Former Youngkin Staffer Elliott Guffin Joins Brownstein’s Government Relations Team

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is pleased to announce that Elliott Guffin, who previously served as Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s director of federal affairs and point person for the governor’s co-chairmanship of President Trump’s Council of Governors, will join the firm as a policy director in Brownstein’s Washington, D.C., office.

“Elliott has connectivity at both the federal and state levels, shaped by his role as Gov. Youngkin’s director of federal affairs and his experience as chief of staff to Rep. Hudson,” said Doug Friednash, chair of Brownstein’s State Government Relations group. “His relationships within the current administration—as well as his credibility with governors, state officials and legislative leaders across the country—make him an effective advisor. His experience strengthens our 50 state capabilities and enhances the bridge we provide between state capitals, Washington, D.C., and our clients’ most pressing issues.”

“Our clients increasingly face challenges that don’t fall neatly into one jurisdiction, and they need advisors who understand how decisions in state capitals influence Washington—and vice versa. Elliott’s experience bridging those arenas strengthens our ability to deliver fully integrated strategies that anticipate what’s coming next and position our clients for success on every front,” said Will Moschella, co-chair of Brownstein’s Government Relations Department.

Guffin has nearly a decade of experience and has developed strategic relationships in the federal government and, most recently, at the state level in Virginia. As director of federal affairs and senior staff for Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), Guffin developed and executed federal strategies that advanced the governor’s agenda, strengthened relationships with the White House and Congress, secured critical policy and funding wins for Virginia and coordinated high-level meetings with federal lawmakers. Prior to his work with Gov. Youngkin, Guffin spent seven years serving Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC). After starting in the office of Rep. Hudson as a staff assistant, Guffin worked his way up to chief of staff, overseeing all operations in Washington, D.C. and North Carolina, and acting as principal advisor on policy, telecommunications and political strategy.

”After my time in Gov. Youngkin’s office, I knew my next step would keep me at the forefront of state and federal policymaking. Brownstein is unmatched in that space, so joining the team was an easy decision,” said Guffin. “I’m looking forward to guiding industry leaders through the intersection of state capitals and Washington, D.C., and I am glad to be able to do it with a team with such respected relationships across the country and within the administration.”

Guffin received a bachelor’s of science from the University of Mississippi.