Darrel Thompson, Partner

As a Partner with theGROUP, Darrel Thompson advises and assists major corporations, trade associations and sovereign nations in achieving their business, policy, political and social objectives.

Thompson is a 25-year veteran of legislative/electoral politics and strategic consulting and has operated at the highest levels of government and business. Prior to joining theGROUP, Thompson served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Intergovernmental and External Affairs to former Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid. In this role, he advised the Majority Leader on labor and employment issues including workplace rules and regulations, business and labor negotiations, job growth and protection, social justice issues involving religious and African-American communities, and issues before the Senate that affect the District of Columbia.

Thompson’s unique position with Majority Leader Reid placed him at the forefront of numerous debates and issues involving transportation, renewable energy, healthcare, education, gender equality, housing and economic development. Equally important, this position placed Thompson in direct communication with Senators and Representatives; top Administration officials; CEOs; and the presidents of labor unions, trade associations and advocacy organizations.

Before joining Senator Reid, Thompson served as the Chief of Staff for the Barack Obama for U.S. Senate campaign where he directly advised then-State Senator Barack Obama, co-directed day to day state-wide operations of a 52-person campaign staff, and exercised planning and oversight of political and fundraising operations. He also served as the Finance Chief of Staff and National Political Advisor for Congressman Richard Gephardt’s 2004 presidential campaign. Additionally, he served in several senior positions over a five-year period during Mr. Gephardt’s tenure as House Democratic Leader. Darrel was also the Deputy Executive Director of the House Democratic Caucus.

Prior to his official congressional service, Thompson was the Financial Services Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), where he was responsible for all political fundraising operations. During his three-year tenure at the DCCC, he consulted for more than 100 congressional campaigns on fundraising, campaign operations and voter turnout. He has also managed and served as senior staff on legislative, congressional and gubernatorial campaigns.

Active in his community, Thompson serves as Commissioner and Manager of the Capitol Hill Little League Juniors Division and Tournament Team. In 2014, he ran for the District Council in Ward 6.

Born in Washington, D.C., Thompson claims both D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland, as home. He holds a Master in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Political Science from Morgan State University. He resides in Historic Capitol Hill.