team will include:
Nick Catroppo, Campaign Manager: Most recently, Catroppo served as deputy chief of staff for Congressman Nugent. Additionally, Catroppo served as Congressman Nugent’s campaign manager and district staff. Prior to joining Congressman Nugent’s office, Catroppo served as deputy chief of staff for Congressman David Jolly (R-FL-13), as well as campaign manager during his successful 2014 Special Election. He is from Brooksville.
Caroline Engeman, Deputy Campaign Manager: Engeman started her political career in Congressman Nugent’s Washington, D.C., office, where she served as legislative correspondent and scheduler. Engeman grew up in Winter Park, and graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Event Management.
Pat Bainter and Joel Searby, General Consultants: Gainesville-based Data Targeting is a leading national consulting firm that continues to build on nearly three decades of success with clients in 13 states. Data Targeting handles strategic direction, data, polling, digital, direct mail and other campaign needs for clients, to deliver strategic council and contribute to winning local, statewide and national campaigns.
Sarah Bascom, Communications Director/Spokesperson: Bascom, a long-time GOP communications consultant and president of Bascom Communications and Consulting, LLC, has served as spokesperson and topline communications consultant for numerous candidates, including Congressman David Jolly; Senators John Thrasher, Joe Negron, John Legg, Rob Bradley, Aaron Bean and Travis Hutson; and Representatives Doug Holder, Travis Cummings and Paul Renner. Additionally, Bascom served as the late Senator Jim King’s campaign and family spokesperson for more than eight years, and as his communications director during his Senate presidency.
Josh Sharp, Media Strategist: Sharp is an award-winning producer, editor and media strategist who works at the cross-section of traditional and digital advertising as a partner at Harbinger Outreach. In the 2012 presidential cycle, Sharp led the creative advertising efforts at the Republican National Committee, and previously worked for the House Republican Conference and The Stevens & Schriefer Group, producing advertising for campaigns and causes at the local, statewide and national level.
Matt Hall, Media Strategist: Hall brings nearly a decade of high-level campaign operations experience. Prior to founding Harbinger Outreach, an events and marketing firm, in 2013, Hall worked in campaign operations for three presidential campaigns and the White House, in addition to multiple local and statewide races. Hall is a Florida native.
