Sara Stephenson

Sara is TargetSmart’s principal pollster and Director of Research Solutions. She believes that all politics is local and that thriving, safe, and economically diverse communities are the foundation of a strong democracy. With more than 25 years of experience in public opinion research and political campaigns, Sara has advised local leaders on tax measures, school bond referendums, and transit initiatives. She has also helped elect more than 200 city councilors, mayors, and county commissioners across the country — from major cities like Los Angeles and Chicago to smaller towns and rural communities. At the state level, Sara has routinely polled legislative races in Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York. Before joining TargetSmart, she was a Senior Analyst at The Feldman Group, where she worked with candidates for statewide and federal office in Minnesota, Iowa, and Ohio. An organizer at heart, Sara began her career working on campaigns in Iowa and Minnesota. She holds a BA in Sociology and a JD from the University of Iowa, and currently lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.