In today’s interconnected world, communication is no longer a supporting function; it’s a strategic tool of influence. Whether navigating complex legislation, advancing diplomatic initiatives, or safeguarding reputation in an era of instant information, the ability to align public relations with government relations has become essential for organizations operating on both domestic and international stages.

At Hyperfocal, we operate at the intersection of these two worlds – where policy meets perception and strategy becomes a compelling story.

The Overlap Between Policy and Perception

Government relations and communications have traditionally been viewed as parallel but separate functions: one focused on policy advocacy and regulatory engagement, the other on public image and media strategy. But in practice, the two are deeply intertwined.

A well-intentioned policy initiative can falter without public understanding. Conversely, an effective communications campaign can gain traction or lose it based on how policymakers interpret its message.

The most effective organizations are those that view communications and government relations as one continuous conversation. Coordinated messaging fosters trust, shapes narratives, and ensures that advocacy aligns with both public interest and institutional credibility.

Messaging as a Strategic Tool

Every policy effort tells a story. From legislative priorities to regulatory changes, the ability to frame that story clearly and consistently determines whether it resonates or gets lost in the noise.

Coordinated communication strategies can:

• Support legislative goals by articulating how policies create shared value and benefit the public.
• Enhance diplomatic engagement through transparent, culturally aware messaging that builds bridges across borders.
• Strengthen reputation by demonstrating integrity, responsiveness, and alignment between public commitments and private actions.

This is especially crucial in an era when trust in institutions is fragile. A single misstep in tone or timing can reshape a policy discussion overnight. Strategic communication ensures that intent and impact remain aligned.

From Lobbying to Listening

Modern advocacy isn’t about speaking louder; it’s about listening better. Government stakeholders, regulators, and the public all expect transparency and dialogue.

At Hyperfocal, we emphasize two-way communication, helping clients transform policy engagement into partnership. That means using research and sentiment analysis to anticipate reactions, building narratives that resonate across sectors, and ensuring every message, whether in a boardroom, a briefing, or on social media, reinforces credibility.

By bridging communications and government relations, organizations can move beyond transactional lobbying and toward sustainable influence built on trust.

The Hyperfocal Approach

Our work encompasses strategic communications, media relations, advocacy campaigns, and crisis management—all designed with a single goal: to help clients communicate with purpose in complex and politically sensitive environments.

We help organizations:

• Develop integrated advocacy and media strategies that reinforce policy positions.
• Manage sensitive narratives during negotiations or diplomatic events.
• Build coalitions of trust with policymakers, the press, and the public.
• Prepare leaders to speak with clarity, authority, and empathy, no matter the audience.

In a world where headlines can shape legislation, communications is governance. Effective government relations, at its core, is a matter of communication.

Looking Ahead

As global dynamics shift, the divide between communications and government relations will continue to narrow. The organizations that thrive will be those that recognize influence not as a product of access, but as a result of authenticity, and those that tell stories rooted in truth, strategy, and shared values.

At Hyperfocal, we help our clients bridge that divide, crafting messages that inform policy and inspire progress.

Hyperfocal Communications, a leading global advocacy and communications firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Fuller as its new Chief Executive Officer. In his expanded role, Jason will guide the firm's strategic direction while continuing to serve as Managing Director, Global Development, at Straife, Hyperfocal’s sister company. He will ensure seamless alignment between public relations strategy and advanced risk management advisory.

Jason brings over three decades of experience in public relations, government affairs, and campaign strategy. Before this appointment, he served in senior leadership at Hyperfocal, following distinguished public service as the Southeast Texas Regional Director for U.S. Senator Ted Cruz from February 2018, where he managed stakeholder relations and economic outreach across the region. Before that, from 1994 to 2013, he worked extensively for U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, first on campaign strategy and then in roles on Capitol Hill and in Houston.

At Hyperfocal, Jason spearheaded successful strategic marketing, political, and capital campaigns for corporate clients and within government institutions, earning him recognition as a trusted advisor on Capitol Hill. His dynamic leadership will now drive Hyperfocal’s integrated advocacy and communications approach, which brings clarity and results to clients navigating complex policy and media landscapes. The firm’s advocacy and campaign management services support various activities, from intricate regulatory matters to representing sovereign-level clients worldwide.

