News | Ourso Beychok

Ourso Beychok client Chasity Martinez wins state legislative seat in a Trump +13 district

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:47:59 GMT

On Saturday, February 7, Democrat Chasity Martinez won the race for Louisiana House District 60 defeating Republican Brad Daigle with a commanding 62 percent of the vote. Martinez’s victory marks a dramatic shift in a district that supported Donald Trump by more than 13 points in the last presidential election, effectively moving the seat roughly 37 points to the left from its 2024 results.

“We ran a campaign based on my career of showing up and speaking up for our way of life in Iberville and Assumption Parishes. You deserve a representative who will address the sky-high insurance rates, strengthen our roads and services, improve healthcare and education, and defend the 2nd amendment, and that’s what you’ll get as I take the fight to the Capitol,” Martinez said.

Political strategist Trey Ourso guided the campaign to victory. In response to Saturday night’s outcome he said, "We were honored to work with Chasity on her campaign for state representative and are especially gratified by the results of the election. Voters responded to Chasity's message because she is authentic and remains laser focused on local issues that matter to the families of Assumption and Iberville Parishes. Hopefully, her success will inspire more people to step up to the plate and offer themselves for public service."

An Iberville Parish Councilwoman and Bayou Sorrel native, Martinez centered her campaign on issues that touch families’ everyday lives. She pledged to confront the sky-high cost of insurance, strengthen Louisiana’s aging infrastructure, expand access to affordable health care, and ensure that schools and teachers have everything they need so every child can receive a quality education.

The outcome drew national attention, with party officials celebrating the win as evidence of growing momentum and renewed energy in communities long considered Republican strongholds. The race underscores that Democrats are holding, and even gaining ground in Trump territory amid rapidly changing national politics. In response to the victory, DNC chair Ken Martin said: “Martinez scored the second Democratic overperformance by 30+ points in the month of February alone, marking another major warning sign to Republicans across the country. In red, blue, and purple America, voters are standing up and demanding leaders who put working families first.”

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Ourso Beychok's direct mail helped to create a taxpayer-approved mental health center.

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 20:31:25 GMT

In 2018, Ourso Beychok handled the campaign in EBR Parish to pass a tax to fund the creation of a mental health facility.

The facility will provide an option - other than jail - for people in our community experiencing mental health problems which led them to encounters with law enforcement. The proposition won with 68% of the vote.

As a result, The Bridge Center opened in December of 2020.

Longtime Ourso Beychok Client Sharon Weston Broome Wins Re-election

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 20:18:53 GMT

Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome won with 57% of the vote in the runoff election.

From theadvocate.com:

Sharon Weston Broome won another four years as East Baton Rouge Parish's mayor-president Saturday, defeating former State Rep. Steve Carter in a runoff election.

Broome had 57% of the vote in complete but unofficial returns, after finishing with 48% of the vote Nov. 3. Carter grew his percentage of the vote from 20% to 43% Saturday.

Continue reading at theadvocate.com

Congratulations to our client and friend, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome!

Ourso Beychok Candidate Amy Kennedy Wins NJ-2 Democratic Primary

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 14:34:38 GMT

NJ.com: "Murphy-backed Amy Kennedy wins hard-fought N.J. Democratic House primary"

From NJ.com:

Educator Amy Kennedy, a member of the famous Democratic political family, on Tuesday won the hard-fought Democratic primary to take on party-switching Republican Rep. Jeff Van Drew this fall in South Jersey’s 2nd District.

The Associated Press called the race at about 9:15 p.m., and Montclair State University political science professor Brigid Callahan Harrison conceded earlier in a YouTube video.

Gov. Phil Murphy, who endorsed Kennedy toward the end of her campaign, joined her at her victory rally. “I can’t believe we won the lottery here in South Jersey,” he said.

Kennedy used her victory speech to call for better-paying jobs and affordable health care. She bemoaned the twin crises of the coronavirus and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police.

“We’re ready for leaders with compassion, integrity and the ability to make real change happen,” she said. “We need leaders who will heel when we hurt, listen when we speak, provide direction when we need guidance, and show up when it matters.”

In her concession speech, Callahan Harrison spoke of getting behind Kennedy to defeat Van Drew.

“After a primary that has been tough for all of us, we stand together,” she said. “As we all know, this was a tough, hard-fought race and this is now behind us. Each of us have a responsibility now to get involved to get involved and help her in any way we can.”

South Jersey political powerbroker George Norcross, who had backed Callahan Harrison, congratulated Kennedy.

