Bradley Bottoms is a Principal at the Vogel Group.

Bradley Bottoms led the firm’s expansion into California and advises clients on federal legislative strategy, government affairs, and public policy. With nearly 12 years of experience on Capitol Hill, Bradley brings extensive knowledge of congressional operations, legislative negotiations, political strategy, and the intersection of government and business.

Prior to joining Vogel Group, Bradley served as Chief of Staff to Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Armed Services and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. As the Congressman’s principal policy and political advisor, Bradley oversaw a 20-person team and directed a broad legislative agenda encompassing national defense, transportation, maritime policy, infrastructure, economic development, and federal appropriations. He advised the Congressman in his leadership roles on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Throughout his congressional career, Bradley developed an extensive record of legislative accomplishments, successfully securing provisions in eight National Defense Authorization Acts, three surface transportation reauthorization acts, multiple Water Resources Development Acts, Coast Guard and Maritime Administration reauthorizations, and two Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization acts. His work included developing and advancing major legislative initiatives such as the SHIPS for America Act and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, strengthening the domestic shipbuilding industry and defense industrial base, expanding transportation infrastructure, advancing housing affordability, and securing significant federal investments in California’s economy.

In addition to his legislative and management responsibilities, Bradley concurrently served as Congressman Garamendi’s campaign manager for four election cycles, overseeing the political strategy and operations of successive congressional campaigns. These included two significant redistricting cycles that dramatically reshaped the Congressman’s district, requiring the development of new electoral coalitions, relationships with community stakeholders, and strategies to engage unfamiliar constituencies. His campaign leadership encompassed political strategy, fundraising, communications, coalition building, and voter engagement. This combination of legislative and electoral experience gives Bradley a comprehensive understanding of Congress—not only how legislation is developed and enacted, but also the political dynamics, constituent priorities, and electoral considerations that shape congressional decision-making.

Bradley began his career in Congressman Garamendi’s office as an intern, advancing through several legislative and leadership positions, including Legislative Director, before becoming Chief of Staff in 2019. Having worked at nearly every level of a congressional office while simultaneously managing competitive political operations, he brings a unique perspective on the relationships, institutions, and political realities that drive outcomes in Washington.

Bradley splits his time between San Francisco and Washington, D.C., helping clients navigate the federal government, develop effective advocacy strategies, and advance their priorities before Congress and the executive branch. His experience across congressional leadership, legislative policymaking, and electoral politics allows him to provide strategic counsel that accounts for both the policy and political dimensions of complex challenges.

Bradley graduated from the University of California, Davis, where he studied political science and sociology and served as Vice President of the Associated Students.