Nick Bouknight
Partner /
Nick Bouknight is a partner at Capitol Counsel and brings to the firm more than 15 years of political leadership roles. He is a respected operative with deep experience in House Republican policy and politics. Bouknight’s experience and expertise in Republican politics are emphasized by his relationships and government relations abilities within the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior to joining Capitol Counsel, Bouknight ran the harddollar arm of the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), the House Republican Leadership endorsed Super PAC. In the 2020 and 2018 election cycles, he was Executive Director of Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R, CA-23) political operation. Bouknight has extensive policy and communications experience inside and outside of Congress, having served as Director of Issue Advocacy at the American Action Network, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting center-right policies, including issues related to taxes, health care, and energy. Previously, he also worked as Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Rep. McCarthy, as well as on the communications staff of the House Ways and Means Committee. Additionally, Bouknight worked in the California State Senate as a senior aide for the Senate Republican Leader.
Education
- George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School –J.D.
- Villanova University – B.S., summa cum laude
Positions Held
- CLF (Super PAC) and American Action Network (501c4), Washington, D.C. – Director of Issue Advocacy (American Action Network) and Executive Director of
Trailblazers Fund (CLF). Oversaw $30 million issue advocacy efforts across more than 50 congressional districts and started-up CLF’s $1.2 million hard-dollar PAC, serving as the point of contact for House Republican incumbents and candidates. - Political Office of Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-23), Washington, D.C. – Executive Director. Managed Leader McCarthy’s $100+ million national
political operation and served as the primary political point of contact for House Republican incumbents and candidates. - California Senate Republican Caucus, Sacramento, CA – Communications Director. Advised the Senate Republican Leader and managed Caucus communications staff.
- Office of Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R, CA-23), Washington, D.C. – Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director. Managed D.C. staff in day-
to-day operations and assisted in communications related to the Whip leadership election.
Memberships / Recognition
- D.C. Bar – Member
- N.J. Bar – Member
- Maverick PAC – Board Member
Successes
Bouknight served in a senior role at CLF during the 2022 election cycle where House Republicans won the majority. This was the third time in 70 years the House flipped from Democrat to Republican. He also managed Republican Leader McCarthy’s political team in the 2020 election cycle where House Republicans won 15 seats. Finally, he ran issue advocacy at the American Action Network during the 117th Congress. Their multi-million dollar issue ad campaigns helped stall and water-down legislation they opposed.