NRCC Announces Communications Staff for 2026 Election Cycle

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced its communications staff for the 2026 election cycle as the Committee continues its work to protect and expand the Republican House majority.

Will Kiley will lead the team as the Communications Director. A Virginia native, Kiley most recently served as the official and campaign Communications Director and Senior Advisor for Rep. Nick LaLota (NY). Previously, Kiley served as Communications Director for Herschel Walker’s U.S. Senate campaign in the 2022 cycle and on the official and campaign staffs of Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA). Kiley is a graduate of James Madison University.

Emily Tuttle will serve as the Deputy Communications Director. Most recently, Tuttle served as Deputy Chief of Staff and campaign Communications Director for Rep. Zach Nunn (IA). Previously, she served as Campaign Manager for Esther Joy King. An Illinois native, Emily is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Mike Marinella will serve as the National Press Secretary. During the 2024 campaign cycle, Marinella served as the Midwest Regional Press Secretary at the NRCC. Prior to that, he served as Communications Director for Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA) and as Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s successful re-election campaign in the 2022 cycle. Marinella is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie and New Jersey native.

Ben Petersen will serve as the National War Room Director. An Arizona native, Petersen was previously the Western Regional Press Secretary at the NRCC during the 2024 cycle. Prior to that, Petersen worked as Arizona Communications Director for the RNC and Deputy Communications Director for Arizona Governor Doug Ducey

Zach Bannon will serve as the Central Regional Press Secretary. A Kentucky native, Bannon previously served as the Press Secretary for Eric Hovde’s Wisconsin U.S. Senate campaign. Prior to that, Bannon worked as Communications Director for former Rep. Larry Bucshon (IN), Deputy Press Secretary for U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (AL), and as an Associate at FP1 Strategies during the 2022 cycle.

Christian Martinez will serve as the Western Regional Press Secretary. A first-generation American, Martinez previously served as Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Press Secretary. Prior to that, Martinez served as the Rapid Response Director on the successful Youngkin campaign. He also worked as Communications Director at Bullpen Strategy Group and Director of Rapid Response and War Room Operations at America Rising.

Maureen O’Toole will serve as the Eastern Regional Press Secretary. Last cycle, O’Toole was the Press Secretary for the Congressional Leadership Fund. She has also worked at FP1 Strategies, the House Committee on Education and Workforce, and National Media. O’Toole is a proud New Jersey native and graduate of the University of Dallas. 

Gabe Goralnick will serve as the Communications Coordinator. A New York City native, he previously worked for Reps. Guy Reschenthaler (PA) and Nick LaLota (NY). Goralnick is a graduate of Yeshiva University.