Partner
Tatum brings nearly two decades of high-level legislative, campaign, and advocacy experience to Samson Advisors. A strategic, out-of-the-box thinker with sharp political instincts, she consistently delivers results in California’s most complex and high-stakes policy fights.
Tatum’s influence is grounded in deep, trusted relationships with Members of the California Legislature, senior staff, and key decision-makers throughout the Capitol. She is known for her ability to move difficult policy, cut through procedural barriers, and build winning coalitions. Her recent successes include spearheading efforts to create a central procurement mechanism for energy offtake, providing financial certainty for offshore wind projects, supporting a $10 billion dollar bond for environmental projects, advancing landmark reforms modernizing California’s motor vehicle franchise laws, and securing a key video game exemption from AI chatbot regulation.
Prior to joining Samson Advisors, Tatum was a lobbyist at a multinational law firm, where she spearheaded advocacy efforts for clients on some of their most high-profile issues. Earlier, she spent nearly a decade in the California Legislature, including serving as a Legislative Director, where she shaped and executed complex policy strategies across energy, natural resources, transportation, housing, and higher education.
Since leaving the Capitol, Tatum has become a go-to legislative strategist for lawmakers, staff, and advocates alike—valued for her credibility, command of the process, and ability to deliver outcomes.
Tatum earned her BA in Government from California State University, Sacramento. She lives in Sacramento with her husband, John, and their son.
