Senator Carper Announces New Legislative Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.) announced the following change to his Washington, D.C. staff. 

Emily Spain has been promoted to legislative director after serving as communications director for Sen. Carper’s personal office since 2010 and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee since 2013. She replaces Bill Ghent, who was promoted to chief of staff effective April 21.  Prior to joining Sen. Carper’s office, Spain worked in the House of Representatives under Congresswoman Lois Capps (D-Calif.) as communications director from 2006-2010. 

“As communications director, Emily has served as a trusted advisor whose expertise extended far beyond how to communicate on the issues of the day,” Sen. Carper said. “Emily’s keen understanding of the ins and outs of each issue we face has enabled her to be an excellent communications director and will serve her well as she takes on this new role. She has demonstrated strong leadership and management skills in heading up the communications teams in my personal office and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Leading the legislative team will present a new challenge for Emily and I have the highest confidence she will meet it with the same pursuit of excellence she has brought to work every day since I hired her four years ago.”

Before coming to Capitol Hill, Spain spent a number of years working for various organizations both inside and outside of Washington, D.C. Her campaign experience includes both field and finance positions on local, state, and federal campaigns in California and Colorado.  She also served as press secretary for Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) on his 2008 Senate campaign. Upon her arrival in Washington, Spain served as a press and research assistant for Common Cause, a nonprofit organization that promotes government accountability and advocates for election reform.

Spain, a California native, graduated from the University of California Los Angeles, earning a bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science. She lives with her husband, Ken Spain, in Washington, D.C.