Benjamin Yoho (Political Strategist) – Wife, Career & DHS Controversy

Benjamin Yoho is an American political strategist, media consultant, and executive. He is best known as the CEO of The Strategy Group Company (TSGco), a Columbus, Ohio-based political advertising and consulting firm that works primarily with Republican candidates and committees.

He built his career in campaign strategy, media production, and political messaging. His name entered national headlines after media reporting connected his firm to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security advertising contract during the tenure of his wife, Tricia McLaughlin, at DHS.

Quick Facts / Wiki-Bio

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Yoho grew up in eastern Ohio in a coal-mining community. Public biographies describe his upbringing in a working-class environment and note that he originally considered working in the mining industry before turning toward politics.

He graduated in 2009 from Ohio Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. During college, he became involved in campaign management and Republican political organizing, which shaped the direction of his professional career.

Political Career

Yoho began his career in campaign management at a young age. Public profiles indicate that he served as a campaign manager for a congressional candidate while still in college. He later became Executive Director of the Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee, overseeing statewide political operations and election strategy.

In 2013, he became president of The Strategy Group Company, and in 2020 he assumed the role of CEO. The firm specializes in political advertising, media production, digital placement, and campaign messaging. It has worked with multiple congressional candidates and national campaigns across several election cycles.

He also held a senior leadership role during Vivek Ramaswamy’s 2024 presidential campaign, assisting with advertising strategy and communications management.

Marriage to Tricia McLaughlin

Benjamin Yoho married Tricia McLaughlin in 2025. McLaughlin served as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under Secretary Kristi Noem.

Their marriage drew public attention following media reporting related to DHS advertising contracts and potential conflicts of interest involving campaign production services.

DHS Advertising Controversy

In November 2025, investigative reporting by ProPublica raised questions about whether The Strategy Group Company participated in production work connected to a $220 million DHS advertising campaign titled “Stronger Border, Stronger America.” The primary contractor publicly listed for the campaign was Safe America Media.

The reporting questioned whether Yoho’s firm benefited from the campaign despite not being publicly named in initial contract documentation. DHS officials stated that the contracting process followed established procedures and was handled according to policy.

In February 2026, Tricia McLaughlin resigned from her DHS position amid ongoing scrutiny and political pressure related to the advertising campaign. As of publicly available reporting, no criminal charges have been filed against Benjamin Yoho.

Personal Life

Benjamin Yoho maintains a relatively private personal life outside of his political consulting work. His public social media presence is limited and primarily focused on political commentary and professional matters.

He and Tricia McLaughlin have indicated plans to return to Ohio and focus on family life. No children have been publicly announced.