Veteran political strategist brings expertise in campaigns, labor engagement, coalition building, and public policy

CHICAGO, June 29, 2026 – Mercury Public Affairs, today announced that Jeremy Custer has joined the firm as a Senior Vice President based in Chicago. Custer brings more than a decade of experience at the intersection of politics, public policy, and economic development, further strengthening Mercury’s campaign strategy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement capabilities across Illinois and the Midwest.

“Jeremy has earned the trust of leaders across organized labor, business and government, and he brings a unique ability to navigate the political and policy landscape while delivering results for clients,” said Cheri Bustos, Partner at Mercury who leads the firm’s Illinois and Midwestern operations, “As Mercury continues to grow, Jeremy’s experience will be a tremendous asset to our team and the political candidates and organizations we serve.”

Custer helped elect the first Democrat to represent DuPage County in the Illinois Senate in more than a century and played a key role in the successful campaign to pass Illinois’ Workers’ Rights Amendment. He has also helped support numerous Democratic campaigns and advocacy efforts across Illinois, earning a reputation as a trusted strategist and coalition builder.

Throughout his career, Custer has advised elected officials, managed successful political campaigns, and helped shape public policy on issues ranging from infrastructure and workforce development to affordable housing, government finance, economic development, and labor relations. His work has centered on building broad coalitions around practical solutions that strengthen communities, create opportunity and drive economic growth.

“Winning campaigns are built by bringing together the right coalitions, delivering a clear message, and executing with discipline,” Custer said. “I’ve spent my career helping candidates and causes navigate complex political environments, build effective coalitions, and communicate in ways that move voters and drive results. Mercury’s reputation for strategic thinking and winning campaigns makes it an exciting place to continue that work.”

At Mercury, Custer will advise political, labor, corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector clients on campaign strategy, coalition building, stakeholder engagement, issue advocacy, public affairs, and government relations. His experience operating at the intersection of policy and politics will further strengthen Mercury’s ability to help clients achieve their objectives in an increasingly complex political environment.

Custer’s addition reflects Mercury’s continued investment in Illinois and its ongoing expansion of integrated public affairs, campaign strategy, and government relations capabilities throughout the Midwest and in Washington, D.C.

About Mercury
Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm. The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services that includes federal government relations, international affairs, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a bipartisan grassroots mobilization network in all 50 states.  With 15 offices nationwide, Mercury is part of Omnicom Public Relations. Learn more at www.mercuryllc.com.