Lexi Kranich
Communications Director
Rep. Pat Harrigan
Want to meet a Staffer who moved from intern to Comms Director in under two years?
Oh, you should talk to Lexi Kranich!
Moving to D.C. the day after graduating college is one thing, but moving from intern to Communications Director in under two years is something entirely different! Lexi Kranich, the Comms Director for Rep. Pat Harrigan has done both.
“Before graduation, I came down to D.C. twice, cold-emailed about 70 people on the Hill, and set up as many coffee meetings as I could. Those conversations were invaluable—not just for advice, but because they got my resume into the right hands,” says Lexi.
Through this strategy and her determination, Lexi was offered a position in Rep. Mike Garcia’s office and moved down for work the day after her graduation. Right away, Lexi made the most of her time in his office.
“Working in that office during such a high-stakes election year taught me the value of trust, camaraderie, and a relentless work ethic. It wasn’t just about doing the work—it was about doing it exceptionally well, as part of a team that always showed up for each other,” Lexi shares.
Now, less than a year later in Rep. Harrigan’s office, Lexi leads communication efforts and strategy. Not that it’s a race, but Lexi’s move from intern to Comms Director is definitely an achievement to ask her about!
⬇️ Get to know more about Lexi ⬇️
Lexi's Backstory
🏠 Hometown: State College, PA
🎓 College & Major: Penn State University (Journalism and History)
Favorite Hill Memory
“My favorite Hill memory technically happened off the Hill. When I was working for Rep. Garcia, we hosted an in-person town hall in Santa Clarita, California, with hundreds of attendees. I’m pretty sure it must’ve broken some kind of turnout record for Congress. It was such a cool experience, especially in a purple district where town halls aren’t exactly easy. It was one of the first times I really saw why my boss was elected to Congress—watching Democrats leave saying things like, ‘Wow, he makes a really good point’ or ‘I actually agree with him on that.’ Moments like that stick with you.”
🔗 CNCT with Lexi about…
Going skiing ⛷️
The best Celsius flavor
Climbing the Grand Teton 🏔️
Her trips to Venice and Jackson Hole
About Lexi’s Boss
Lexi started in Rep. Harrigan’s office only a few short months ago, but she already has some lovely things to say:
“My boss is the kind of guy who walks into a room, and everyone takes notice—he just has that presence. Army Green Beret, West Point grad with a degree in nuclear engineering, entrepreneur… The man’s basically lived ten lifetimes already, and he’s still going. Working for someone who’s served this country his entire life is a privilege, but from a comms perspective, it’s also just really cool. He’s got the story, the grit, and the substance—makes my job a lot of fun.”
❤️ Lexi’s Favorites
Coffee Spot: Le Bon Café
Bar: Jane Jane
Happy Hour: Joe’s
Lunch Spot: Cava
TV Show: Blacklist
Movie: Saving Private Ryan
Advice to Younger Staffers
Making your way from intern to Communications Director in under two years is no easy feat! Here’s some advice from Lexi on how mindset and environment can make all the difference:
“There’s a quote that says, ‘If you ever wanna be faster, you gotta run with a bunch of people who are way faster than you.’ That mindset got me here and keeps me going—be the first one in, the last to leave, and surround yourself with people who push you to level up. Working in an environment like Mike Garcia’s office reinforced that—it’s not just about working hard, it’s about surrounding yourself with people who demand excellence and matching that energy every single day.”
📚 Lexi’s Reading List
Alone on the Wall by Alex Honnold and David Roberts
12 Rules of Life by Jordan Peterson
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Do you know someone on the Hill who should be our Staffer Spotlight for a week? Nominate them here and let us hear their story!
Staffer Advice
“Be real and reliable. People remember who shows up for them.”
- Lexi Kranich