“Congratulations to Amy Kennedy, who has won a strong victory,” Norcross said. “As I said months ago, I look forward to supporting the Democratic nominee in the general election. It is important that we retake the second congressional seat and continue to advance a pro-worker, pro-reform, and pro-civil justice agenda in Washington.”

Callahan Harrison had the endorsements of most of the Democratic county chairs in the district, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney and U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker.

But Murphy, who has feuded with both Sweeney and Norcross, backed Kennedy at the end. Kennedy’s decisive victory gave Murphy a win over his Democratic rivals on their South Jersey turf.

While both Kennedy and Callahan Harrison saw eye-to-eye on most issues, they attacked each other during the campaign. Kennedy highlighted Callahan Harrison’s links to Norcross. Callahan Harrison questioned the decision of former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., to fund a super political action committee supporting his wife.

Progressives rejoiced at the loss of Norcross’ chosen candidate.

“This is a stunning victory for progressives in New Jersey and a massive defeat for a conservative political machine which has for too long thwarted progressive change in the state,” said Sue Altman, state director of New Jersey Working Families.

Van Drew had won the seat as a Democrat two years ago but switched parties after voting against impeaching President Donald Trump.

The AP declared Van Drew the winner in the Republican primary over Bob Patterson, former acting associate commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

“I would like to thank President Trump for his unwavering support and Republicans throughout South Jersey for the confidence they have placed in me to be their nominee,” Van Drew said.

The importance of the race to both parties was highlighted by the national parties Tuesday night.

“Amy Kennedy has demonstrated throughout her campaign that the only thing she is running on is her last name and that’s just not going to fly with voters,” said Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. “I look forward to helping Jeff win reelection and continuing our work together in Congress.”

Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill., chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, countered: “Jeff Van Drew betrayed South Jersey voters in a flailing attempt to advance his own political career and hurt the community that trusted him in the process. The people of South Jersey deserve better from their Representative and will send Van Drew packing come November.”

The coronavirus pandemic led New Jersey to conduct the primary largely by mail.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Chris Franklin contributed to this report.

Ourso Beychok Win Gold at the 2018 AAPC Pollies

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 06:00:00 GMT

Baton Rouge based Democratic direct mail and political consulting firm, Ourso Beychok, Inc., took home three awards at the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) Pollie Awards Ceremony recently held in Nashville. Ourso Beychok took home a Gold Pollie Award for “Hush Puppies” and a Bronze Pollie for “Numbers” in the Direct Mail for Independent Expenditure Campaign category. Both mailers were produced for Highway 31 PAC working in conjunction with Senate Majority PAC in the U.S. Senate race in Alabama where Democrat Doug Jones defeated Republican Roy Moore.

“We were very proud of the mail we produced in the Alabama race and especially pleased with the outcome of the election,” said Michael Beychok. “And it’s always an honor to be recognized by our peers for the quality of the work that we produce.”

Ourso Beychok was tasked with producing several flights of persuasive mail in the Alabama senate race that were targeted at independent and Republican leaning women voters. The mail highlighted many of the excruciatingly intricate details of the encounters that Moore’s accusers remembered decades after their harrowing experiences. “He wore brown hush puppies on his feet” was the simple typeset across the cover of the mailer that won the Gold Pollie.

Ourso Beychok also received a Bronze Pollie for “Tiffany” in the Direct Mail for Local/Municipal/Regional category, produced for the Tiffany Chase campaign for Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans.

Earlier in the year, the Hush Puppies mailer won Gold First Place Reed Awards for “Best Villain” and “Best Mail Piece for an Independent Expenditure Campaign”. The Reed Awards are presented by Campaigns & Elections Magazine and named after founder Stanley Foster Reed.

Engineering a Surprise Dem Victory in the Deep South

Sat, 24 Dec 2016 06:00:00 GMT

It wasn’t embroilment in an old prostitution scandal that derailed David Vitter’s campaign for the Louisiana governor’s mansion. It was a different legal issue.

Click for full story.

OURSO BEYCHOK TAKES HOME TWO REED AWARDS

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 06:00:00 GMT

This year, Baton Rouge based democratic direct mail and consulting firm Ourso Beychok took home two prestigious Reed Awards at the 2016 Campaigns & Elections Magazine ceremony in Charleston, SC.

The Reed Awards, named after Campaigns & Elections’ founder Stanley Foster Reed, recognize excellence in campaign management, political consulting and political design.

