Michael Soliman, one of the top public affairs and government strategists in the region and around the country, has been elevated to president of Mercury, one of the country’s largest and most impactful public affairs firms.
Soliman, who already oversees the firm’s New Jersey and Pennsylvania operations, will work alongside John Gallagher, who was elevated to CEO, to help shape Mercury’s national strategy and growth. He will take on a broader role in business development, client relationships and expanding the firm’s reach — bringing the same approach that has made Mercury a prominent player in New Jersey to its operations across the country.
The two will work with Kieran Mahoney, the current CEO who is stepping into the role of executive chairman.
Soliman joined Mercury as a managing director in 2013. He is recognized for his experience in New Jersey and congressional politics, advising elected officials and public leaders at both the state and federal levels.
He works closely with members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation and is a trusted advisor to U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a leader in artificial intelligence and founding co-chair of the House Commission on Artificial Intelligence.
Soliman’s career spans more than two decades and includes senior positions in government, public affairs and political campaigns. He served as U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez’s top political advisor during his 2022 and 2024 campaigns, was a key advisor to U.S. Sen. Cory Booker during his 2014 campaign and has provided strategic counsel to the late U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, former Gov. Jon Corzine and former Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, among others.
Previously, Soliman served as state director and senior political advisor to U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, helping lead successful re-election efforts in 2012 and 2018. He also served as district director for U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman and was selected for Gov. Phil Murphy’s transition team following his 2017 election.
Soliman is a guest lecturer at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers, where he teaches Media, Democracy and Public Policy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Saint Peter’s University and a master’s in public administration from Bloustein.
