Sometimes, the very best campaigns need a jolt of energy to reengage supports and inspire voters.  We don’t wade into political advertising often. However, Ascender was excited to lend our creative muscle to support Democratic Candidate Candace Tiana Nelson in her bid for DC Council At-Large. Our ‘Pop The Balloon or Pick A Progressive’ ad campaign was once of the most distinctive and talked about series of messages of the 2026 Democratic primary cycle. It was fresh. It was fun. Our strategy was the match the energy and wit of the candidate.  The three video messages totally broke from the tired ‘I’m walking-the-streets of D.C. ‘ / ‘ I will fight for you’ — ending with arms folded and scowling face, campaign ads.  Our messages revealed the core of new candidate with a lot of promise.  As a result the messages generated tons of new engagement across the campaign website, social media, and digital TV.