First Tuesday Strategies

First Tuesday Strategies is proud to announce that Lillie Smith, an Associate in our campaign practice, was awarded a Gold Pollie Award at the 2026 Pollie Awards for Best Campaign Plan in the Student/Open Division—one of the highest honors in political communications.

Often referred to as the Oscars of political advertising, the Pollie Awards recognize the most effective and impactful campaign work from across the country. This year, that recognition included a campaign plan developed not by a veteran consultant, but by a college senior.

Lillie Smith wins Gold Pollie Often referred to as the Oscars of political advertising, the Pollie Awards recognize the most effective and impactful campaign work from across the country.

We were proud to bring home THREE Gold Pollie Awards at last week’s ceremonies.

The Pollies are the Oscars of political advertising — recognizing the best work in the country.

🏆 Best Yard Sign
🏆 Best Door Hanger
🏆 Best Campaign Plan (Student/Open Division)

From concept to ex*****on, we quietly focus on what matters: winning.

We’re proud to announce that First Tuesday Strategies won a 2026 Reed Award!

🏆 Best Canvassing or Lit Piece – Republican
Regional: Northeast & Southeast

The Reed Awards recognize the best political campaign work in the country, and we’re honored to have our work recognized alongside the top firms in the industry.

We’re excited to share that FTS and First Tuesday Strategies are now in the Upstate!

Our new Spartanburg location marks our third office, joining Columbia and Charleston — a milestone made possible by great clients, trusted partnerships, and an incredible team.

We’re grateful for how far we’ve come in almost 20 years, and even more excited about what’s ahead. The Upstate is growing, and we’re proud to grow with it.

Check out our new office at Spartanburg's One Morgan Square.

💖 Happy Galentine’s Day 💖 The women of our team enjoyed lunch together earlier this week. Campaigns may be intense. Deadlines are real. But today, we’re celebrating the friendships, teamwork, laughs, and late nights that make it all worth it.

We’re honored to be named a 2026 Reed Award Finalist — with TWO submissions recognized nationally.

🏆 Direct Mail > Most Informative Franked Mail Piece
🏆 Regional – Northeast & Southeast > Best Canvassing or Lit Piece

The Reed Awards recognize the very best in political strategy and campaign communications across the country.

Proud of our team. Grateful for our clients. Onward!

We’re excited to welcome Briana Bateman to the First Tuesday Strategies team! Briana will lead public affairs and campaign projects as a Director.

She joins us from Senator Tim Scott’s office, where she served as a Regional Director, building coalitions, managing high-level stakeholder relationships, and delivering results across South Carolina.

Briana brings deep political experience, strong strategic instincts, and a proven ability to execute in fast-moving environments. We’re thrilled to have her on board.

Welcome to the team, Briana 👏

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! We’re deeply grateful for the clients, friends, partners, and staff who make our work meaningful all year long.

🏁 14 Wins Across South Carolina! 🏁

What a night! First Tuesday Strategies clients won 14 races across the Palmetto State — from local councils to countywide referendums.

These victories are a testament to the hard work, discipline, and heart of our incredible team and the dedication of the candidates who stepped up to serve their communities.

We’re proud to stand behind leaders who put people first — and even prouder to help them win.

14 races. 1 unstoppable team.

We’re excited to welcome Sam Carr to our team as Associate, Campaigns, based in the Upstate! 🎉

Sam is a graduate of High Point University where he distinguished himself not just academically but as a leader—serving as President of the Student Government Association during his time there.

He brings passion, dedication, and real leadership experience, especially in times that demand creativity and resilience. We can’t wait to see the impact he’ll have driving successful campaigns across the Upstate.

Please join us in welcoming Sam!

WE'RE HIRING: If you thrive in a high-energy environment, value teamwork, and want to make an impact, FTS could be the place for you.

📩 How to Apply
Send your resume and a short cover note to [email protected]. Please include the position title in the subject line.

Jobs - August 2025 - First Tuesday Strategies First Tuesday Strategies (FTS) is a leading political and public affairs consulting firm based in South Carolina. We help campaigns,

Please join us in welcoming Mary Austin Sturkie to the First Tuesday Strategies team! 👏

A proud Columbia native and 2025 graduate of Clemson University, Mary Austin brings a passion for public service, strong communications chops, and real-world campaign experience—from Senator Tim Scott’s office to the SCGOP and most recently with Senator Lindsey Graham’s campaign.

She’s also helped shape young leaders through her work with Student Leadership University and served her campus through Greek Life and FCA at Clemson.

We’re thrilled to have Mary Austin on board as part of our campaign division. Let’s go win! 🗳️🔥