“I am honored to lead Hyperfocal at a time when effective advocacy and clear strategic communications are more critical than ever. Our work in Washington, D.C., and beyond, positions us to elevate client narratives into actionable influence. Equally, my continued role with Straife ensures that our integrated approach remains unmatched,” Jason said.

Joseph Fleming, CEO of Straife, added, “Jason’s dual leadership at Hyperfocal and Straife represents a powerful synthesis of risk management and public communications. Together, our firms are delivering a truly unparalleled blend of strategic vision and technical execution—empowering clients to navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.”

This leadership combination positions Hyperfocal and Straife to deliver an exceptional suite of services, from media relations and storytelling to risk mitigation and resilience, empowering organizations as they confront today’s shifting geopolitical and regulatory environments.

Hyperfocal announced its role in a new consortium mobilizing the Pakistani-American community to strengthen US-Pakistan relations. The consortium, along with Team Eagle, will work closely with the Pakistani government to shape diplomatic relations, enhance grassroots advocacy, and build stronger ties with U.S. policymakers.

The consortium’s primary goal is to reshape the U.S. public narrative about Pakistan and build enduring relationships with current and future administrations. The initiative will also empower the Pakistani-American diaspora by creating an engaged grassroots movement, developing strong bonds between local and national leaders, and demonstrating the community’s commitment to becoming a political force across the United States.

“We are thrilled to join this powerful consortium alongside Team Eagle,” said Stuart Jolly, partner at Hyperfocal. “Our goal is to ensure that the Pakistani-American community has a strong and unified voice and to leverage this voice to build lasting relationships with policymakers across the U.S. This project reflects our commitment to both strategic advocacy and fostering grassroots empowerment.”

The Pakistani-American diaspora is spread across the United States, with many passionate about Pakistan’s future. The consortium aims to provide them with a platform to engage constructively and make a meaningful impact. Through targeted advocacy and communications strategies, Hyperfocal will work to elevate the community’s key goals with American policymakers at the federal and state levels.

“Pakistan and the United States should recognize each other as natural and indispensable strategic partners,” said Tim Phillips, partner at Hyperfocal. “The shared interests between the two nations in global security, economic development, and counterterrorism make this partnership essential. Through this initiative, we aim to strengthen the bonds of cooperation and mutual respect between the two countries.”

Read the official press release here.

Hyperfocal Communications, LLC is a registered foreign agent on behalf of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (on behalf of the Pakistan Government). Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

The future of the country hangs in the balance, and Harris’s leadership offers the best path forward. 

The 2024 U.S. presidential election is not just another political event but a moment of urgent significance in the nation’s history. It could either restore democratic faith or entrench deeper divisions that threaten the integrity of the U.S. political system. On one side, Kamala Harris leads the Democratic ticket, offering a historic and hopeful vision for progress, inclusion, and the protection of democratic norms. On the other side, Donald Trump’s return to the political stage threatens to drag the nation back into the chaos, authoritarianism, and deep division that characterized his presidency. 

The stakes are high, with both political polarization and the fate of democracy itself hanging in the balance. This cycle, unlike past elections, is less about specific policies and more about the broader battle for the soul of the American political system. Democrats, now nominating Kamala Harris to head the ticket, face significant challenges and opportunities as they attempt to rally a diverse coalition against a Republican Party dominated by former President Donald Trump. The importance of this election cannot be overstated. It is a pivotal moment in the nation's history, one that will shape the future of the nation and determine the path we take as a country.

Kamala Harris represents a fresh, dynamic, and forward-looking leadership. After serving as Vice President under Joe Biden, Harris has been a key figure in driving policy initiatives on everything from healthcare to climate change. Her nomination is groundbreaking: the first Black and South Asian woman to lead a major party ticket. Harris’s candidacy offers not just diversity but competence and vision—a commitment to tackling the nation’s most pressing challenges, from economic inequality to racial injustice. Her debate performance against Trump projected strength and vision, reshaping perceptions and framing her as a capable leader who can unite the party—reflected in her latest approval ratings. Her policies aim to strengthen the economy, ensure healthcare for all, and protect the environment, offering a comprehensive vision for the future of the nation.

Trump, by contrast, remains a deeply polarizing figure who seems to thrive on discord and division. His first presidential term was marked by authoritarian impulses, constant attacks on democratic institutions, and the erosion of norms that had previously underpinned American governance. Even now, as he campaigns for 2024, Trump continues to undermine faith in the electoral process by perpetuating the baseless lie that the 2020 election was stolen. This dangerous rhetoric has led to widespread mistrust in the system, fueled extremist violence like the January 6th insurrection, and threatens the very foundation of democracy in the United States.

