FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

For over 27 years, Eliza built a successful career in sales and management, mastering the art of leadership, strategy, and communication. But like so many, 2016 was a turning point—one that propelled her into the world of politics.

Determined to make a difference, Eliza joined the Avon, CT Democratic Town Committee (DTC) in 2018 and in 2021, she was elected chair. She worked spearheading campaigns, mentoring candidates, and gaining hands-on expertise in the intricate world of political strategy. That same year, she attended the prestigious Campaign School at Yale, an experience that crystallized her vision for the future.

Shortly after, Eliza founded 818 Political, a firm dedicated to electing passionate, qualified Democrats—particularly women—who are ready to lead. Her mission is clear: to increase representation at all levels of government and ensure that every candidate she works with has the tools, strategy, and confidence to win.

Now more than ever, Eliza is committed to helping you turn your vision into victory. Whether you’re stepping into the political arena for the first time or ready to take your campaign to the next level, she and 818 Political are here to guide you every step of the way.

LEAD CONSULTANT

Mary comes to 818 with a varied background working with political campaigns and nonprofits. A native Midwesterner and erstwhile Southerner, Mary has worked with Democrats running in red states and districts in fundraising roles, as campaign manager and even as a candidate’s wife. She does not recommend the latter.  A founding board member of AWAKETN, originally a PAC based in Nashville, she has supported women in finding their political voices, learning to bring about change within the political system and advocate for themselves and the legislation that serves them. After moving to the Northeast nearly a decade ago, Mary aimed to put politics on the back burner, but soon found herself involved in her adopted hometown of Weston as a member of the Conservation Commission and of the Weston DTC. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

A recovering trial lawyer, Mary holds a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and is a proud graduate of the Campaign School at Yale.

RESEARCH, TEXTING, DESIGN

CONSULTANT & DIGITAL SPECIALIST

STRATEGY, CLIENT SERVICES, SALES

Gregory Shimer has spent over 30 years mastering the art of influence, operating at the high-stakes intersection of digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and public policy. With a digital career dating back to 1998 and a political foundation built in the early 1990s, Greg offers a "first-mover" perspective on how technology reshapes community and political engagement.

As a former advertising agency owner, Greg navigated the evolution of the web from its infancy to the complex, data-driven ecosystems of today. This entrepreneurial background allows him to bridge the gap between high-level brand strategy and the tactical pragmatism required to scale businesses in a shifting digital landscape.

Greg’s political and civic impact is equally deep and diverse. Since graduating from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy, he has been a relentless advocate and strategist. His political experience spans the full spectrum of American governance, having worked with candidates for municipal, statewide, and Congressional campaigns for the last several decades. Greg is on record as one of the youngest Rotary International Club Presidents during his tenure in Connecticut’s "Quiet Corner." He is a also a member of the ACLU. This early commitment to service evolved into a long-standing career in public life, including roles as an Economic Development Director, a member of the Northeast Economic Alliance and Compassionate Choices, and a frequent legislative advocate testifying before the Connecticut General Assembly on many a subject.

Today, Greg combines his veteran marketing instincts with his deep-rooted political acumen to advise organizations on strategic communications, governance, and community advocacy. Whether he is navigating a campaign trail or a corporate boardroom, his focus remains the same: driving transparency, execution, and measurable impact.