CASE STUDY

Jerry Brown for CA Governor

Save, California.

Riding a historic record of third-term accomplishments – from transforming a $27 billion deficit into a surplus to passing Prop 30 – the governor’s re-election was classic Jerry Brown: minimalism and an emphasis on trademark frugality. The strategy was simple: engage his opponent early, then quickly pivot to the governor’s ballot measure priorities – the Water Bond and Rainy Day Fund – which each emphasized Brown’s core strength as a responsible steward.

Bearstar prepared Brown for his September debate, which observers across the state including the San Francisco Chronicle scored “a clear win for Brown.” The LA Times’ George Skelton joined the chorus, calling Brown’s opponent “overmatched” adding Brown “nailed it.”

The Brown for Governor 2014 media campaign, written and produced by Bearstar Strategies, was unique: instead of directly promoting Brown’s own re-election, Brown’s ads, which ran statewide, asked voters to support Props 1 & 2. The tagline and ad strategy promoted the Jerry Brown brand while concisely linking the two measures in one package: “Save Water. Save Money. Save for the Future.”

Gov Jerry Brown - "Pendulum"
CA Search Avatar image YES on Props 1 and 2 - "50 Years"
YES on Props 1 and 2 - "Progress"