While we expect some policies from another Trump administration that may be ideal for certain interests – such as a more active foreign policy and increased neo-liberal trade policies – the shadow of Trump looms large. His open contempt for democratic institutions is a threat that cannot be overstated. His attacks on the media and electoral processes have left lasting damage. Should he be re-elected, legitimate fears exist that his disregard for the rule of law and admiration for authoritarian regimes could further erode democratic norms. Trump's ongoing claims of a stolen 2020 election have seeded distrust that, if amplified, could irreparably harm the credibility of future elections and deepen national division. The potential impact of Trump's re-election on the nation's democratic future is not just a possibility but a stark reality that cannot be ignored.

Trump's rejection of democratic norms, particularly his refusal to accept electoral outcomes, poses a profound threat to the stability of American democracy. If Trump is re-elected in 2024, there is little doubt that he would take more aggressive steps to consolidate power, possibly weakening federal agencies, undermining the independence of the judiciary, and further sidelining Congress. His flirtation with authoritarianism during his previous term suggests that another four years under Trump could further erode the already fragile checks and balances of the U.S. political system.

Radical initiatives like Project 2025, which envisions a significant shift toward dismantling federal agencies and restoring Trump-era policies, highlight the Republican party's vision. While this appeals to the core conservative base, it risks alienating moderate Republicans and swing voters, potentially costing the GOP in critical battleground states. The Democrats, however, face their own internal divisions, and Harris must work to reassemble Biden’s winning coalition from 2020, targeting African Americans, Latinos, suburban women, and young voters.

A potential return of the Trump administration could also significantly reshape U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its approach to Ukraine and long-standing alliances. If Trump reduces or halts foreign aid to Ukraine, as he has previously suggested, this could weaken Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression and diminish U.S. influence in Eastern Europe. 

In his previous administration, Donald Trump reversed several foreign policy agreements made during the Obama administration, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. These moves already eroded trust among NATO allies, who questioned the reliability of U.S. commitments. This shift in U.S. engagement would further strain diplomatic relationships, undermine collective security efforts, and challenge the U.S.'s role as a stabilizing force in international affairs. 

Perhaps the most pressing issue, however, will be the future of U.S. democracy itself. The aftermath of the January 6th Capitol insurrection and ongoing Republican efforts to limit voting access have transformed the state of democracy into a central issue for the 2024 election. Harris must continue to push for reforms to protect voting rights and oppose gerrymandering, framing Republicans, particularly Trump, as an existential threat to democratic governance. The stark contrast between Trump’s authoritarian leanings and Harris’s defense of democratic norms could serve as a powerful motivator for Democratic voters who fear the consequences of a second Trump presidency.

In this historic election, the choice is clear. The U.S. is not only choosing its next president but setting the course for the nation's democratic future. Kamala Harris offers a vision of hope, progress, and unity—one where democracy is strengthened, the economy works for all, healthcare is a right, and the planet is protected. Donald Trump, on the other hand, represents division, chaos, and a continued assault on the very principles that make America a democracy. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Read our opinion on the 2024 election from the Republican perspective.

In 2020, because of COVID, the Democratic party was able to run what has been termed a “basement campaign” for the presidency.  While many grassroots Democrats wanted the more progressive policies of Senator Bernie Sanders, they recognized that Joe Biden could present himself as a more moderate alternative and as someone who would unify the country. While the Joe Biden of 2020 was absolutely not the Joe Biden of 1988 or even of 2008, he was able to run a severely restricted campaign that hid his very real decline.

Once in office, a series of disasters overtook the Biden administration.  Horrible scenes of a hurried and botched withdrawal from Afghanistan tanked Biden’s popularity. Rampant inflation bankrupted Americans.  The US government wholeheartedly embraced destructive “woke” agendas that the public did not support. The policies of the Biden administration veered into the most progressive policies ever realized – with no compromise or moderate actions. Vice President Harris was the deciding vote on the most bills ever. Democrats in Congress rammed through far-reaching bills without any Republican support – often without even allowing substantive discussion.

