In the high-stakes arena of political strategy, Azusa Pacific University alumnus Justin Kemp ’16 knows that turning big ideas into winning campaign strategies takes more than passion—it takes precision. As a political consultant and co-founder of Evergreen Data Strategies and Frontline Strategies, Kemp has pioneered data-driven digital campaigns, earning a spot on the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) 40 Under 40 list as one of the nation's top strategists.
Kemp began preparing for his career as a political science major at APU. “I loved it, getting to learn about the logic behind politics,” said Kemp. “I developed my public speaking and leadership skills throughout the program.” Through the support of faculty, Kemp joined APU’s Student Government Association (SGA) and the American Enterprise Institute on-campus initiative. “I felt so connected to the community,” said Kemp. “I got to work with other students to develop the campus, and understand more of the behind-the-scenes.”
After graduating, Kemp was offered a campaign manager role in Washington’s 28th Legislative District and won the heavily targeted race. “It was an amazing thing to jump out of college and immediately go run a race,” said Kemp. Afterward, Kemp moved with his wife, Jazmine Kemp ’15, whom he met at APU, to Washington, D.C. There, he was connected with Data Trust, the company that helped launch his career. “They were looking to train college graduates in the data and coding side of campaigns,” said Kemp. “I picked it up like a second language.” His experience in the logistics of political science translated seamlessly into his new role.
Kemp went on to land a position in the Republican National Committee (RNC), where
he worked for six years. “Companies spend a lot of resources collecting data about
what you, the consumers, look at and engage with online,” said Kemp. “We were the
first to take that playbook and apply it to voting.” This allowed Kemp to connect
with voters and work on ideas that he felt passionate about. His time at the RNC helped
solidify the work he wanted to do, and he left as Deputy Chief Data Officer.
In 2023, Kemp switched gears. He founded the consulting company Evergreen Data Strategies. He also started Frontline Strategies with three other partners. “We have a staff of about 30, forming our digital marketing agency,” he said. Kemp’s work at Frontline and Evergreen earned him a spot on the AAPC’s 40 Under 40 list. He stood out as one of the best in the country in political polling, advertising, digital marketing, and data. “It was great to receive that honor,” said Kemp. “My mantra has always been to be prepared for whatever comes next. This award allowed me to take a breath and recognize how far I’ve come and the work it took.”
Kemp’s time at APU did more than just develop his communication skills. “The community
on campus was so vital to my college experience,” said Kemp. “I learned how to support
my classmates and lean on them.” A rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty helped
push Kemp to be the best he could be. “Abbylin Sellers was one of my professors who
always held that high standard,” said Kemp. “She helped me realize that if I want
something, I have to be ready to fight for it.” That mindset has supported Kemp throughout
his ambitious career, as he knows he must be assertive. Kemp also credits APU with
his intentional approach to his daily interactions. “I am constantly growing,” said
Kemp.
Every day, Kemp aims for his work to reflect the light of Christ. “When you have people who work for you, they look to you as a leader,” said Kemp. “I want my standard of leadership to align with the teachings of Christ.” Kemp holds his employees to high standards and meets them with generosity and kindness. “I want to be someone that my clients and my employees feel safe talking to,” said Kemp. “Trying to be a light and share the love that Christ talks about.” He pulls from his experience at APU. Through the small classes that fostered deep conversations and the powerful chapel experience, Kemp recognized his character development. “I had so many amazing conversations, and I met great people, like my wife,” said Kemp. “Bible classes asked big theological questions, and it forced me to think critically about my faith and push deeper into it.” Kemp’s faith grew from a typical daily focus into a deep part of his character, one he strengthened during his time at APU.
As Kemp looks back on his APU experience, he reinforced the blessing that college is. “Don’t let college just happen to you; impose your will on it,” said Kemp. “It is a unique opportunity, so pull everything you can from it, use all the resources at your disposal.” He encourages students to push themselves and fight for what they want and what they believe in. This is the mindset that has helped him succeed both vocationally and personally. “I am always striving to be the best I can, being prepared for whatever comes my way,” said Kemp. “God has blessed me with this amazing life, and I want to do as much as I can with it.” As he continues his work, Kemp pushes himself to make the most of every single day.