Tallahassee, FL — On Monday, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant announced three new hires in the party communications office.  Joshua Karp has been hired as communications director; Casey Nesselhauf has been hired as research director; and communications staffer Max Steele has been promoted to press secretary.

“As we build on the victories of the last election, Joshua, Casey, and Max will be valuable assets to the Florida Democratic Party,” said Chairwoman Allison Tant. “Their combination of Florida experience, relationships, and political savvy will make our party even stronger, and ensure we are holding Rick Scott and the Florida GOP accountable.”

“I’m proud to be joining Chairwoman Tant’s dedicated and talented team,” said Joshua Karp. “It’s good to be back in Florida. Floridians have seen the results of Rick Scott’s failed leadership, and we’re committed to defeating Governor Scott — and to winning races up and down the ballot in 2014.”

Joshua Karp most recently worked as communications director at the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus, where he has crafted press strategy for the past two state legislative sessions and advised Senate leadership on policy matters. As communications director to Congresswoman Lois Frankel’s 2012 campaign for Congress, he helped steer Frankel to victory in Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Casey Nesselhauf is a fifth generation Floridian who spent the past four years as a researcher at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In 2012, he led a team that produced nearly 30 opposition research books and ensured the accuracy of $60 million in independent expenditures. His previous experiences include the Democratic consulting firm Hamilton Campaigns and Senator Bill Nelson.

A Florida native, Max Steele has been with the Florida Democratic Party for over two years. In 2012, he served as a researcher and tracker, keeping tabs on Republican candidates, including Connie Mack and Mitt Romney. Steele rejoined the FDP communications shop in February 2013 as a press assistant before being promoted to press secretary.