In Florida's rapidly evolving political and business landscape, success requires more than good ideas. It demands strategic execution, deep relationships, and an intimate understanding of the Sunshine State. SunState Public Solutions delivers all three.
SunState Public Solutions is a full-service public affairs and strategic communications firm built specifically for Florida's dynamic public arena. We combine deep Florida expertise with proven political and corporate advocacy tactics to shape outcomes in Tallahassee and communities across the state.
We have delivered victories for Fortune 500 companies, statewide campaigns, industry coalitions, and advocacy organizations navigating Florida's legislative, regulatory, and public opinion landscapes.
Florida isn't just another state—it's the nation's third-largest economy, a political bellwether, and home to some of the country's most complex regulatory environments. From environmental policy to healthcare, tourism to technology, we understand what it takes to win in the Sunshine State.
Success in Florida requires integrating government relations, strategic communications, coalition building, and grassroots advocacy into a seamless campaign.
SunState delivers comprehensive solutions tailored to Florida's unique political ecosystem.
Control your narrative in Florida's competitive media environment. From Miami to Pensacola, we craft compelling messages and deploy them through the right channels to shape public opinion, influence decision-makers, and protect your reputation.
Build and execute winning issue campaigns across Florida. Whether you're advancing legislation, defeating harmful regulations, or shaping public opinions, we combine research-driven messaging with targeted grassroots and grasstops mobilization to drive results.
Unite diverse stakeholders behind common goals. We've built and managed coalitions across industries, bringing together businesses, advocacy groups, and community leaders to amplify impact and achieve shared objectives in Florida's political arena.
When stakes are highest, you need experienced hands. Our team has managed high-profile crises for corporations, elected officials, and organizations, protecting reputations and minimizing damage when it matters most.
We take charge of all aspects of digital strategy and execution, developing coordinated plans to mobilize supporters through targeted online advertising, email fundraising and engagement, and social media to drive real-time results.
Win the races that matter most. We provide the strategic counsel, data-driven targeting, and operational oversight needed to secure victories in Florida’s most competitive candidate races and battleground contests.
Clay Barker
Clay Barker is a battle-tested political and public affairs strategist with over 15 years of experience helping campaigns, corporations, and nonprofits navigate Florida’s high-stakes political and regulatory marketplace. Known for a practical, hands-on style, Clay blends data-driven insights with real-world experience to deliver measurable results for his clients.
Throughout his career, Clay has served as a trusted advisor to Florida’s highest-ranking elected officials and influential advocacy groups. Most recently, he served as Political Director for Governor Ron DeSantis, where he played a central role in the Governor’s political operations. In 2021, he executed a historic statewide voter registration program that resulted in Florida Republicans surpassing Democrats in registered voters for the first time in modern history.
Clay has also been a key architect of legislative and campaign victories across the state. He served as a senior advisor for the campaign of former State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and has provided strategic counsel for more than 15 battleground races in diverse districts throughout Florida. Additionally, he has consulted for the Florida State House and Senate majority leadership, helping to secure and maintain key legislative priorities.
Beyond candidate races, Clay has collaborated on numerous statewide ballot initiatives, most notably as part of the team that led the successful passage of Marsy’s Law in 2018. This landmark constitutional amendment significantly expanded the rights of crime victims and remains one of the state’s most high-profile issue advocacy victories.
Before founding SunState Public Solutions, Clay held senior leadership roles in political consulting and corporate public affairs, where he managed diverse portfolios across Florida’s most critical industry sectors. His deep-rooted relationships across all 67 Florida counties provide his clients with a truly statewide vision paired with hyperlocal expertise.
A Florida native, Clay graduated from Florida State University with degrees in Finance and Political Science. He currently resides in Tallahassee with his wife, Heather, and their two children.
He brings a results-driven mentality to every engagement, ensuring that SunState Public Solutions remains a firm built for those who aren’t just looking for advice, but are looking to win
