Case Study: Mayra Macías’s Congressional Campaign Launch

mayra macias on cnn

Key Outcomes

  • As Mayra Macías launched her congressional campaign in Chicago, we drove a wave of national media coverage that raised her profile for donors, voters, reporters, and potential endorsers, which helped her raise more than $100,000 in just 72 hours—and establish herself as a credible first-time candidate.
  • Through our media training program, we helped Mayra effectively and compellingly deliver her message to both national and local audiences.
  • Mayra’s robust launch helped her secure several key early endorsements from members of Congress, bolstering the argument that she is a viable contender despite running as an independent.

The Client

Echo Communications Advisors led communications for Mayra Macías’ congressional campaign launch in Illinois’ fourth district, executing a strategic media blitz to highlight her accomplishments and vision for serving her neighbors in Washington.

The Challenge

Macías was forced to run as an independent because the incumbent, Congressman Chuy Garcia, had attempted to coronate his chief of staff. Garcia waited until the last minute before the filing deadline to announce his retirement, but he’d given his top staffer a heads up. Macías, who was raised in the district, decided to run as an independent candidate and faced an uphill climb to be taken seriously against the Garcia political machine. 

The Solution

Echo developed and executed a media outreach strategy that led to coverage everywhere from local Chicago news outlets, including in Spanish media, to CNN, NBC News, Politico and others. Coverage of Macías was widespread in the opening days of her campaign, which helped her generate $100,000 in just 72 hours. For the quarter, she even outraised the machine-backed candidate. In addition to press outreach, Echo crafted messaging and talking points, drafted press releases for key milestones and endorsements, led media training sessions, and served as a trusted voice on a range of strategic decisions for the campaign.

Sample Media Coverage: