Joe Shumate

Joe Shumate Long recognized as one of California's most influential and successful political consultants, passed away unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 69. He was a key advisor to many of California's most well known political leaders, including former Governor Pete Wilson. Prior to his death, Shumate was advising U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina and state attorney general candidate Steve Cooley as well as consulting for the California Chamber of Commerce regarding its political interests this election cycle. Shumate was a pioneer in applying quantitative and mathematical modeling methods to develop highly effective, targeted messaging for political campaigns. He began his political career in the Bay Area, following his attendance at San Francisco City College and San Francisco State University, and became heavily involved in San Francisco politics and worked extensively with area political campaigns, including the campaign to elect Dianne Feinstein as Mayor. During the 1970s, Shumate went into business with Ron Smith and Emily Pike in the political consulting firm of Shumate, Smith and Pike. He later launched Joe Shumate and Associates in the 1980s. Shumate served as deputy chief of staff to former California Gov. Pete Wilson and directed the governor's redistricting strategy in 1991, which was largely credited with producing the most fair and equitable reapportionment in decades that paved the way for the takeover by Republicans in the Assembly five years later. Shumate also served as a key senior adviser to Wilson's 1994 come-from-behind re-election effort. Perhaps best known nationally for his role as a member of a three-person team of American political consultants who assisted Russian President Boris Yeltsin's re-election campaign in 1996, Shumate and the campaign were the subject of a TIME Magazine cover story and the movie "Spinning Boris," in which he was played by the actor Liev Schrieber. In 1998, Shumate directed the winning campaigns of the only two Republicans to win statewide election that year. During the 2000 elections, he worked on three successful statewide initiatives and directed a major presidential independent expenditure effort. In 2002, Shumate was involved in Arnold Schwarzenegger's winning After School Programs Initiative. He also oversaw polling and focus groups for Schwarzenegger prior to his decision to run for governor in 2003. Shumate also served as a member of Schwarzenegger's successful re-election campaign team in 2006. Clients included California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, former Secretary of State Bill Jones, JobsPAC, the California Chamber of Commerce and countless local and statewide ballot measures. Shumate, a resident of Sausalito for more than 30 years, passed away in his Sacramento second residence. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his brother Tom and his wife Doris Jo, of San Jose; and his sister Linda Gayle, of San Diego, and other extended family members. A "Celebration of Life" memorial service will be held on Monday, November 8, 2010, at the California Chamber of Commerce in Sacramento. Former California Governor Pete Wilson will serve as the keynote speaker for the remembrance service, which will feature a retrospective of Shumate's remarkable life and work. Colleagues from throughout his career will be on hand to share their stories and express condolences to his wife, Joyce. A private memorial service for family was held previously at the Sausalito Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato, CA 94949 or at www.marinehumanesociety.org.