Jevin D. Hodge is a prominent community and political leader in Arizona. He served as Vice Chair of the Arizona Democratic Party and ran for office in Maricopa County twice, out-raising Republican incumbents both times. In 2022, he was the Democratic nominee for Arizona’s First Congressional District (Phoenix, Scottsdale), coming within a single point of flipping the seat and becoming Arizona’s first Black Congressman. Running in one of America’s closest and most watched races, Hodge received endorsements from such national and local leaders as Speaker Pelosi, Leader Jeffries, Whip Clyburn, Whip Clark, Leader Hoyer, and Rep. Gallego. As Vice Chair of ADP, Hodge worked with local and national Democratic organizations and leaders to raise vital funds for candidates and win elections up and down the ballot. He also led efforts to secure millions of dollars in bond and override funding for Arizona schools.
Professionally, Hodge is Director of National Engagement and Partnerships for LINK Strategic Partners, an international consulting firm based in D.C. Leading operations from Phoenix, Hodge works with community partners and clients around the world to maximize social impact by governments, non-profits, and businesses. His clients have included the District of Columbia, the City of Brownsville (TX), Guilford County (NC), the Austin Independent School District (TX), Citi Open Tennis Tournament, Lyft, HOBY, College Success Arizona, Newfields & the Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the UK Town & Gown Association, and other impact-focused organizations. Hodge also leads Partnerships and Social Impact for Immersion, a Phoenix-based venture development organization, that has launched a top-tier venture accelerator supporting new founders and serves as an advisor for VC funds that are investing in AZ based ventures.
Hodge is focused on community leadership throughout Arizona. He serves as President and Chairman of the Board for the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center, the longest running Head Start school in the state. BTW provides early childhood education and other critical services to nearly a thousand low-income families at 35 sites around Phoenix. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for Jewish Child and Family Services, an integrated mental and physical health center with several locations across Maricopa County, and as an advisor to the Arizona Director of Public Safety.
Hodge received the City of Tempe’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Award, the East Valley NAACP’s Roy Wilkins Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, Grambling State University’s MLK Award, and Maricopa County NAACP’s Next Gen Trailblazer Award. He has also received industry awards for his national and international consulting work at LINK Strategic Partners. A sought-after speaker locally and nationally on business, civics, and leadership, he delivers keynote remarks at national conferences, including the American Constitution Society and National Head Start Association. Hodge is regularly asked to comment on issues relating to Arizona government, education, and politics, appearing in local and national media outlets.
The oldest son of a single mom, Hodge grew up in public housing in Tempe, Arizona. He was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning a degree in Political Science and Public Policy from the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.