Jeff Johnson in an undated photo.
Jeff Johnson, a former BET host and producer, will control a portion of a $5.3 million advertising budget as a consultant for Priorities USA, a Democratic super PAC supporting Hillary Clinton for President.
Johnson, who is currently the President of his Baltimore firm JIJ Communications, will help lead the group’s strategy efforts with African-American media through the remainder of the election cycle. Priorities has committed to spend $5.3 million to reach African-Americans and Hispanics. Johnson will focus his efforts on the African-American market.
“We’re excited that Jeff is bringing his unique skills and expertise to the Priorities USA team,” said Chief Strategist of Priorities USA Guy Cecil in a statement.
He added, “Republicans have already spent $8 million attacking and distorting Hillary Clinton’s record, and bringing Jeff on is the latest in a series of steps Priorities is taking to gear up for a general election where we will aggressively draw a contrast between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.”
Johnson says he is excited about joining Priorities because of what he says is at stake in the election.
“This election is shaping up to be the most important choice facing the American people in decades and I couldn’t be more excited to join the Priorities USA team to help elect Hillary Clinton,” said Johnson.
“Hillary is the only candidate strong enough to take on Donald Trump in November and she has the vision, temperament, and experience to raise wages, break barriers and protect our country,” he said.
Johnson has plenty of experience engaging African-American communities.
Over the years, he’s worked with the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, served as National Director for the Youth & College Division of the NAACP, and served an appointment by Russell Simmons as the Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN). He also led communications for the 2012 super PAC Black Men Vote.
In his latest role, Johnson will target African-Americans in key states.
“Priorities is announcing that we’re laying down $5.3 million in African American & Hispanic radio reservations for the fall campaign in Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Colorado & Virginia,” Priorities said in a news release. “Our radio buy targeting two key components of Hillary Clinton’s constituency compliments our already announced $125 million in TV and digital ad reservations that include an African American and Hispanic focus.”
Meanwhile, the Republican party currently hasn’t spent much money buying ads in African-American media, despite the race starting off with 17 candidates and millions raised by the candidates and GOP-based PACs.