As President Biden’s cognitive decline was even more pronounced and the public became increasingly aware of that decline, the Democratic party chose a three-pronged approach to win in 2024.  They wanted the power of incumbency, so they would keep Biden in place and crush any opponents from within the party; they would weaponize the Justice Department and other agencies to arrest Donald Trump and convict him of a series of crimes – and thereby eliminate him as an opponent, and they would further “bubble wrap” President Biden – showcasing him in symbolic events while keeping him from talking or engaging the press or public to the greatest extent possible. 

However, all of these efforts failed in 2023 and 2024. Former President Trump gained support during the criminal prosecutions, as the public realized that this was “lawfare” and that the cases against Trump were political. It also proved increasingly difficult to portray President Biden as performing well, as foreign, domestic, and economic policy disasters kept coming.

Finally, the disastrous June 27, 2024 presidential debate revealed that President Biden could not be propped up.  Even the mainstream media, which had served as a tool of the Democratic party, could not keep up the fiction that President Biden was in charge and doing well.

With all primaries completed and no other candidate in sight to replace President Biden, the party turned to Vice President Harris. This was in part because Biden was sitting on a very large war chest of funds. They pressured President Biden to withdraw from the race and throw his support to Harris. Biden eventually did that, but he extracted a promise that Harris would not criticize him. The party then quickly rigged a process to have delegates elect Harris before the Democratic convention.

With the full-throated support of the mainstream media, Harris was then lionized as a great American success story and a breakthrough candidate rather than as someone with a history well outside of the American mainstream and as a historically bad candidate for President, who also has a horrible record of building or working with staff.

Because of that media buy-in, Kamala Harris rose from a 28% approval rating before being selected as the Democratic candidate to leading in polls and seemingly having the presidency in her grasp.

However, she did this by campaigning in a similar bubble to President Biden's. She refused to engage with the press or respond without a teleprompter scripting her responses.

As the spotlight of candidacy glared on Harris, and as former President Trump kept traveling across the country and campaigning quite actively, the momentum shifted. By now, with only weeks left in the campaign, Trump has pulled well ahead in the projected electoral college.  The latest polls and analysis show that he won with at least 302 electoral votes. While a month ago, he was five percentage points behind Harris in the overall vote totals, they are now even at 48% each. This is significant because, in both 2016 and 2020, he outperformed the polls by a good margin.  Trump is polling well among voting groups that have been historical strongholds for the Democratic party – making great inroads among Black and Latino voters, as well as among union members and working-class voters.

Democratic analysts and the media are now in panic mode.  Unfortunately, Harris is among the worst candidates in history.  She does not seem to be able to make the adjustments needed to get back in the race.  Furthermore, while Donald Trump’s selection for Vice President, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance has proven to be tireless and an ideal advocate for the campaign – especially by ably engaging with all media, Kamala Harris’ Vice Presidential pick, Governor Tim Walz, has been largely inept as a campaigner and has a long history of lying about his resume and history. 

As we rapidly approach the election, Donald Trump seems destined to be the first American President since Grover Cleveland to serve two non-consecutive terms. 

Read our opinion on the 2024 election from the Democrat perspective.

A dependable figure that clients and the team rely on, creating engaging and on-brand graphics for various platforms and needs.

GRAPHIC DESIGN JOB DESCRIPTION

Hyperfocal and its sister company, Straife, are looking for an in-house Graphic Designer in Kuala Lumpur to create engaging and on-brand graphics for various media. As a graphic designer, you will use your passion for design to create beautiful images and compelling content. To be successful in this position, you’ll be a self-starter, capable of delivering brilliant creative ideas, and show amazing attention to detail. Read the full job description here.

Working closely with the Marketing and Media Relations Director, you will be designing a wide variety of assets across digital and offline media, including the following:

• Study design briefs and determine requirements
• Conceptualize visuals based on requirements
• Illustrate concepts by designing examples of art arrangement, size, type size, and style
• Develop graphics, illustrations, logos, presentations, brochures, websites, various digital media assets, and other designs
• Test graphics across various media
• Amend designs after feedback
• Work with Marketing Director and other stakeholders to ensure final graphics and layouts are visually appealing and on-brand
• Coordinate with outside services, printers, and colleagues as necessary
• Other tasks and duties as may be assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Below is a description of the experience we believe can lead to strength in this role. Please share your experience with us and tell us why you believe you'd be a strong candidate for this graphic design role.