The “Stench Talking Mailer,” produced on behalf of the anti-David Vitter Gumbo PAC during the 2015 Louisiana governor’s race, won Best Mail Piece for Independent Expenditure Campaign – Statewide.

In addition, the unique twelve-page mailer “Martin O’Malley’s 15 Goals to Rebuild The American Dream” won Ourso Beychok the award for Best Mail Piece for Presidential Primary.

“The Reed award is a longstanding standard of the best in our industry and we are proud to be recognized by our peers,“ said company president Trey Ourso.

“We strive to make innovative direct mail pieces that can captivate the voting public in this technology driven age,” added creative director and partner Michael Beychok. “These awards are proof that direct mail is still a wide-reaching and extremely effective marketing tool.”

See the formal Campaign and Elections announcement here.

Trey Ourso wins AAPC’s 2015 Campaign Strategist of the Year & Ourso Beychok Takes home 5 awards

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 06:00:00 GMT

In 2015, Baton Rouge based Democratic direct mail and political consulting firm, Ourso Beychok, Inc., took home four awards at the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) Pollie Awards Ceremony held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The AAPC Pollie Awards are an annual gathering of political professionals to recognize the best of the best in the political consulting industry.

Trey Ourso was recognized with the Excellence Award as the 2015 Campaign Strategist of the Year for his work with Gumbo PAC during the Louisiana governor’s race, after which Governor John Bel Edwards was elected. Ourso founded Gumbo PAC and served as the PAC’s chief strategist. Gumbo PAC’s mission was to oppose the election of US Senator David Vitter as Governor of Louisiana. The PAC employed a clever mix of traditional media (television, direct mail & billboards) with cutting edge digital targeting and advertising.

Ourso Beychok also took home a Gold Pollie Award for the “Stench” talking mailer they produced for Gumbo PAC, a Silver Pollie in the Logo category for the Anybody But Vitter (ABV) Sticker and Gumbo PAC was awarded a Silver Pollie in the Best Use of Humor category for the “Getting” television commercial which employed a crying baby and declared that “electing David Vitter would be a crying shame for Louisiana.”

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers for Gumbo PAC’s success. We assembled a great team of professionals and operated a modern campaign that stayed on message, never wavering from our mission.”

- Trey Ourso

“We strive to make innovative direct mail pieces that can captivate the voting public in this technology driven age. These awards are proof that direct mail is still a wide-reaching and extremely effective marketing tool.”

- Michael Beychok

Q&A: Gumbo PAC's Trey Ourso on the end of David Vitter

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 06:00:00 GMT

When all the dollars are counted, it's likely that more money flowed through Gumbo PAC, the super PAC set up for the sole purpose of defeating U.S. Sen. David Vitter, than any other PAC or campaign this election season.

Read the full story at NOLA.com

Melissa Blackburn Wins Democratic Primary for Davidson County (Tennessee) General Sessions Judge

Sat, 03 May 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Ourso Beychok was proud to help Melissa Blackburn win the Democratic primary in Davidson County (Nashville, Tn.) for General Sessions Judge on May 3, 2014. Through a targeted communication program, the Blackburn campaign was able to overcome early misidentification problems associated with similarly named U.S. Representative Marsha Blackburn and outpoll 4 opponents on election day.

"We were glad to assist the Blackburn campaign target Democratic voters that were most responsive to her message regarding veterans and mental illness issues," Michael Beychok said. "Melissa wanted her personal story and straight-forward policy goals to be in front of the voters who matter. We produced her ‘Plan’ (pictured here) mailer which helped persuade and motivate Davidson County Democrats in Ms. Blackburn's favor."

Congratulations, Melissa on your impressive victory!

Voters Approve Recreation Tax, Alexandria, LA

Sat, 03 May 2014 05:00:00 GMT

Friends of the Alexandria Zoo (FOTAZ) needed to motivate Alexandria residents to approve a continuous funding source for the Alexandria Zoo and Alexandria recreation facilities while reminding the voters of the investment already made in the award-winning facilities. The Ourso Beychok team targeted likely voters with an informational piece that assisted FOTAZ in getting out the vote needed for a win.

Ourso Beychok Signs On With Senate Majority PAC in Louisiana

Thu, 13 Mar 2014 05:00:00 GMT

PAC vs. PAC in Senate Race

National PACs are so involved in the Louisiana Senate race that now one is attacking the other. The latest ad by the Senate Majority PAC, supporting Sen. Mary Landrieu, points to the Americans for Prosperity ads attacking the incumbent.

