Overview
Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Media
Generic
Darren Eustance

Darren Eustance

Raleigh,NC

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Summary

Experienced political professional with over 20 years of campaign experience and an expertise in opposition research. Owned an operated a small political consulting firm for 18 years. Possesses a honed political acumen for identifying and developing messages that appeal to voters.

Work History

Owner and Operator

Malleus Political Strategies
Raleigh, NC
01.2006 - Current

Established opposition research firm. Former clients include:

  • North Carolina Republican Party
  • Republican State Leadership Committee
  • Republican Party of Virginia
  • New Jersey Republican Party
  • Republican Attorneys General Association

Specialized in legislative and congressional races and corporate work, enhancing strategic insights for clients.

Collaborated with campaign and committee staff to develop effective messaging and strategies, contributing to successful electoral outcomes.

Candidate

North Carolina Sect. of State
North Carolina
01.2023 - 12.2023
  • Ran in the Republican primary for N.C. Secretary of State and was responsible for managing all aspects of the campaign
  • Developed campaign messaging and strategy that encompassed earned and free media, scheduling, graphic design work, speech writing, and fundraising.
  • Traveled to over 25 of North Carolina’s 100 counties meeting voters and sharing my vision for the Secretary’s office
  • Traveled to over 25 counties across North Carolina to connect with voters and articulate vision for Secretary’s office
  • I decided to withdraw from the race for personal and family reasons

Chairman

Wake County Republican Party
Wake County, NC
03.2019 - 03.2020
  • Oversaw all facets of party operation in the largest county in North Carolina
  • Directed operations for fundraising, candidate recruitment and training, messaging and communication, advertising, and event planning
  • Developed outreach programs to broaden volunteer and participation efforts.
  • Fostered collaboration among party members to strengthen organizational unity and effectiveness.
  • On Election Day 2019, a majority of the party’s endorsed candidates won their races in an increasingly Democratic county

Education

M.A. - Political Management

The George Washington University
Washington, DC

B.A. - Political Science

State University of New York At Geneseo
Geneseo, NY

Skills

  • Campaign strategy
  • Message Development
  • Campaign Research
  • Campaign Operations
  • Candidate Training
  • Public Speaking
  • Client retention
  • Legal research tools

Timeline

Candidate

North Carolina Sect. of State
01.2023 - 12.2023

Chairman

Wake County Republican Party
03.2019 - 03.2020

Owner and Operator

Malleus Political Strategies
01.2006 - Current

M.A. - Political Management

The George Washington University

B.A. - Political Science

State University of New York At Geneseo

Media

  • ’Oppo-Research’, the Underworld of NC Politics

      Doing Politics Better, Oct. 14, 2022

  • GOP asks Wake Sheriff to bring back well-checks on seniors

     The News & Observer, July 1, 2019

  • Wake GOP, most speakers say county’s proposed 10 percent tax hike is too high

      News & Observer, May 20, 2019

  • Opposition Researchers Say It's Still Safe to Tweet

     Campaigns & Elections, March 30, 2011

  • Digging for Dirt

     The Washingtonian, Oct. 4, 2010