Mark S. Mellman
(1955–2025)

Mark S. Mellman was one of the most influential public opinion researchers and political strategists of his generation, whose work helped shape Democratic politics, modern polling methodology, and the professional standards of political consulting for more than four decades.

Mellman entered the field in 1982 while still a graduate student in political science at Yale University, when his polling helped an underdog Democratic challenger score a major upset in a Connecticut congressional race.  That early success launched a career defined by analytical rigor, strategic insight, and a rare ability to translate complex public opinion data into winning political strategy.

He soon founded The Mellman Group, which grew into one of the nation’s premier public opinion research and political consulting firms.  Over the course of his career, Mellman helped guide more than 30 U.S. Senate campaigns, 12 gubernatorial races, and dozens of congressional contests, as well as major ballot initiatives and public-policy efforts. His work extended beyond electoral politics to corporate, nonprofit, and issue-based clients, often in bipartisan settings that reflected his belief in collaboration and methodological integrity.

Among his most notable achievements was his role as chief pollster for Senator John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign, as well as his long-standing advisory work for senior Democratic leaders in Congress.  Mellman was widely respected for his ability to identify paths to victory others missed, most famously when his polling accurately forecast Senator Harry Reid’s reelection at a time when nearly all other surveys predicted defeat.

An innovator in the field, Mellman advanced new approaches to sampling, survey design, and research technology, blending academic disciplines with real world political application.  His expertise made him a sought after voice beyond campaigns, including as a longtime political analyst for CBS News, a contributor to major publications, and a teacher in Yale University’s political science department.

Mellman was also deeply committed to causes he believed in, including the defense of democratic institutions and a strong U.S.–Israel relationship.  He later founded Democratic Majority for Israel, reflecting his conviction that political consultants should align their work with their values.

Within the American Association of Political Consultants, Mellman was a respected leader and advocate for the profession. He served as AAPC President, helped strengthen the association during a period of growth and change, and worked to elevate ethical standards and professional excellence across the industry. Under his leadership, The Mellman Group became the first firm to receive the AAPC’s Pollster of the Year award three times.  His induction into the AAPC Hall of Fame recognizes not only his extraordinary career, but his lasting impact on the political consulting community.

Mark Mellman’s legacy endures in the campaigns he shaped, the research standards he advanced, and the generations of consultants, pollsters, and strategists he mentored and inspired.