On the Passing of Mark Gersh, Washington Director
Mark Gersh, long-time director at the National Committee for an Effective Congress, died on October 8, 2026, at the age of 79. Through meticulous data analysis, he transformed political targeting and became one of the Democratic Party’s most trusted behind-the-scenes strategists.
Born in Brooklyn, Mark grew up in West Orange NJ and despite having lived in Virginia for decades, always considered himself a New Jerseyan. A fan of New York sports teams, he followed sports as much as politics. He had a lifelong love of tennis and continued to play into his early 70s.
While serving as Washington Director for the NCEC, Mark shied away from high profile punditry and public commentary preferring more private consultation with Democratic leadership. He helped establish a forecasting tradition grounded in data and metrics, cutting through emotionally driven narratives with clear-headed analysis.
Mark began his career interning for Bobby Kennedy, and in addition to his tenure with the NCEC, also worked for the Democratic Study Group, Phil Burton, Dick Gephardt, the FEC, and as a consultant to CBS News. He was a close advisor to Members of Congress and mentor to political professionals.
We at the NCEC remember him at the office every day chatting about Lon Chaney Jr. movies, University of Alabama football, and of course his latest predictions on the upcoming election.
Note: Mark’s birth year is 1947. His Facebook page incorrectly lists it as 1948.
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