Travis McCormick

Principal

Travis McCormick is an Austin-based government relations and communications consultant with over a decade of experience in leadership positions in government and political campaigns. He has played key roles in dozens of successful elections and in shepherding policy through the legislative and rule-making processes at the Texas Capitol and state agencies.

As the principal of McCormick Strategies, Travis has worked with companies, trade associations, think tanks, and non-profits in helping them craft their legislative agendas, research policy, monitor and track bills, draft and design one-pagers, and set up meetings with key lawmakers.

Previously, Travis served for five years as Chief of Staff to Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian where he advised the commissioner on energy policy, oversaw 800+ agency staff, and handled the commissioner's external relations and communications. Chosen for the position at age twenty-six, he was one of the youngest chiefs of staff to a statewide elected official in Texas history. In addition to his work on the Commission, Travis was appointed by Governor Doug Bergum (R - North Dakota) to serve as the Public Outreach Committee Chairman of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission.

McCormick has served in key legislative roles in both the Texas House and Senate, rising from Legislative Aide to Chief of Staff. He has also served as Campaign Manager for Senator Bryan Hughes, Senator Charles Perry, and several prominent members of the Texas House. In the 2022 Election Cycle, he went 13-1 in the Primary Election, 6-0 in the Runoff Election, and 21-0 in the General Election.

Travis has ghostwritten countless op-eds, press releases, and even a national bestselling book for various elected officials and clients.

Travis is unique in that he holds experience in both chambers in the legislature, as well as a prominent statewide regulatory agency.

He understands how policy is made from start to finish and can navigate hurdles through government affairs, public affairs, and the electoral process through campaign and PAC strategy.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE & NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
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  • Sept. 2021 - January 2023 | Austin, Texas

    • Primary duties include candidate management, grassroots outreach & advocacy, coalition building, copywriting, opposition research, media relations, fundraising, digital advocacy, event planning, surrogate speaking, debate preparation, direct mail, text message, graphic design, & volunteer coordination.

    • 2022 Record: 12 Primary victories (or advances), 6 Runoff victories, and 21 General Election victories.

    • Consulting firm named Capitol Inside’s “Most Valuable Consultants” for our perfect 6-0 record in the runoff for RR Commissioner Christian’s re-elect, Ellen Troxclair, Carl Tepper, Caroline Harris, Carrie Isaac, & Terri Leo Wilson for Texas House

  • Railroad Commission of Texas | Jan. 2017 - Sept. 2021 Austin, Texas

    • Served as chief policy & political advisor to Commissioner Christian, managed day-to-day operation of office, oversaw staff of over 800 FTEs, acted as liaison between Commissioner & staff, & handled communications/media relations

    • Met with division directors & leadership team about RRC priorities & goals on a weekly basis

    • Assisted Government Affairs team in shepherding the RRC Sunset bill through the legislature, while successfully fighting for a 46% increase in our bi-annual budget

    • Appointed by Governor Doug Bergum (R - North Dakota) to serve as the Public Outreach Committee Chairman of The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, advising regulators and stakeholders from across the nation on best practices in communications and public relations

  • Nov. 2015 - Dec. 2016 | Austin, TX

    • Advised Commissioner Wayne Christian, Senator Bryan Hughes, Rep. Terry Wilson, Rep. Cole Hefner, & Rep. Mike Lang in their successful campaigns for public office

    • Wayne Christian (Campaign Manager): Won a 6-way statewide Republican Primary, despite being outspent more than 10-1, through deliberate & efficient micro-targeting in areas of high turnout (Read the full case study here: http://bit.ly/1TXHZMf) Received a higher percentage of the General Election vote than President Donald Trump

    • Bryan Hughes (Campaign Manager): Won a 4-way Republican Primary with 70% of the vote after advancing to the runoff Named “Best Texas Runoff Campaign” by Capitol Inside

  • Nov. 2014 - Nov. 2015 | Austin, TX

    As the first freshman chairman since 1993, Senator Perry passed a total of 27 Senate bills & 35 House bills, the second most of any office in the legislature

    • Executed comprehensive press strategy to obtain maximum exposure on press releases & legislation

    • Analyzed policy from a political lens to ensure the Senator’s votes are consistent with the values of his district

    • Crafted consistent, simplified talking points & materials for committee hearings, bill layouts, & speeches

  • July 2014 - Oct. 2014 | Lubbock, Texas

    Won 6-way special election with 54% of vote, including 46 of 51 counties & 55% in population center, Lubbock

    • Mobilized volunteers to block walk & call likely voters in all major population centers

    • Hosted town hall forums in all 51 counties, activating community leaders & earning free local media

    • Unveiled opposition research strategically through third parties to raise awareness of opponent’s negatives in media

    • Prepped candidate for debates & appearances through issue research & mock question & answer sessions

  • Jan. 2013 - Sep. 2013 | Austin, Texas

    • Managed & organized day-to-day office operations & legislative goals for 83rd Session

    • Ensured optimal communications through regular social media posts, weekly newsletters, & timely correspondence

    • Handled press inquiries & strategic press rollouts to both local & state-wide media outlets

    • Liaised with policy experts & other stakeholders about pending legislation

  • • Ted Cruz for US Senate: Deputy Digital Director | June 2012 - December 2012

    • Office of State Rep. Wayne Christian: Legislative Assistant | January 2011 - June 2012

    • Texans for Rick Perry: Intern | September 2010 - November 2010

In his spare time, McCormick is a voracious reader and writer, amateur endurance athlete, and a determined guitar student. Passionate about healthcare and nutrition reform, McCormick founded Make Texans Healthy Again, an advocacy organization leveraging national momentum to pass state-level policies that prioritize prevention, improve nutrition and fitness, and promote transparency, affordability, access, and freedom in healthcare and insurance.

McCormick is a graduate of the University of Texas where he earned dual bachelor degrees in both Government and Radio, Television, Film. He is a native Texan and lives in Austin with his wife, Elizabeth, daughter, Winnie, and two dogs, Bella and Baxter.

More about Travis and the Team

Elizabeth McCormick

Manager & Designer

Elizabeth has over a decade of experience in branding, design, and marketing for political campaigns at every level—from presidential races to state legislature and city council contests. In addition to her campaign work, she has developed design and public affairs solutions for numerous PACs, advocacy groups, and associations across multiple legislative sessions.

Her expertise in both design and the Texas legislative process supports Travis' work, ensuring effective and strategic communication.