While Gulf State Strategies is a young company, its founders bring seasoned expertise to the table. With over 70 years of combined experience in political grassroots organizing, we let our results speak for themselves, avoiding the slick, salesman-style pitches common in the grassroots arena.
Since our formation in the spring of 2021, we’ve partnered with statewide organizations like the Florida Chamber of Commerce, where we registered over 30,000 new voters. Working with congressional races and Florida State House candidates on behalf of the Republican Party of Florida, we’ve knocked on over 500,000 doors in just the last two political cycles alone.
We collaborate closely with our clients to develop strategies tailored to each campaign. Our philosophy is that every campaign, candidate, and political cycle is unique. At Gulf State Strategies, we reject cookie-cutter approaches, crafting strategies designed specifically for you—not someone else.
Scott Santamaria is a dynamic leader with 25+ years of experience in political strategy, public affairs, and emerging technology consulting. As Chief Operating Officer of an AI consulting firm, he oversees strategic operations, business development, driving innovation and efficiency in artificial intelligence solutions. With a strong background in government operations and campaign management, Scott has played a pivotal role in political and public affairs, previously serving as Director of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy. His expertise in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and communications has contributed to the success of numerous political campaigns, where he has managed grassroots mobilization, fundraising, and policy initiatives at local, state, and national levels. Scott’s leadership extends beyond politics into corporate consulting, where he has advised Fortune 500 companies on legislative impact, regulatory strategies, and community engagement. He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pace University School of Law and has completed advanced training in campaign management. Colleagues describe Scott as a driven, down-to-earth, public affairs and campaign leadership expert who can be relied on to offer superior solutions that deliver impactful results on time and under budget. Passionate about the intersection of technology and policy, Scott continues to bridge the gap between AI innovation and real-world applications. Scott lives in Florida with his wife and best friend. When not working he enjoys cooking, hunting, and fishing.
Meet: Scott Santamaria
Principal Partner, President, Gulf State Strategies, LLC
Alex Jones is a seasoned political strategist with over a decade of experience in campaign management, grassroots mobilization, and data-driven political operations. With a deep understanding of Florida’s political landscape and a track record of executing high-impact campaigns, Alex has been instrumental in shaping winning strategies at the state and national levels. After earning his degree in Political Science from the University of North Florida, Alex quickly established himself in the political arena. He has held key leadership roles in U.S. Senate and gubernatorial campaigns, overseeing regional and statewide operations, voter outreach, and political training. His expertise spans campaign strategy, field operations, and leveraging data to drive engagement and results. Alex has played a critical role in overseeing campaign operations, data analysis, and staff development across Florida, driving large-scale voter engagement efforts. His expertise lies in building efficient campaign infrastructures, optimizing outreach strategies, and leveraging data to inform decision-making and maximize impact. Passionate about strategy and innovation in political operations, Alex continues to provide expert guidance to campaigns looking to navigate today’s complex electoral landscape. When he’s not immersed in politics, he enjoys hunting, fishing, golf, spending time with his wife Leah and exploring the outdoors.
Meet: Alex Jones
Political Strategist & Campaign Operations Expert
Blaze Drinkwine, born in Northren California and raised in North West Arkansas, is currently an elected City Commissioner in San Antonio, Florida, and has established himself as a dynamic figure in politics, the digital and culinary realm. Alongside his civic duties, he works with clients to enhance and oversee their digital presence in the modern era. His expertise extends into the food and beverage industry, where he crafts intricate pairing menus, sophisticated cocktails, and innovative takes on American contemporary cuisine.
Blaze's political journey in Florida began as a former Field Staffer, Deputy State Director, and then Strategic Initiatives Director for the Republican Party of Florida, spanning from 2016 to 2022. In these influential roles, he orchestrated and managed a dedicated team, overseeing tasks ranging from recruitment and training to orchestrating campaign strategies alongside prominent figures such as President Donald Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and others.
Prior to his tenure with the Republican Party, Blaze served as a Regional Field Director and Deployment Coordinator for Carly Fiorina's presidential campaign. Focused on community outreach for the Minnesota and Iowa caucuses, he demonstrated his commitment to grassroots engagement and political mobilization.
Meet: Blaze Drinkwine
External Affairs & Partner, Gulf State Strategies, LLC / Owner, The Drinkwine Association