David Contarino is a Democratic political strategist and consultant based out of Louisville, Kentucky, David Contarino is also a former high-ranking government official, having served as Chief of Staff to former Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico and as Chief of Staff to former Congressman George Brown of California in Washington, DC.
As a manager, senior advisor, and media consultant, David Contarino has overseen and played a critical role in numerous successful political campaigns over the last 25 years. Notably, David Contarino lived in Santa Fe New Mexico for 15 years and consulted for Gov. Bill Richardson, Congresswoman Michelle Grisham and Sen. Jeff Bingaman. Most recently, David Contarino led Congresswoman Grisham to an unexpected win in the 2012 Congressional Democratic Primary. Under the guidance of David Contarino, Congresswoman Grisham’s campaign encompassed the focal points of resource management, focus, and credibility.
David Contarino served as Chief Political Adviser to Governor Richardson during his tenure as Chairman of the Democratic Governors Association (DGA). During this time, David Contarino worked closely with the DGA on governors’ races across the nation to help secure victories for six new governors. His efforts helped Democrats to a total of 28 Governors nationwide–the first Democrat majority of governors in 12 years. The Democratic Governors Association has been in existence since 1983 and serves to support Democrat candidates throughout the United States. This period of time working with Gov. Richardson and the Democratic Governors Association was a pivotal time in the career of David Contarino.