November 21, 2025

We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Mark S. Mellman, former AAPC President, Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the most respected public opinion researchers and strategic thinkers in American politics.

Mark was widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading pollsters, a trusted advisor to many of the country’s most prominent political leaders, and a strategist who shaped some of the most consequential campaigns and public policy battles of the last several decades. As CEO of The Mellman Group, he guided top national figures and major public-interest organizations through moments that helped define modern political communication. His work earned praise from across the political world and from respected observers including The Economist, POLITICO, and Newsweek for his strategic brilliance, accuracy, and ability to explain complex ideas with clarity.

Beyond campaigns, Mark’s insights were sought by federal agencies, leading foundations, global institutions, and news organizations. He contributed to presidential debates, served as a longtime analyst for CBS News, wrote for The Hill for many years, and shared his expertise as a teacher in Yale’s Political Science department. His influence reached well beyond politics, touching research, journalism, academia, and civic life.

For many of us, it is the person we will remember most. Mark cared deeply about fairness, ethics, and mentoring others in this profession. He brought a love of learning and exploration to everything he did, including his passion for scuba diving. As AAPC Vice President Kelly Gibson shared, “Mark Mellman was the best of our profession. Committed to our American democracy through upstanding, honest public opinion research and collaboration. He taught me a lot about life and politics, and how to do this work with respect. He made a lot of us better, and we were lucky to call him a friend and colleague.”

AAPC President Kyle Roberts expressed the same admiration, noting, “We’ve lost a great leader in politics. Master at his profession, curious, smart, strategic. Mark Mellman was an icon in American politics for decades. Serving congressman, governors, senators and winning some of the best campaigns in politics. Mark was a great person. His wit and humor were a joy to be around. I was proud to serve with him at the AAPC and his presence will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and children.”

Mark cared deeply about AAPC and the future of our profession. His leadership, integrity, and generosity shaped this community in lasting ways.

We keep his family, friends, and colleagues in our thoughts and honor the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind.