James Messner
Government Relations • Political Consulting • Public Affairs Campaign Management
Managing Director
James is an experienced government relations strategist with a background in political and Congressional strategy.
James Messner is a Managing Director in Mercury’s Washington, D.C., office. He specializes in federal government relations, leveraging his extensive knowledge of Capitol Hill and the Executive Branch to advance clients’ policy goals. He provides strategic advice to C-suite executives and industry leaders across the financial services, renewable energy, and emerging technologies sectors.
Before joining Mercury, James served as Deputy Political Director to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA). Operating as Leader Scalise’s political advisor and liaison to the House Republican Conference, he implemented political strategy for GOP members and candidates during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. He developed strong relationships with senior staff for House Republican leadership and the National Republican Congressional Committee, many of whom now hold senior political roles across the Trump Administration.
James began his career in Washington at FP1 Strategies, covering a broad portfolio of public affairs and communications roles for the firm’s work with trade associations and political campaigns. He is a graduate of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where he received a B.A. in political science and accounting. James lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jennie and dog Poppy.
Before joining Mercury, James served as Deputy Political Director to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA). Operating as Leader Scalise’s political advisor and liaison to the House Republican Conference, he implemented political strategy for GOP members and candidates during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. He developed strong relationships with senior staff for House Republican leadership and the National Republican Congressional Committee, many of whom now hold senior political roles across the Trump Administration.
James began his career in Washington at FP1 Strategies, covering a broad portfolio of public affairs and communications roles for the firm’s work with trade associations and political campaigns. He is a graduate of Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, where he received a B.A. in political science and accounting. James lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife Jennie and dog Poppy.
