About Us
Our Team
Michael has eight cycles of campaign experience and digital strategy. At Ascend, he specializes in video production, ad buying, email and SMS deliverability, and targeting. Michael’s experience also includes serving on presidential campaigns, gubernatorial races, managing digital operations for a variety of startup businesses, and working as an organizer on Democratic campaigns across the nation.
Craig is an experienced communications and digital strategist specializing in messaging and copywriting. He has helped Democrats across the country raise millions of dollars online, break through to voters with targeted digital ads, and overperform at the ballot box. Prior to launching Ascend with co-founder Michael Sparks, he served as a communications director in the U.S. House of Representatives and in other high-level roles in state and federal politics.
Bailey is an experienced digital strategist who’s raised more than $100 million online for Democratic candidates and causes. As a Principal at Ascend, she specializes in digital fundraising strategy, list-building and email and text message marketing. Before joining Ascend, she served as Senior Advisor for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) campaign, building a first-of-its-kind digital fundraising and persuasion program to reelect Senator Schumer to a historic fifth term and expand Democrats’ majority in the U.S. Senate. She also was Digital Director for Governor Steve Bullock's (D-Mont.) campaigns for president and U.S. Senate. Throughout her career, she’s led innovative online fundraising programs for campaigns at every level, from state legislative races to some of the most competitive Senate and special election campaigns in the country.
With over a decade of experience in digital fundraising, Tori has helped progressive campaigns, nonprofits, and ballot initiatives grow grassroots programs and exceed ambitious online fundraising goals. She has a proven track record of reviving underperforming programs—improving deliverability, boosting engagement, and turning around struggling email lists. A proud Pennsylvanian, she served as Digital Director for both Governor Tom Wolf’s 2018 re-election and Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s 2020 re-election, surpassing small-dollar goals and keeping both campaigns ahead of digital trends. In 2019, she served as Digital Director for the non-profit Let America Vote, leading their digital fundraising, advertising, and advocacy efforts. Previously, she led a creative team supporting a range of progressive organizations, ballot initiatives, PACs, and nonprofits—driving list growth, ensuring email health, and raising millions across competitive cycles.
Eric has created successful fundraising content since 2020. His experience includes writing engaging email, text, and Facebook Ads content for a wide variety of Democratic candidates and organizations — along with other marketing skills, including graphics, press releases, and social media copy.
Dalya has played a pivotal role in shaping digital operations for multiple Democratic candidates and organizations. In the 2024 cycle, she helped House Majority PAC achieve record-breaking fundraising results and led the digital strategy behind Rep. Shomari Figures’ historic victory in Alabama. She is passionate about leveraging digital tools to mobilize grassroots supporters and create meaningful political and social impact in today’s evolving landscape.
Sarah has five years of experience leading ambitious digital fundraising and engagement programs for Democratic campaigns and organizations. She has managed email, SMS, and paid media strategies generating millions in grassroots donations, including helping power Governor Abigail Spanberger’s historic victory in 2025. Sarah works closely with clients to develop data-driven strategies that grow supporter lists, increase donor engagement, and deliver strong fundraising results.
Sophia has experience working with political campaigns and nonprofits to execute digital strategies. She has collaborated closely with clients to develop content plans aimed at achieving fundraising and engagement goals through email and SMS outreach. Additionally, while at Serve America PAC, Sophia supported efforts to elect service-oriented leaders to Congress by assisting with fundraising and communications initiatives.
Charlie brings experience in political organizing and supporting Democratic causes at the national level. He has managed email and SMS communications in the federal government and within organizations, enhancing outreach for senior leaders. At the DNC, he coordinated delegate communications nationwide, streamlining information flow and supporting party efforts. His combined campaign and communication experience enables him to engage stakeholders effectively and drive political impact.
Sophia has experience working with political campaigns at down-ballot and federal levels. She has worked with clients to execute digital fundraising plans and craft campaign messaging. She has worked for campaigns and organizations in California, Texas, Wisconsin, and Georgia
Jonathan is an experienced organizer and communicator. As an Organizer in 2024, he managed organizing activities in Madison, WI to help re-elect Tammy Baldwin and win two contested state legislature races. Jonathan was most recently a Fellow on Capital Hill, where he assisted Congresswoman Grace Meng's office with its communications and digital initiatives. His experience helps him support clients looking to make an impact at a local and national level.
Remy is one sharp pup who works as a Pawlitics Associate at Ascend, and knows how to fetch results. With his ability to stay ahead of the pack and always sniff out the latest trends, he's a true top dog in the industry. Whether it's crafting the pawfect message or unleashing a barketing campaign, Remy's always eager to put his pawlitics degree to work!