Brian Hughes
Government Relations • Political Consulting • Public Affairs Campaign Management • Strategic Communications
Partner
Brian Hughes is a seasoned public affairs and government affairs professional with extensive experience at the federal, state, and local levels. At Mercury Public Affairs, he serves as a Partner and leads the firm’s Tallahassee office, applying his deep policy knowledge, communications expertise, and political network to clients’ public affairs and advocacy needs across Florida and Washington, D.C.
Prior to joining the firm, Hughes served as Chief of Staff at NASA, where he provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for the agency. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating senior leadership, advancing agency priorities, and supporting NASA’s mission during a period of significant activity and growth.
Before his tenure at NASA, Hughes served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications at the White House. He also played a senior role on President Donald J. Trump’s successful 2024 campaign, serving as a senior advisor and Florida campaign director.
Hughes brings deep experience and knowledge of Florida's distinct governmental and political environment, having previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville and as Chief of Staff to former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. In these roles, he oversaw city operations, managed intergovernmental affairs, and helped guide policy initiatives at the local and state levels. He also held senior positions within former Governor Rick Scott’s administration and the Republican Party of Florida.
Hughes is a U.S. Air Force veteran and received the U.S Air Medal as a flight crew member on KC-135 aircraft during the Gulf War. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University.
Throughout his career, Hughes has worked at the intersection of politics, policy, and communications, building a record of leadership in complex environments. His experience across campaigns, executive government, and public affairs enables him to provide clients with strategic insight and practical solutions to navigate today’s political landscape.
Prior to joining the firm, Hughes served as Chief of Staff at NASA, where he provided strategic leadership and operational oversight for the agency. In this role, he was responsible for coordinating senior leadership, advancing agency priorities, and supporting NASA’s mission during a period of significant activity and growth.
Before his tenure at NASA, Hughes served as Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications at the White House. He also played a senior role on President Donald J. Trump’s successful 2024 campaign, serving as a senior advisor and Florida campaign director.
Hughes brings deep experience and knowledge of Florida's distinct governmental and political environment, having previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Jacksonville and as Chief of Staff to former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. In these roles, he oversaw city operations, managed intergovernmental affairs, and helped guide policy initiatives at the local and state levels. He also held senior positions within former Governor Rick Scott’s administration and the Republican Party of Florida.
Hughes is a U.S. Air Force veteran and received the U.S Air Medal as a flight crew member on KC-135 aircraft during the Gulf War. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Syracuse University.
Throughout his career, Hughes has worked at the intersection of politics, policy, and communications, building a record of leadership in complex environments. His experience across campaigns, executive government, and public affairs enables him to provide clients with strategic insight and practical solutions to navigate today’s political landscape.
