Demonte R. Alexander
Founder & President | AXR Strategies LLC.
demonte@axrstrategies.com
www.axrstrategies.com
(210) 867.7292
San Antonio, Texas
This month, AAPC caught up with new Individual Member, Demonte Alexander.
AAPC: Who do you look up to in the industry?
Demonte: I’ve been fortunate to work with and alongside significant players in this industry, and I try to learn something from everyone I encounter. If I have to choose one person, it would be Jennifer Longoria, from Texas. She is an absolute phenom, and has trained most great field and data experts in Bexar County. She is strategic, visionary, and smart as hell. One of the best in Texas by far, in my opinion. AXR prides itself on building and running effective field programs and maintaining up-to-date and accurate data. With Jennifer on our team, our capabilities and reach are endless. I’m fortunate, again, to be collaborating with such a capable professional.
AAPC: What do you love about politics?
Demonte: Nothing, necessarily. But, I DO love getting behind great campaigns and causes that come from the community. I began my political career training and learning from grassroots union organizers, so starting from a place of authenticity and leveraging the community’s voice to lead on their issues and values is where I find the most value.
AAPC: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Demonte: “Talk less and listen more. If you listen long enough, you may not have to say anything at all.” I find this to be useful while coaching our team on engaging with voters. It’s easy to get caught up in new technology and tools, but the oldest tool in the kit is two good ears working to do more listening to understand, rather than listening to respond.
AAPC: Why did you join AAPC?
Demonte: I find the trainings and updates insightful and informative, and in some cases invaluable. I joined AAPC because I want to learn from the best political consultants around the country. I believe leaders are responsible for cultivating a hunger for knowledge and sharing that with their teams. Stay hungry, innovate, and propagate. Not to mention, the credibility that comes with being part of such a prestigious organization may be that singular characteristic that gives us an edge over the competition.
AAPC: How do you manage high-stress situations?
Demonte: Fortunately, our team is pretty good about managing stress levels before they hit a high point, but we are certainly not immune to stress. Personally, I tend to silently think through the issue or concern. It may be for just a moment or more significant amounts of time; sometimes just being still and quiet provides the clarity to see the right path forward. I also use my mentors to help me find perspective and clarity; I trust their experience and rely on their expertise to guide my instinct.
AAPC: Why is being part of a bipartisan organization valuable to you?
Demonte: Talent and skill are not partisan characteristics. Finding like-minded professionals, no matter what side of the aisle they’re on, is an opportunity to learn, engage, and share new insights. I believe most people find themselves existing in a space where people have differing views; we need to be exposed to that. Party affiliation aside, when we connect on values instead of policy, I find we often have more in common than not.
AAPC: As a past Austin Conference attendee, what was your favorite part of the regional event?
Demonte: I appreciated sharing the room with so many great professionals and vendors from across the country. I surprised myself with the part that inspired me most, which was listening to Ted Cruz’ campaign manager, Jeff Roe, talk about their midterm race from start to finish. It was fascinating to hear how great minds maneuver through the constant tumult of the campaign cycle. As a Democrat, it was exciting to learn from “the other side”.
Our newly launched Member Spotlight feature puts you in front of the AAPC community so that you can expand your personal and professional network! We encourage all AAPC members, new and veteran, to take advantage of this opportunity to connect with other members. To be featured in our next Member Spotlight, contact Angela Pubal at apubal@theaapc.org.
