Wally Clinton, 87, died on March 4, 2024 in Holmes Beach, FL. A long-time Washingtonian resident, Wally was an innovative political consultant whose career spanned more than 5 decades. Wally helped pioneer grass-roots communication methods, voter data collection techniques, and campaign tactics to create strategies for winning elections.
Wally started his career working for Matt Reese, widely considered to be the dean of modern political consulting. Wally worked on more than 600 political campaigns in the United States and abroad, including for Presidents Barak Obama, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter; Sens. Joseph Biden, Frank Church, and Mary Landrieu; and Governors Martha Layne Collins, Ann Richards, and Rafael Hernández Colón. The American Association of Political Consultants honored Wally's remarkable career in 2003 by awarding him with a lifetime achievement award.
Coming from humble beginnings and lacking a traditional education, he believed passionately in the potential of electoral democracy to improve lives. He lived a vibrant life defined by his values of humility, integrity and fairness. Wally was known for his booming laugh, quick wit and story-telling prowess. He loved baseball, Motown music and crossword puzzles. His favorite thing to do was to spend time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Geraldine Clinton; three children, Anne Clinton, John Clinton and Walter Clinton III; five grandchildren; sister Ann and brother Owen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A celebration of life will be held in Washington, DC on May 25.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Wally's honor to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
