Today, the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP) announced three additions to the party’s communications team. Rachel Stein has been hired as Deputy Communications Director, Ellie Dougherty has been brought on as Communications Advisor, and Jesse Valentine has been named Rapid Response Associate. These new hires will join Kate Frauenfelder who serves as Communications Director.

“As NCDP gears up for an exciting election cycle, I am very excited to welcome three experienced communicators to our team,” said NCDP Executive Director Meredith Cuomo. “This type of unprecedented investment in our communications team shows that the party is prepared to make inroads during the midterm election cycle and these three will bring the knowledge and experience needed to hold Republicans accountable while supporting Democrats across the state.”

Rachel Stein – Deputy Communications Director

Rachel Stein joins the North Carolina Democratic Party from the office of the Majority Whip, Congressman James E. Clyburn where she served as South Carolina Press Secretary. She has also worked on a South Carolina state senate race where the seat flipped from red to blue after more than two decades. Rachel will focus on highlighting the work of the party, in addition to supporting Democratic legislative candidates across the state.

Ellie Dougherty – Communications Advisor

Ellie Dougherty, originally from Greensboro, most recently served as Press Secretary at End Citizens United and Let America Vote. She previously worked on Secretary Gina Raimondo’s re-election campaign for Governor in 2018. Ellie will focus on highlighting how President Biden’s agenda benefits North Carolinians.

Jesse Valentine – Rapid Response Associate

For five years, Jesse has helped private companies and political campaigns turn hard data into creative content. In 2018, he moved to North Carolina to do research for the United States House race in district nine. From there, he worked for Tom Steyer before taking a job doing direct mail. Jesse will be helping Democrats across the state respond to breaking news and build data-driven communications campaigns.

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