Corey Lewandowski: Education, Career, and Political Journey
Corey R. Lewandowski, born on September 18, 1973, is an American political operative, lobbyist, political commentator, and author known for his association with Donald Trump. He first gained prominence as the initial campaign manager for Trump's 2016 presidential campaign.
Early Life and Education
Lewandowski was raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, and one of his grandfathers was a printer. In 1995, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He later pursued a Master's degree in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C.
Early Political Endeavors
While still an undergraduate student in 1994, Lewandowski entered the political arena by running as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary for a seat in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Although he garnered 143 votes, he fell short of the 150 votes required to secure the party's nomination. The seat was eventually won by Thomas A. Golden Jr. in the November general election.
After graduating from college, Lewandowski gained experience as an aide for Republican Massachusetts Congressman Peter G. Torkildsen from January 1996 to January 1997. During his time as a graduate student in 1997, he also interned for Massachusetts State Senator Steven C. Panagiotakos.
Involvement with Senator Robert C. Smith
Lewandowski's career included working for Senator Robert C. Smith of New Hampshire. In 2002, he served as Smith's campaign manager during a challenging Republican primary against John E. Sununu. The campaign drew controversy due to its focus on terrorism and criticism of Sununu's ethnic background. Remarks made during the campaign were criticized by figures like former New Hampshire Governor Steve Merrill, who denounced "the politics of ethnic slurs and bigotry." Former New Hampshire Senator Warren Rudman also weighed in, urging Smith to distance himself from such tactics. Even President George W. Bush's spokesperson commented, emphasizing the need to reassure Arab Americans that the war on terror was not a war on Islam. Lewandowski's press secretary stated that he was "merely responding to media inquiries" about Sununu's fundraising.
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Work with Americans for Prosperity
Lewandowski's career included a stint with the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity. During his time there, he served as the National Director of Voter Registration for both Americans for Prosperity and Americans for Prosperity Foundation. Lewandowski played a key role in establishing the organization's presence in New Hampshire. He organized their first events and presidential summits. Despite a modest start, with only a handful of attendees at their initial event, the organization quickly gained prominence in the state, largely due to Lewandowski's efforts.
Lobbying Career
Lewandowski has also worked as a lobbyist. In 2011, he was registered as a lobbyist for Schwartz MSL, representing Passport Systems on homeland security issues. Over six years, Schwartz MSL was paid more than $350,000 by Passport Systems. Between 2008 and 2011, Passport Systems received over $23.9 million in federal funds.
While at Americans for Prosperity, Lewandowski criticized the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, arguing that it would lead to job losses as businesses relocated to other states. Simultaneously, he lobbied for Borrego Solar, successfully securing a $500,000 earmark in the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Act for a solar electricity project in Lancaster, Massachusetts.
Other Political Activities
In 2012, while still employed by Americans for Prosperity, Lewandowski made an unsuccessful bid for town treasurer of Windham, New Hampshire.
Role in Trump's 2016 Presidential Campaign
Lewandowski's most prominent role came as the first campaign manager for Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. When Lewandowski was hired, Trump's political staff was minimal. Lewandowski's role in the Trump campaign was described as "more of a logistics guy," with a shared "love for the attention-getting stunt" with Trump. Lewandowski focused on keeping costs low and working with consultants committed to Trump's positions.
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Controversies During the Campaign
During the campaign, Lewandowski faced several controversies.
- Michelle Fields Incident: In March 2016, Michelle Fields, a reporter for Breitbart News, alleged that Lewandowski forcefully moved her out of Trump's way after a press conference. Although there was probable cause to make an arrest, the Palm Beach County State Attorney's office declined to prosecute Lewandowski.
- Protester Incident: In March 2016, Lewandowski faced criticism for his handling of a protester at a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona.
- Internal Campaign Issues: In June 2016, the Trump campaign was served with a legal complaint from its North Carolina Digital Director, alleging misconduct by the North Carolina State Director and a cover-up by campaign officials.
Departure from the Trump Campaign
On June 20, 2016, Lewandowski was dismissed as campaign manager. Despite his departure, he remained a supporter and confidante to Trump, offering advice and participating in conference calls. Even after leaving, Lewandowski was still being paid by the Trump campaign.
Post-Campaign Activities
After leaving the Trump campaign, Lewandowski became a political commentator for CNN. He remained subject to a non-disclosure agreement with Trump, preventing him from making disparaging remarks about the candidate. Later, he worked as a political commentator for One America News Network (OANN) and made occasional appearances on Fox News.
In December 2016, Lewandowski co-founded Avenue Strategies, a lobbying firm located near the White House. The firm's clients included Fortune 100 companies seeking to navigate the political landscape. In February 2017, Avenue Strategies began lobbying for Citgo Petroleum Corporation, owned by the government of Venezuela.
In July 2017, Community Choice Financial, a payday lender, offered Lewandowski a $20,000-a-month retainer. On Meet the Press, Lewandowski advocated for President Trump to fire Richard Cordray, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, who was working on new payday lending regulations.
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In December 2017, Lewandowski co-authored the memoir Let Trump Be Trump with David Bossie.
In December 2019, Lewandowski announced that he would not run for Senate in New Hampshire.
Personal Life
Lewandowski met his future wife, Alison Hardy, in middle school. Hardy's first husband, Brian Kinney, was killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
In 2018, Lewandowski appeared in Sacha Baron Cohen's prank comedy series Who Is America? In the same year, reports surfaced about an alleged extramarital affair between Lewandowski and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. In September 2021, Lewandowski was cast out of the Trump operation after an allegation of unwanted sexual advances.
Current Role
Corey Lewandowski is currently President and CEO of Lewandowski Strategic Advisors, LLC, a government and public affairs consulting firm.
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