Egelsky (pictured) has been with GQR for 20 years, having joined as an intern in 1998. She specialises in research and strategic advice for political campaigns and organisations.

Walker has been at the agency for 30 years as a public opinion researcher and has advised on domestic political campaigns for the past 15 years.

He has also fought for equality issues with the Human Rights Campaign, helped lead the firm’s efforts to modernise the nation’s marijuana laws, advocated gun violence prevention with Giffords (formerly Americans for Responsible Solutions) and other state groups. He leads GQR’s work with the Small Business Majority.

GQR Partners Anna Greenberg, Al Quinlan, Jeremy Rosner, and Elizabeth Sena said of the two promotions: “We are tremendously delighted to have Missy and Dave take on an elevated position with the firm moving forward.

“They represent strong leadership at GQR. Both have proven records of winning the toughest campaigns, producing spot-on accurate results in complex races, and providing their clients with penetrating insights and advice.”