Michael Soliman, one of New Jersey’s top Democratic strategists and public affairs professionals, has been elevated to a broader national leadership role at Mercury, one of the nation’s largest bipartisan public strategy firms.
Mercury announced that Soliman, who leads the firm’s New Jersey and Pennsylvania operations, will take on expanded responsibilities helping guide the firm’s national growth and strategic direction as president of the company.
The firm has fifteen offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., New York, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas. Mercury is owned by Omnicom, one of the world’s largest advertising and communications companies.
One of the firm’s founders, Kieran Mahoney, has shifted to the role of executive chairman, and John Gallagher is the chief executive officer. (Mahoney spent part of his early career in New Jersey, running State Sen. James Wallwork’s 1981 campaign for governor when he was working for GOP political consultant Arthur Finkelstein.)
Working closely with Mercury’s chief executive officer and senior leadership team, Soliman will help shape the firm’s long-term business strategy, coordinate priorities across its national network of partners, and lead business development initiatives.
A veteran of New Jersey politics with more than two decades of experience, Soliman joined Mercury as a managing director in 2013 and has since become one of the firm’s top executives. In addition to overseeing operations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he has played a leading role in strengthening client relationships and expanding the firm’s footprint in key markets.
With an extensive network in both state and federal politics, Soliman has advised elected officials, public leaders, and private-sector organizations on government relations, public affairs, and political strategy. He has managed two successful statewide campaigns.
Before joining Mercury, Soliman served as state director and senior political advisor to U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, helping lead successful re-election campaigns in 2012 and 2018. He also served as district director for former U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman and was selected for Gov. Phil Murphy’s transition team following Murphy’s election in 2017.
He serves as a trusted advisor to U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, particularly on issues involving artificial intelligence and technology policy.
His political resume includes serving as top political advisor to U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez during his 2022 and 2024 congressional campaigns and as a key advisor to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker during his 2014 re-election effort. He has also provided strategic counsel to the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, former Gov. Jon Corzine, and former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop.
Soliman is a guest lecturer at Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, where he teaches Media, Democracy, and Public Policy.
Soliman has frequently been recognized by political and business publications, including BINJE, ROI-NJ, and the New Jersey Globe, for his influence in public affairs and government relations.