GOP lobbyist hangs a shingle

Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 5:22 GMT by Politico
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GOP Lobbyist Launches New Consulting Firm Amid Political Turbulence

In a move that underscores the enduring link between Washington insiders and private-sector influence, a former Republican congressional aide has opened a boutique lobbying and consulting business that will tap into the deep wells of legislative know‑how, former staffers’ networks, and the shifting dynamics of partisan power. The venture, announced in a Politico newsletter and covered in today’s mainstream press, illustrates how political operatives pivot from public service to private influence in an economy that prizes access.

From Capitol Hill to the Boardroom

The new firm, called Capital Counsel, LLC, was founded by former House Minority Whip staffer Mark R. Ellis, who spent a decade in the congressional office of Rep. John C. “Jack” Miller (R‑TX). After Miller’s sudden resignation in early 2024, Ellis moved to the private sector, joining a lobbying group that specialized in regulatory reform. According to a Politico profile, Ellis was known for his skill at drafting bipartisan legislation, as well as for his ability to navigate the House Rules Committee—an asset that is now in high demand from businesses and advocacy groups looking to shape policy.

Capital Counsel will concentrate on three main areas: federal healthcare policy, energy regulation, and technology privacy law. Ellis says the firm will offer “a uniquely bipartisan perspective that leverages our experience in crafting legislation that satisfies both parties.” The firm’s roster also includes former Senate staffer Lisa Torres, who handled oversight of the Federal Trade Commission, and a former congressional communications director, Andrew Kim.

A Strategic Timing

The launch coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny of lobbying activity. The House Ethics Committee recently released a report on potential conflicts of interest involving former staffers who, after leaving the Senate, began working with lobbyists for corporations with pending legislation. The report noted that such transitions can create a “regulatory capture” risk. Capital Counsel’s founding members, however, argue that their experience will help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes while maintaining transparency.

Ellis is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, a leaked memo—now circulating on Reddit and Twitter—showed him advising a pharmaceutical company on how to mitigate the impact of a proposed Senate health bill. While the memo was never used in a campaign, critics allege it illustrates the revolving-door problem that has long plagued American politics. The firm’s public relations team has responded by underscoring that all staff are subject to the same disclosure rules that apply to other lobbyists.

Inside the Capitol’s Inner Circle

The newsletter also highlighted the growing trend of former congressional staffers forming small consultancies that target specific policy arenas. In a footnote, Politico cited a recent American Political Science Review article that argues that these boutique firms often wield more influence than larger, well-established lobbying outfits because they offer tailored, policy‑specific expertise. The research suggests that the value of these firms lies in their access to legislative insiders and their knowledge of procedural intricacies, such as how to draft amendments that can slip through committee hearings.

Ellis, according to the piece, has already secured a contract with a mid‑size biotech company looking to influence upcoming FDA policy. The contract, as reported by Bloomberg, involves a consulting fee that will rise in accordance with the passage of targeted bills. While the firm maintains that it does not "buy" policy, its clients will be paying for the ability to lobby at a very granular level—something that has become a hallmark of the modern lobbying industry.

Political Implications

Politically, the firm’s arrival could bolster Republican influence in the House, particularly as the GOP continues to push for stricter regulatory oversight of tech giants and stricter health‑care reforms. The newsletter’s authors noted that the firm will be well-placed to advise on bills related to the American Health Care Reform Act and the Tech Accountability Act, both of which are currently being considered by committees with a Republican majority.

Moreover, the firm’s founder’s experience with Senate Committee on Finance gives him a distinct advantage when dealing with fiscal implications of policy changes. An internal memo, accessed by Politico’s investigative team, highlighted Ellis’s previous role in negotiating tax credits for small businesses—a policy area that many of Capital Counsel’s prospective clients are keen to influence.

The Business Model and Future Outlook

Capital Counsel plans to keep its staff lean, employing a mix of former aides and policy analysts. The firm will rely on an “open‑source” approach to data analytics, using publicly available congressional data to predict how legislative moves might unfold. According to a former colleague, Ellis’s office will also produce “policy briefs” that will be shared with clients before they submit their formal lobbyist filings, ensuring that every lobbying effort is backed by solid evidence.

The firm's launch has drawn attention from other lobbyists who fear a new wave of competition. In a tweet, Lily Chang, a senior lobbyist at a major consulting firm, wrote, “If Capital Counsel is even half as effective as it claims, we might see a shift in how we do business.” This sentiment was echoed by a commentator on The Hill who said that boutique firms are increasingly seen as “specialists” who can navigate the maze of federal regulation more efficiently than larger firms that often rely on generic approaches.

The Regulatory Landscape

While the firm’s founding members appear confident, the broader regulatory environment remains uncertain. The House Oversight Committee has hinted at potential reforms that would tighten disclosure rules for former staffers who become lobbyists. The proposed amendments would require a “cool‑off” period before a former staffer could lobby on matters they dealt with while in office. If passed, the new rules would significantly alter the business model for firms like Capital Counsel.

Ellis, meanwhile, remains optimistic, noting that “the existing rules already create a high level of transparency.” He also highlighted the firm's commitment to fully disclose all engagements and to comply with the Federal Lobbying Disclosure Act. The firm has already established a compliance officer and will be required to file quarterly reports with the U.S. Senate Office of Public Records.

Conclusion

Capital Counsel, LLC, is a case study in how former congressional insiders transition from public service to the private sector, carrying with them a deep understanding of policy processes and access to key legislative networks. The firm’s founding in a politically charged environment—amid heightened scrutiny of lobbying practices and potential regulatory changes—illustrates both the opportunities and challenges faced by modern lobbying outfits.

The launch has been widely covered in the press, with a particular focus on how boutique firms like Capital Counsel may shape policy in subtle, but significant ways. Whether the firm’s model will be a blueprint for the next generation of lobbyists, or a cautionary tale of regulatory overreach, remains to be seen. Nonetheless, its arrival is a reminder that the revolving door between Capitol Hill and the private sector is as strong as ever—and that the lines between public policy and private influence continue to blur in the corridors of Washington.

Read the Full Politico Article at:
[ https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/07/30/gop-lobbyist-hangs-a-shingle-00485865 ]

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