The 51 Group: Where Policy Uncertainty Meets Proven Influence
Originally published in Gov Business Review
A new governor takes office. A senior legislator steps down. Suddenly, priorities shift, alliances change, and the policy landscape looks completely different. For companies with something at stake, whether it is a regulation, a funding stream, or a market opportunity, the rulesof engagement can change overnight. Without the right relationships or up-to-the-minute insight, even the most carefully crafted strategy can fall flat.
The 51 Group was built for moments like this. As a national bipartisan government relations firm, it works across all 50 states and inWashington, D.C., helping clients stay grounded in the middle of political uncertainty. What sets the firm apart is how it navigates change.With long-standing relationships, deep policy fluency, and strategies tailored to each client’s goals, The 51 Group turns volatility into opportunity.
That ability comes straight from the top. Co-founders Davis and Scott did not build their network overnight. They spent years in the trenches, working alongside governors, legislators, lobbyists, and clients alike. They showed up to the right rooms, built trust over time, andkept showing up. That consistency has created a network with real depth and real influence.
Through conferences, casual conversations, and day-to-day collaboration, Davis and Scott have built an ecosystem. One where the right introduction happens at the right moment, and where advocacy is as much about listening as it is about speaking up. For their clients, that can make all the difference.
A Relationship-First Approach to Lobbying
Clients experience the strength of that network every day. When an education client hits a legislative obstacle in a state where they have nopresence, The 51 Group makes the connection to a local lobbyist it has an established relationship with, one who is proven and trusted.These are not cold introductions, but relationships shaped over years of collaboration, allowing clients to bypass delays and speak directlywith decision-makers.
That level of coordination extends through every stage of the relationship. The 51 Group takes a proactive approach, staying closely aligned with clients through regular check-ins, joint planning, and clearly defined goals. When a bill is introduced or a rulemaking begins, the response is already in motion; focused, timely, and effective.
It all starts with listening. Before any outreach, the team digs into the why. Whether the goal is to influence legislation, protect funding, or navigate a regulatory shift, they take time to understand what is at stake. Then they build a strategy grounded in both client priorities and political reality. Advocacy works best when it’s thoughtful, informed, and deliberate. That is how The 51 Group operates.
Making Policy Work for Clients
The scope of The 51 Group’s work is broad, but always focused. Clients come to the firm for a full range of government relations services and leave with strategy built to endure.
In Washington, D.C., the team helps clients engage with Congress and federal agencies. Whether pushing for legislative change, continued funding, or preparing for new or revised regulations, the firm helps shape policy, manage compliance risks, and move through complex bureaucratic processes with clarity.
That support extends nationwide. The team monitors activity in all 50 states, watching for policy changes, political trends, and emergingrisks. Clients stay informed with real-time updates and analysis, so they can act before an issue becomes a problem.
This level of insight comes from the team itself. The 51 Group’s policy professionals are former in-house lobbyists and legislative staffers.That diversity strengthens the firm’s strategic thinking and gives clients advice shaped by both industry knowledge and political experience.
A Consistent Voice in an Unpredictable Climate
Every administration change brings new players, new agendas, and new definitions of success. For clients, this churn can slow downmomentum or even derail long-term plans. The 51 Group helps businesses and organizations keep their voice consistent through it all.
By articulating client priorities clearly and connecting them to the policy goals of each new official, the firm keeps advocacy relevant and persuasive. Clients do not need to start over with every shift in leadership. They can trust The 51 Group to speak on their behalf with clarityand conviction.
“We don’t just represent our clients; we get to know them personally and their lines of business so that they can be assured we will best position them when they are not in the room,” says Scott Frein, Managing Partner at The 51 Group.
With a deep network, a clear strategic mindset, and an unwavering focus on alignment, The 51 Group continues to help clients find their place in the evolving landscape of public policy.