The ad states , "Out-of-state billionaires spending millions to rig the system and elect Bill Cassidy. Their goal: another politician bought and paid for." Media reports place the ad buy at $200,000. The strategy appears to both hit Cassidy and the so-called "1 percent"-in the person of the Koch brothers who are funding AFP.

The Senate Majority PAC has engaged Baton Rouge consultants Michael Beychok and Trey Ourso and is also working with Washington consultant Craig Varoga, who has been active in past Louisiana campaigns.

Ourso Beychok Scores Special Election Victory in Maine

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 05:00:00 GMT

First time candidate Eloise Vitelli overcomes former senator and third party candidate to capture state senate seat.

Click for full story.

Ourso Beychok Mailer featured on Huffington Post

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:00:00 GMT

A Democratic-aligned group is trying a novel approach to get Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock's controversial rape remarks into the hands -- and ears -- of voters: It's mailing out talking brochures of the Republican's now-infamous comment that God intended pregnancies from sexual assaults.

Click for full story.

Super PAC hits Akin with Talking Mailer

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Democratic Super PAC American Bridge 21st Century is hitting Missouri Rep. Todd Akin (R) with a talking direct mail piece that highlights his "legitimate rape" comments.

The mailers, which employ a sound cell that will greet Missouri voters with Akin's own voice once the card is opened, begin reaching mailboxes in the state today.

American Bridge is putting at least $37,000 behind the mailer. It was produced by the Democratic direct mail firm Ourso Beychok and mailPOW, which creates the sound cells that go into the talking cards.

The controversy over Akin's comments from earlier this year has become a focal point in his race against Sen. Claire McCaskill (D). Akin was largely deserted by national Republicans and the NRSC threatened to withhold any financial support for his campaign.

Still, Akin has remained in the race and has since won the backing of some prominent conservatives, including former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.). The latest polling in the race shows Akin still within striking distance of the incumbent.

Hayden Rogers Scores Big Win in the Mountains of North Carolina

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Hayden Rogers entered the race to replace his former boss, Congressman Heath Shuler, much later than his opponents. That meant that he had to ramp up his campaign much quicker than normal. Hayden got right to work raising the money and assembling a team that could help deliver his message to the voters of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. On Tuesday, May 8th, Rogers’ hard work was rewarded with a resounding victory in the Democratic Primary.

Ourso Beychok - working in conjunction with media consultant Peter Cari, pollster Anzalone Listz and general consultant Andrew Whalen - executed a direct mail program that was designed to introduce Rogers (a first time candidate), persuade undecided voters and turn-out supporters. The mail touched on Hayden’s roots in Western North Carolina, while highlighting his experience fighting for issues that matter most to the voters in NC-11. In the end, Hayden Rogers garnered nearly 56% of the vote in a three person primary.

Ourso Beychok helps pull off a Valentines Day Surprise Win in Maine

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 GMT

After garnering only 32% of the vote in 2010, Democrat Chris Johnson pulled off a stunning victory on Tuesday in a special election for Maine Senate District 20. Johnson defeated current state Representative Dana Dow 54%-46%. Dow is also the former senator in District 20.

Johnson's campaign focused on his willingness to stand up to the radical policies of Gov. Paul LePage and be an independent voice for the people of Maine. The district had been in Republican hands for 10 years.

Ourso Beychok was proud to work with Chris Johnson and the Maine Senate Democratic Caucus, led by Chuck Quintero, to pull off this historic upset and win.

Click for full story.

Ourso Beychok Partners Named to Campaigns & Elections Magazine List of Top Democratic Influencers

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Baton Rouge—Trey Ourso and Michael Beychok were both named by Campaigns & Elections Magazine to its list of the top 500 Influencers in the United States. The two men are partners in the Baton Rouge based Democratic consulting firm of Ourso Beychok, Inc. which specializes in direct mail, message development and campaign management.

Ourso was recognized for his work in Kansas where he has consulted with the House Democratic Caucus, among others, for the past two election cycles. During the 2012 elections the House Caucus won 13 of the 14 races that were targeted by the group. Of Ourso, Campaigns & Elections said "the Louisiana-based direct mail expert is a soughtafter consultant in Kansas."

Beychok made the list in Louisiana. Campaigns and Elections said that "his family has a long history in Louisiana politics. When there are meetings with the political leaders in the state, Beychok or his partner Trey Ourso are in the room."

