In a statement, DNC chairman Tom Perez praised the new senior staffers, which include the organization's national political and organizing director, chief mobilization officer and national press secretary. | Mary Altaffer, File/AP Photo 2020 Elections DNC makes 3 key hires for 2020

The Democratic National Committee has filled three senior staff roles for the 2020 presidential cycle, chairman Tom Perez told POLITICO.

Muthoni Wambu Kraal, an EMILY’s List’s veteran who most recently served as the group’s vice president of national outreach and training, will take over for Amanda Brown Lierman as the DNC’s national political and organizing director. Patrick Stevenson, most recently the DNC’s lead in grass-roots fundraising, is being promoted to chief mobilization officer. He will be taking over for Caitlin Mitchell, who recently joined Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign. And the DNC confirmed that Brandon Gassaway will be national press secretary.


“In addition to her wealth of experience, Muthoni brings a 50-state network with her to the DNC,” Perez said in a statement. “Patrick has been an integral member of our team, and his leadership helped to revitalize our party’s grassroots fundraising. Brandon has already contributed significantly to our team and we’re excited to have him on board.”

All three bring significant campaign experience to the DNC ahead of the 2020 election, when Democrats will be fighting for victories from state legislatures to the White House.

Stevenson worked on Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign, with a stint as the DNC’s email director in between. Gassaway most recently worked for Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and was communications direction for Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.).

Wambu Kraal has been steeped in progressive politics for two decades. She served as deputy political director for then-Sen. Joe Biden’s 2008 presidential bid and deputy campaign manager and political director for Kay Hagan’s successful 2008 Senate campaign in North Carolina against Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole.

“Muthoni is a force,” Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List, said in a statement. “The DNC is lucky to have her, and we could not be more thrilled to see what she does in her new role. We know it will be game-changing."