Clayton Cox is an experienced vice president on McGuireWoods Consulting’s federal public affairs team in the Washington, D.C., office. Boasting over a decade of experience in prominent roles within national Democratic politics, Clayton offers an unparalleled network of contacts and perspectives to his clients. His practice at the firm has predominantly centered on advocating for local governments, higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and large-scale development projects in the Southeastern U.S., where he serves as a knowledgeable guide through the intricacies of appropriations and the federal grant process. Clayton has been trusted by large corporations, developers, and municipalities to help better understand the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CARES Act.
In his most recent accomplishments for clients, Clayton played a pivotal role in the passage of one of only 27 pieces of legislation to be signed into law by President Biden in 2023 for the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation. His strategic advice also secured tens of millions of dollars in appropriations and earmark requests embedded within FY24 legislative framework, showcasing his drive to obtain substantial impact for clients. Clayton also helped several higher education institutions successfully navigate the Department of Education to find outcomes that best served their faculty and students.
A champion for economic development, Clayton has helped lead advocacy efforts on behalf of one of the largest mixed-use development project on the east coast, contributing significantly to its success. Additionally, he successfully advocated in altering federal rule guidance to incorporate language favoring local governments for the usage of federal COVID relief programs to better meet constituent needs.
Building on his extensive track record, Clayton has developed a strong track record in national politics. His most recent political career highlights include overseeing the fundraising for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during its most successful four-year cycle, culminating in a record-breaking $1.6 billion raised for the Biden Victory Fund in support of the presidential campaign. In 2017, Clayton served as a senior advisor to Democratic Party Chairman Tom Perez, playing a key role in the substantial rebuilding of the national party. He was later asked to serve as their youngest National Finance Director ever. During the 2016 cycle, he served as a regional finance director for the DNC, breaking regional fundraising records while embedded in Florida during the Clinton presidential campaign.
In 2014, Clayton took on a national fundraising profile as the Finance Director for Virginia Progress PAC, dedicated to supporting Senator Mark Warner’s reelection to the Senate. His earlier roles include deputy finance director for the Southeast and Florida at the DNC and the Presidential Inaugural Committee. Notably, Clayton was a member of President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign, contributing significantly to fundraising efforts in the Southeast.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Clayton’s exceptional contributions to his field have been recognized, earning him the title of “40 Under 40” by the University of Georgia Alumni Association for Young Alumni. He is active in Georgia politics as well as the Atlanta civic community and stays busy with his two young children.
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- The George Washington UniversityMAPolitical Management2012
- The University of GeorgiaBAInternational Affairs and Political Science2010
Recipient, 40 Under 40 Young Alumni Award, University of Georgia, 2023
DC Federal Policy Outlook Series Chairman, University of Georgia School of Public & International Affairs Alumni Board of Directors, 2023
Member, Democratic National Committee National Finance Committee, 2023
Mentor, University of Georgia Alumni Mentorship Program, 2023
Member, McGuireWoods Consulting Pro Bono Committee, 2022
Member, University of Georgia School of Public & International Affairs Alumni Board of Directors, 2021
Treasurer, Every Zip Code Counts, 2021
- Guest Lecturer, "The Future of Fundraising," George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, March 8, 2021