Sal Russo is a veteran Republican political strategist and conservative activist with a career spanning over five decades in American politics, beginning in Reagan-era politics. He entered the political arena early, becoming the youngest staff member in Ronald Reagan's first term as Governor of California in 1967. Throughout his career, Russo has played key roles in numerous high-profile campaigns, including gubernatorial races such as the Simon for Governor campaign, and has been involved in national Republican efforts. He co-founded the Tea Party Express in 2009, which mobilized grassroots conservative opposition to the Obama administration's policies, and is a founding member and co-founder of Move America Forward, a nonprofit veterans' advocacy organization supporting U.S. troops and veterans. Russo operates through his firm, Russo Marsh & Rogers (formerly Russo Marsh + Associates), specializing in political consulting, public relations, and campaign strategy. His influence extends to conservative networks, where he has advised on voter mobilization and ideological advocacy. He has served on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Political Consultants, underscoring his prominence in the field. His work has focused on advancing Republican causes, particularly through grassroots organizing and media strategies, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern conservative activism from establishment politics to the Tea Party movement. While Russo's career is marked by successes in campaign management, the Tea Party Express has faced criticism for its funding sources and internal operations, though no major legal controversies directly involving Russo are prominently documented in public records.