• A degree in a related field of study is not required, however, we would like to know if you've worked toward any relevant degrees, certifications, or designations related to graphic design
• Experience as a graphic designer or in a related field is required
• Fluent in English
• Familiarity with design software and platforms
• Strong website design skills and experience with WordPress and Envato
• Multimedia content development experience with familiarity with video editing software  is a plus
• Solid understanding of various social media platforms
• A keen eye for aesthetics, details, and visual composition
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles
• Ability to confidently manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Proactive, creative, self-starter with the ability to perform under time constraints
• A high degree of professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Location: This is a hybrid position with time split in the office in Kuala Lumpur and work from home.
• Malaysian or non-Malaysian applicants with valid work permits

Read the full job description here.

COMPENSATION

From the inception of Hyperfocal, we've made a conscious effort to always keep people as the central focus of our growth strategy.

The pay for this role is 3,000 RM.

HOW TO APPLY

Hyperfocal, a top Washington D.C. communications firm, announced today that former Ted Cruz Regional Director Jason Fuller had joined the company as a Senior Advisor. Jason is recognized for his strategic marketing, political, and capital campaign efforts on Capitol Hill.

Jason Fuller, a former Regional Director for Ted Cruz and a well-connected and savvy government and public affairs pundit, has joined the firm co-chaired by long-time DNC advisor and activist Yolanda Caraway and Republican campaign strategist Stuart Jolly.

During his public service career, Jason was a strong voice promoting economic growth for his region. He is also recognized for his vital guidance in the corporate sector with his public relations and government affairs expertise.

Jason has volunteered with several area nonprofits, often on their boards of directors or chairing significant capital campaigns. Some of these include the Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, Greater Houston Pachyderm Club, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Harris County Historical Commission, Houston Wilderness, and DiverseWorks Artspace. Prior to joining Ted Cruz’s office, Jason spent nearly twenty years working with U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Hyperfocal has hired Tim Phillips, a veteran political strategist, as Managing Director, Campaign Advisory. He is a respected GOP campaign strategist known across Capitol Hill for his ability to build grassroots movements. He joins co-chairs Yolanda Caraway and Stuart Jolly, expanding the bipartisan government relations team.

From 2006-2021, Tim was President of Americans For Prosperity, where he led the dramatic growth of that organization from a few thousand activists with staff in seven states to over four million activists with hundreds of staff in thirty-five states. While there, Tim served as the organization’s chief strategist, fundraiser, media spokesperson, grassroots leader, and advocate for elected officials in Congress and state legislative chambers nationwide.

In 1997, Phillips joined Ralph Reed as a founding partner at Century Strategies, which grew into one of the nation’s leading political consulting and government affairs firms. Clients included Bush for President in 2000 and 2004; successful senate, congressional and gubernatorial candidates nationwide; and Fortune 500 companies. Phillips also served with Ralph Reed as a grassroots advisor and consultant in helping build Christian Coalition.

Tim has lectured and helped build grassroots movements in Latin America and Europe for over two decades. He has consistently appeared on television networks and publications, including Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and Reuters.

Hyperfocal is pleased to announce the appointment of Yolanda Caraway as co-chair. Ms. Caraway will work alongside Stuart Jolly to further the company's bipartisan efforts, creating opportunities for clients and helping solve challenges around the country and the globe. She will also head the advocacy efforts within the company.

With nearly thirty-five years of policy-making, project management, and national and international political experience, Ms. Caraway has played a significant role in shaping the goals and objectives of the National Democratic Party. She has been called upon throughout her career to coordinate various party efforts, including managing the backstage and podium operations for the DNC since 2008.

After founding The Caraway Group in 1987, she’s led her team in counseling several well-known Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and high-profile individuals in every aspect of communications strategy. She is a nationally recognized public relations and public affairs strategist known for policy-making, political management, and public relations work in government and the nonprofit and private sectors. 

Ms. Caraway is a member of the Corporate Directors Group and the American College of Corporate Directors and is on the board of directors of Color of Change PAC, Head and Heart Philanthropy, Rush Arts Philadelphia, and Emily’s List, where she serves as Secretary-Treasurer and chairs their DEI Committee.

A critically acclaimed author, Ms. Caraway co-wrote “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics” with Donna Brazile (American political strategist and former Chair of the Democratic National Committee), Reverend Leah Daughtry (organizer-activist and political operative), and Minyon Moore (political activist and former White House Director of Political Affairs) for which they won the 2019 NAACP Image Award for the Literary Non-Fiction category.