Co-Founder & Partner+ ♿
Arnoldo Alonso's journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to empowering underrepresented communities. Born to a farm-working mother in the border region, Alonso's life story is one of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of opportunity. As a first-generation American, he navigated the complexities of straddling multiple cultures, emerging as a bridge-builder and a champion for those whose voices often go unheard.
Alonso's path to becoming a visionary co-founder and driving force behind Brasidas Strategies is deeply rooted in his experiences as a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Serving as part of the last combat sustaining unit in Iraq, attached to the 812th Quartermaster Unit, Alonso was tasked with the monumental responsibility of redrawing of the over 64,000 U.S. combat troops from the region. This experience instilled in him a profound sense of duty, discipline, and a resolute commitment to serving a greater cause.
In January 2014, Alonso co-founded Brasidas Strategies, a groundbreaking strategic consulting firm that drives political and community outreach through data-driven solutions. Fueled by a deep-rooted desire to create a space where his strengths and those of his community can be best utilized to serve, Alonso spearheaded the company's business strategy, product development, and growth initiatives. His tireless efforts resulted in a diverse client portfolio and strategic partnerships, expanding the client base from 0 to 108 with an impressive 63% retention rate.
Alonso is a highly skilled campaign strategist who has managed field programs that have reached over 150 million voters and raised more than $50 million for Democratic campaigns and causes. With Brasidas Strategies, he has assembled an inclusive team that has accomplished 15 million door knocks, 30 million texts, and 50 million organizing calls in the most critical races across the country. Arnoldo created an innovative hiring model that includes 35% OIF, OEF, and OND combat veterans, 35% formerly convicted felons, 90% people of color, and 70% single mothers. This diversity enables his team to communicate effectively in underserved communities.
In 2016, as the State Director for California's marijuana legalization campaign, Arnoldo supervised field programs that secured 800 pastor endorsements and boosted youth and Latino turnout by 18%. This historic victory legalized cannabis for 39 million residents. As Senior Consultant for New York Renews in 2018, he organized the coalition that passed the landmark Climate and Community Protection Act. His plan produced 1,200 lobby meetings, 1,500 grassroots calls, and the largest environmental civil disobedience action in Northeast history.
Alonso has designed winning campaigns for candidates at all levels, from city councils to the U.S. Senate. He uses cutting-edge digital tactics along with proven relational organizing to optimize reach while maintaining the human touch essential for motivation and loyalty. His achievements include running the Nevada coordinated campaign that delivered the state for Secretary Clinton in 2016 by 2.4%. This $5 million field operation contacted over 500,000 voters in the final months. In Texas in 2012, he led field programs resulting in historic wins for Rebeca Martinez (54%), Patricia Alvarez (63%), and Luz Elena Chapa (67%) in the 4th Court of Appeals and double-digit victories for Sheriff Martin Cuellar, John Gallo, and Frank Sciarraffa. In 2014, his Arkansas minimum wage ballot initiative passed with 65% support. In 2015, his district plan elected Sylvester Turner as Houston Mayor by 4% with record African-American turnout. In 2016, his field plan won Mayor Richard Molina's election in Edinburg, TX, in a historic 36-year upset.
Alonso's innovative approach to data-driven solutions has set Brasidas Strategies apart in the industry. By reducing total acquisition costs across voter, consumer, donor, and investor segments to $3.06-$38.00, the company has significantly outperformed industry benchmarks. In voter acquisition, Brasidas Strategies achieved 81% to 96% greater efficiency than industry averages, reducing costs from $20-$150 per vote to $3.06-$38.00. Similarly, in consumer acquisition (B2B, B2G, B2C), the company attained 93% to 99% greater efficiency compared to industry costs of $536 for B2B and $22 for B2C, with their average ranging from $3.06-$22.00 across all segments, including B2G. In donor acquisition, Brasidas Strategies realized 47% to 85% greater efficiency, lowering costs from the industry average of $20 per donor to $3.06-$18.00.
Alonso's leadership and strategic acumen have been instrumental in driving the company's success. He has spearheaded comprehensive data targeting and modeling projects, enhancing campaign effectiveness and outreach, while orchestrating multi-channel Digital Voter Contact (DVC) campaigns, including GOTV, base-building, and voter persuasion efforts. Alonso's ability to cultivate a dynamic team environment, managing volunteers and interns while conducting extensive polling and research, has been crucial in informing strategic decision-making.
Beyond his operational triumphs, Alonso has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the intersectional challenges faced by underrepresented communities. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the development of price, region, and ability-inclusive products for non-English speaking Latin American entrepreneurs, promoting accessibility and empowerment. Alonso's passion for empowering marginalized communities is further exemplified by his leadership roles within organizations like SEIU's Racial Justice Center, where he facilitated the development of their Race-Class Narrative Political and Labor Organizer Facilitation and Core Curriculum, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable approach to organizing and advocacy.
What truly sets Arnoldo Alonso and Brasidas Strategies apart is their unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion alongside innovative technological solutions. While achieving remarkable results in political campaigns and driving efficiencies through data-driven strategies, Alonso's ultimate mission is to uplift underrepresented communities and address systemic inequalities. His unique background as a first-generation American, combat veteran, and son of a farm-working mother has imbued him with profound empathy, allowing Brasidas Strategies to develop solutions that genuinely resonate and create lasting positive change.
Armed with a wealth of experience, a diverse skillset, and an unwavering commitment to his mission, Arnoldo Alonso stands as a beacon of hope for underrepresented communities. His visionary leadership at Brasidas Strategies promises to revolutionize the landscapes of political campaigns, education, business intelligence, and civic engagement, fostering a more equitable, innovative, and prosperous future for all.