Russ Cleary
Constituent Services Manager
Rep. John James
Want to meet a Constituent Services Manager all the way out in Michigan?
Oh, you should talk to Russ Cleary!
For the first time, CNCT is spotlighting a Staffer hailing from a district office! Meet Russ Cleary, the Constituent Services Manager for Michigan Rep. John James. Russ has been working for Congress since the start of this meeting, after working for Rep. James’ campaign in 2022.
“One main reason I enjoy working for Rep. James … is because of his passion for serving the district. Serving his constituency through casework on day one was a massive priority of his and we achieved just that,” Russ says.
Aside from his role as the Political Director for Rep. James’ campaign, Russ has previously worked in various roles in Michigan state politics and was also involved in his alma mater’s political groups on campus.
When he’s not managing constituent issues and casework, you can find Russ spending time with his loved ones, enjoying some Game of Thrones, or finding more ways to keep busy!
Want to share the love with someone from your district office? Nominate them here!
Keep reading to get to know Russ ⬇️
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His Backstory
🏠 Hometown: Sterling Heights, MI
🎓 College & Major: Michigan State University, Political Science
💭 Favorite Hill Memory: “Although not on the Hill per se, my favorite memory is certainly casework related. Early on in the term, we had a constituent Veteran come in who was facing severe challenges emotionally as well as financially. We were able to secure over $40,000 in back pay from veterans benefits which significantly lifted his spirits. To this day, he will still call the office just to check in with me!”
🔗 CNCT with Russ about…
Collecting rare & unique whiskey bottles 🥃
What it’s like to work in a district office
Where to get a good steak dinner 🥩
Video game recommendations
Russ on Staffer Struggles…
Being based in Michigan, Russ has a unique perspective of the Staffer experience that we could learn a lot from. Russ recounts some of his struggles starting out with a big workload and fast pace:
“Being young, inexperienced, and new to the Congressional workplace has been one of the biggest hills to climb. Especially being in a district office rather than a D.C. office, most staff and constituents are of a higher experience and age. This had provided a difficult transition and new journey while in this position. As a staffer at the beginning of this cycle, I was the only caseworker in a high octane office. We work at a very high-paced level so being the only caseworker was a challenge.”
Russ on “embracing” these struggles starting out:
“It was not as much about overcoming struggles as much as it was embracing them. I utilized my inexperience as a motivator to learn more from other offices. With this being the case, being the only caseworker helped solve this problem. I learned so much off the bat. Being youthful, I believe I am able to adapt quickly to tough situations and provide the best service possible for our constituents.”
The takeaway: Own your struggle and use it to your benefit!
❤️ Russ’ Favorites (Michigan Edition)
These spots are a ways away from D.C. but, if you ever find yourself in Michigan, check out some of Russ’ favorite spots:
Coffee Spot: Coffee First
Bar: Roger’s Roost
Happy Hour: Freddy’s
Lunch Spot: Phoenix Coney Island
TV Show: Game of Thrones
Movie: The Big Short
👏 Props to Russ!
Russ is well known around his office for having things under control and getting the job done (and then some)! But, don’t take it from us! Here is a comment from one of Russ’ coworkers:
“[Russ has made] significant contributions to the office since day one. As the one and only caseworker when the office opened, he had a significant number of cases and still managed to do other office responsibilities. They were able to hold the fort down until new hires came in mid-2023.”
📚 Russ’ Book Recommendations
A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Super Pumped by Mike Isaac
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Nominate them here and let us hear their story!
CNCT Congressional Fall Grad Fair
🍂 Fall in love with grad school at CNCT’s Congressional Grad Fair happening Wednesday, October 2, in the Cannon Caucus Room.
Meet with over 40 graduate programs from across the country and connect with your future.
➡️ Don’t miss the complimentary open bar and hors d’oeuvres!
*Universities in attendance include: Texas A&M, Georgetown, George Mason, Hillsdale College, Duke, Michigan, Harvard, Cornell, Yale, GWU, American, UVA, Johns Hopkins, Maryland, Southern California, Syracuse, Berlin School on Governance, Texas, NYU, Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Penn State, Tufts, Princeton, UC San Diego, Pittsburgh, Boston, Denver, and Florida International.
Staffer Advice
“It is okay to not have a solution to a problem. It is okay to not know something and have a need to ask questions. The best way to learn and become more advanced in your profession is by learning new things and throwing yourself into unfamiliar situations. This ultimately sharpens your abilities as a Staffer and provides a better service to your constituents."
- Russ Cleary