Bio
Russell Griffin is the Political Director at the ACLU of Kansas, leading the organization's political and electoral work, including voter education, ballot measures, and partnerships with elected officials and community groups. He also oversees the affiliate's political program through Kansans United for Civil Liberties.
A native of Savanna, Oklahoma, Russell attended the University of Oklahoma, where he majored in Political Science, and brings more than 20 years of experience in campaigns and public service. He has managed statewide, congressional & local campaigns, served as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, and worked as District Director for Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (CT-5).
Russell has helped lead statewide ballot initiatives that collected hundreds of thousands of signatures to place measures on the ballot, including campaigns to raise the minimum wage, advance criminal justice reform, and to expand Medicaid — the latter of which earned the 2021 AAPC Campaign Excellence Award.
Outside of work, he cheers on the Oklahoma Sooners, OKC Thunder, and Chicago Cubs, and is an ordained minister in the Church of the Latter-Day Dude. A devoted fan of The Big Lebowski, he lives by the rule that "the Dude abides" - a reminder to stay calm, keep perspective, and roll with whatever comes his way. He's excited to bring his experience to Kansas and work alongside communities across the state to protect civil liberties and strengthen democracy.