Spring 2026 Broad Fellow
Dr. Campbell has a winning political campaign career spanning over four decades. Mark’s client list includes presidential candidates along with hundreds of federal, state, and local candidates and campaigns.
Campbell has won numerous tough “down ballot” races in swing areas even when the top of the GOP ticket got crushed. Campbell has also won races in Democratic strongholds including Jersey City, Philadelphia, and northern Virginia. Dr. Campbell served as National Political Director for Ted Cruz for President. He also served as the Campaign Manager for the tight left-leaning Virginia Gubernatorial race representing Glenn Youngkin. The race received international attention as a bellwether race to foreshadow voting patterns in a post-Trump election era.
Mark has served as a national GOP spokesperson and has appeared often in the media. On behalf of the International Republican Institute and the Leadership Institute, Dr. Campbell has taught hundreds of political party leaders in emerging global democracies the art and science of connecting with voters.
Dr. Campbell received his B.A. from the University of Tennessee with honors (1981), his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southern Methodist University (1982), and his Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania (2004).
Mark served as Director of Small Business in Pennsylvania (1985-86) and as Senior Vice President at Fairleigh Dickinson University (2000-2004). Mark also served as a Senior Advisor to The International Association of University Presidents (2010-2013).
Study Group: “Sexism? Fascism? Socialism? Capitalism? American Democracy Today”
This study group examined the state of American democracy through ideology, power, and political competition. It focused on how campaigns and media use political labels, including sexism, fascism, socialism, and capitalism, and how those labels shape voter behavior, strategy, and trust in institutions. Drawing on Dr. Mark Campbell’s decades of experience managing national and state campaigns, students analyzed campaign messaging, debate moments, and election case studies to see how polarization changes incentives and outcomes. Discussions prioritized practical political dynamics, with attention to how political actors reinforce or erode democratic norms in the fight to win.
(Group photo of CPF Fellow Mark Campbell’s Spring 2026 study group)
“The students are absolutely incredible. Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy have done an incredible job making a safe space where political dialogue is welcomed and encouraged. The students are fantastic – they argue nicely, they argue with some information. I recommend to everybody who has a chance to be involved with the Center to do it, because it’s a life-changing experience.” – Mark Campbell
AND FROM THE STUDENTS IN MARK’S STUDY GROUP:
“I was able to maintain a stronger understanding of global politics. The study group gave me an avenue to discuss my own ideas on current events, and hear from other students with different backgrounds and interests from myself. Beyond that, being able to talk about politics with a Fellow like Mark who could apply his real-life experience to help us understand issues was eye-opening.” – Stella Muzin
“I gained a better understanding of political campaigns and consulting, what makes candidates successful, and how our party line designations are often not as clear-cut as we want them to be, creating a need for more bipartisan/multipartisan work across party lines to actually get things done as a country. My favorite part of the study group was hearing everyone’s thoughts on recent/ongoing world events, which allowed me to be exposed to new perspectives and gain a better understanding of how we can move forward with political progress.” – Dor Peretz
“One of the most valuable takeaways of Dr. Campbell’s study group was hearing firsthand insights from someone with such extensive experience, while also engaging in thoughtful discussions with my peers. My favorite part was the open dialogue environment, which allowed us to debate ideas, challenge perspectives, and learn from one another’s unique viewpoints in a meaningful and collaborative way.” – Sethan Perez