"Michael and I are honored to have been recognized by Campaigns & Elections Magazine for the work we’ve been doing throughout the country," said Ourso. "Over the past 13 years we’ve worked hard to expand our business into other states while maintaining our active involvement in Bayou State politics."

The firm also worked extensively in Maine in 2012 helping the Maine Senate Democrats win majority in the Senate and re-electing Congressman Mike Michaud to the House of Representatives.

Dill Wins Senate Race

Wed, 11 May 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Democrat captures 68 percent of the vote, winning biggest in her opponent's hometown.

Click here for the full story.

OB Congratulates longtime client Senator Libby Mitchell for winning the Democratic Nomination for Governor in Maine.

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Baton Rouge Passes Transit Initiative

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT

After a failed attempt in 2010, the voters of Baton Rouge finally passed an initiative on Saturday 54%-46% that will dedicate funds to public transportation in the capitol city. Ourso Beychok was proud to work with the Citizens Against Traffic Congestion PAC and Together Baton Rouge to devise a winning strategy and produce mail designed to persuade and turn out Red Stick voters. As a result, public transportation will avoid a July shut-down, and Baton Rouge can continue to move forward.

“This was an important project for our firm,” said Trey Ourso. “This is our hometown and we are interested in seeing it move forward while providing essential services for our residents. After falling a little short in the 2010 election it was especially gratifying to see the city come together on Saturday to pass this transit initiative.”

OB Inc. Scores Second Big Win in Southern Seat

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT

Baton Rouge Firm has National Reach

Baton Rouge – For the second time in less than two weeks the Democratic direct mail and political consulting firm of Ourso Beychok, Inc. helped orchestrate dramatic victories in Congressional Districts long considered Republican strongholds. The win last night by Democrat Travis Childers in Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District followed closely on the heels of Don Cazayoux’s stunning victory on May 3rd in Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District.

Childers defeated Southaven, Mississippi Mayor Greg Davis (R) by an impressive margin of 54% to 46% in a district that President George Bush won by 25% in 2004. The former Republican congressman, Roger Wicker, won re-election to the same seat with 66% of the vote in 2006.

"We are very proud to have been a part of Congressman-elect Childers’ victory last night," said Michael Beychok. "By focusing on the issues that are important to the people of north Mississippi we were able to fend off the onslaught of money poured into the district by the Republican Party and their supporters. This election proves once again that all politics are local and despite efforts by National Republicans to turn the election into a referendum on national issues, Travis talked about creating jobs and helping families make ends meet. Voters responded well to Travis’ message as evidenced by his winning four elections in less than 90 days."

On May 3rd Don Cazayoux outpaced Republican Woody Jenkins to capture Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. The election was called to fill the unexpired term of Richard Baker who resigned to take a lucrative lobbying job. Baker was first elected to Congress in 1986 and held the seat for 22 years for the Republican Party, facing only one tough re-election in 1998. President Bush carried the district with 59% of the vote in 2004.

"The Cazayoux victory was an enormous team effort," said Michael Beychok. "Don was a great candidate who focused his attention on the needs and concerns of 6th District voters. Our extensive direct mail program helped target Don’s message directly into the homes of the voters."

Ourso Beychok, Inc. is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Democratic firm specializes in direct mail and targeted voter contact. Besides Cazayoux and Childers, other clients of OB, Inc. include Congressman Charlie Melancon (LA 6), Congressman Heath Shuler (NC 11), the Maine Senate Democratic Caucus and the North Carolina Senate Democratic Caucus.

Ourso Beychok Captures Pollie Award

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Baton Rouge Firm Skunks Opposition

Ourso Beychok , Inc. (OB), a Baton Rouge based Democratic direct mail firm won a Pollie Award at the recently held American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) conference in Miami, Florida. The annual Pollie competition recognizes the best of the best in the political consulting business.

OB won a Bronze Pollie for a mailer the firm designed for Jacques Roy’s campaign for Mayor of Alexandria. The piece featured a picture of a skunk on the cover with the phrase, "some things just don’t pass the smell test." The mailer exploited questionable ethical practices of one of Mr. Roy’s opponents. The mail piece helped propel Mr. Roy to a first place finish in the primary, and a stunning victory in the general election with 76% of the vote.

Ourso Beychok is a nationally recognized direct mail firm whose clients include Louisiana Congressman Charlie Melancon, the Maine Democratic Senate Caucus, the Louisiana Democratic Party, the Indiana Democratic Party and numerous elected Democrats in nearly a dozen states.