Posted by Keturah Hetrick on Nov. 17, 2020
As incoming members of Congress settled into Washington for freshman orientation, they've also begun to build their staff for the 117th Congress.
Each member-elect can access funds to officially hire one staffer for the interim period. Many, like incoming Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) turn to their campaign managers for this guidance. In addition to serving as Feenstra's transition aide, campaign manager Matt Leopold will also take the reins as the office's chief of staff come January.
Incoming Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) went the same route, hiring campaign manager Zac Rutherford as transition aide and future chief. Before leaving for the campaign trail, Rutherford briefly worked for ex-Rep. Mark Sanford's (R-S.C.) district office.
Not all transition staffers will stay on as chiefs of staff. Katie Trudeau, who comes from Rep.-elect Scott Franklin's (R-Fla.) campaign, will move from the transition to Franklin's permanent team as the communications director. Others may leave the team entirely in January and make way for seasoned Hill staffers.
Some people and organizations who "caught our eye" last week:
