3 potential future kings of the N.C. GOP consultant class

The 'data guy' behind Tillis, Burr and McCrory has long been considered the most prominent GOP consultant in North Carolina. That could change next year.

When we talk about political machines or political dynasties, we usually talk about elected officials — governors, senators and the like. But consultants play a big role, too.

For the last decade, Morgan Jackson of Nexus Strategies has been the undisputed king of Democratic consultants in North Carolina. He’s advised former Gov. Roy Cooper, Gov. Josh Stein, Attorney General Jeff Jackson and numerous others. If you’re serious about winning high office in North Carolina, you go to Nexus Strategies.

The Republican side is a little murkier, but if you had to pick a leader of the GOP consultant class right now, you’d have to say Paul Shumaker of Capitol Communications.

Shumaker started his political career as a close advisor of Gov. Jim Martin, and has since orchestrated the campaigns of former U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, former Gov. Pat McCrory, former Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry, former House Speaker Tim Moore and current U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis.

He’s been a key figure the ascendency of the R…