Introducing Arc Research!

(Washington, DC) – Today, Arc Initiatives, a fully integrated public affairs consulting firm, announced the official launch of Arc Research, a full-service Research Department built by veteran operatives to offer clients a targeted and integrated approach to political, issue advocacy, and corporate research.

As part of the launch of Arc Research, the firm is announcing senior hires and advisors who will empower clients with insights into their strengths, identify gaps, and unlock growth opportunities.

Madhur Bansal (Senior Director) is an experienced political researcher and most recently led the research department at EMILY’s List in the 2020 and 2022 election cycles where she oversaw candidate vetting at all levels of office, worked with campaigns to meet their research needs, and managed organizational research priorities. Prior to that, Madhur worked at the DCCC where she served as the primary researcher behind millions in paid media and wrote opposition research for key congressional races. She also worked at American Bridge on presidential opposition research and research books.

Will Davis (Director) brings 13 years of experience navigating the topsy-turvy landscape of democratic party politics, Will brings a wealth of expertise and a knack for opposition and self-research to the table. In his most recent role as the Research Director for the Minnesota DFL, Will had the privilege of contributing to numerous successful election cycles. His fondness for the tactics of political  reportage, his unique ability to sniff-out disinformation and dedication to thorough research played a pivotal role in achieving victory.

Michael Ebert (Associate) has a variety of research experience, including campaign research, foreign policy research, and national security-focused academic-style research. Prior to working at Arc Initiatives, Michael worked for House Majority PAC, where his research supported progressive congressional candidates in close races in the historic 2022 midterm elections. Before that, Michael worked for the Department of State, where he helped expose and counter foreign disinformation surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Michael has a master’s degree in Political Science/National Security from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree in History from Florida State University.

Atanu Chakravarty (Advisor) is an experienced communications professional. He's managed complicated integrated media plans for multiple statewide campaigns, issue advocacy groups and Super PACs. Most recently, he helped lead Katie Hobbs' multi-million dollar paid media program for her winning gubernatorial bid in Arizona. A race was widely considered one of the most competitive and consequential statewide elections of the 2022 midterms. In addition, he helped develop and execute a paid media strategy for Governor Janet Mill's successful 2022 reelection campaign where she won by an overwhelming margin.

Atanu has also led the research efforts for the Democratic Governors Association’s (DGA) Independent Expenditure (IE) arm and Fred Hubbell’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign in Iowa. Before working in the electoral space, he conducted opposition research against oil and gas interests in order to protect public lands and expand renewable energy across the country.

Kendall Witmer (Advisor) has spent nearly a decade working in politics and campaigns. She has developed media and communications strategies for democratic causes and candidates across the country, focusing on competing in – and winning – battleground and rural states.

Prior to joining Arc Initiatives, she most recently served as communications director for Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s re-election campaign, helping Democrats to a trifecta in Minnesota in 2022. She also served as communications director for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in New Mexico and former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Espy’s breakthrough campaign for U.S. Senate in Mississippi.

Previously, she served as deputy research director for Senator Amy Klobuchar’s presidential campaign, leading opposition research and playing a critical role in crisis communications. Kendall began her career in politics as a research consultant with Jones Mandel, where she helped shape paid and earned media efforts to win competitive races from West Virginia to Washington, working with the DCCC, DSCC, and DGA, among other organizations.

Among key deliverables, Arc Research will provide:

• Political Candidate/Organizational Opposition Research

• Professional Vetting

• Political and Issue Landscape Analysis

As a leading strategic communications and public affairs firm, Arc Initiatives has always understood how to shape a campaign or issue narrative. With our added research offering, we’re bringing additional expertise to the table to help achieve your research needs.