FM3 Partner Rick Sklarz is based in our Los Angeles office and conducts opinion research services on behalf of candidates for public office, state and local ballot measure campaigns, government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector companies.
In 2024, Rick was a lead researcher for Senate Majority PAC’s coordinated independent expenditure campaign to help reelect Wisconsin U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. He also was part of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s (DCCC) National Battleground polling team and worked with the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee (DSCC), EMILY’s List, Badger State Research and other Democratic-party affiliated organizations. Rick has also worked to help elect Democrats across the country, including U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and members of Congress including Greg Stanton (AZ-4), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Lou Correa (CA-46), Robert Garcia (CA-42), and Jimmy Panetta (CA-19).
Rick’s research and strategic advice helped to elect three members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors: Janice Hahn, Lindsey Horvath, and Hilda Solis. In 2024, he conducted research for the independent expenditure campaign to elect Nathan Hochman LA County District Attorney, and to help pass LA County’s Measure G campaign, a historic ballot measure that will enact major governmental reforms to the nation’s largest county. He also provided research to the reelection campaign of San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and the independent expenditure campaign on behalf of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. Over the years, Rick’s research has helped elect more than two dozen members of the California State Legislature and the Mayors of major cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Milwaukee, and Phoenix.
Rick also provides research for statewide ballot campaigns across the country and has worked with organizations on initiatives to protect voting rights, prevent gerrymandering, legalize adult use cannabis, and raise billions of dollars for education, Native American Indian gaming, transportation and infrastructure, healthcare, and natural resource conservation. In 2024, his research helped to pass $2.6 billion in local bond measures for community college districts and measures to generate additional funding for local services in Phoenix, Arizona; Harris County, Texas; Santa Barbara County, California; and many other communities.
Rick also regularly provides research and strategic advice for government agencies, not-for-profits, and trade associations to guide strategic planning, improve outreach, and enhance the quality of services. He also works with private sector companies in a variety of industries, including utilities, sports and entertainment, land-use/development firms, health care providers, logistics, and transportation.
Prior to joining FM3, Rick served on the staff of U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Southern California and graduated from Colgate University.