Ellison Chooses New District Director

By James Warden from Hopkins Patch

Rep. Keith Ellison announced Thursday that current Legislative Director Jamie Long will become the 5th District congressman’s new district director May 1.

Long will replace current District Director Will Hailer, who’s leaving to become executive director of the Texas Democrat Party on April 26.

A news release quoted Ellison as saying:

Will has been an invaluable part of my team, both as Campaign Manager for Ellison for Congress, and as District Director for my Congressional Office. As campaign manager, Will helped turn out an unprecedented number of voters to defeat an anti-marriage amendment and voter restriction amendment. As District Director, he has made sure our office is in constant communication with Minnesotans, and responsive to their concerns. While Will’s contributions will be sorely missed, I know he will be a strong leader as Executive Director of the Texas Democratic Party. 

As Legislative Director, Jamie has been the lead policy advisor on issues ranging from gun safety to the annual budget to Social Security. He has successfully managed one of the most active legislative teams in Congress, and I am confident he will bring the same passion for service to his work as District Director.

Long graduated from Carleton College and then graduated from George Washington University Law School, according to the release. He’s also been legislative counsel for Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette.