Clint Reilly, a prominent and often combative political consultant who played a key role in shaping California politics over several decades, died on July 18 in San Francisco at the age of 79. His death was attributed to chronic lung disease, according to Frank Holland, a family friend.

Reilly earned a reputation for his aggressive campaign strategies and deep understanding of voter demographics, advising many high-profile Democrats during the 1980s and 1990s. Among his notable clients were Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer, all of whom launched significant political careers in the Bay Area. His innovative approach included early use of computer data to target voters individually, and his campaign ads were often sharply critical of opponents.

In 1987, Reilly managed Pelosi’s first congressional campaign, devising the slogan “A voice that will be heard,” foretelling her future political prominence. He also guided Richard Riordan, a rare Republican client, to an unexpected victory in the 1993 Los Angeles mayoral race. However, his relationships with clients were sometimes strained. Reilly abruptly resigned from Feinstein’s 1990 gubernatorial campaign during her recovery from surgery, criticizing her work ethic in a message sent to reporters before informing her. Feinstein later won the Senate seat without his assistance.

Reilly ran unsuccessfully for mayor of San Francisco himself in 1999, spending $3.5 million of his own money and finishing fourth in the race. Throughout his career, he encouraged candidates to spend heavily on campaigns, which also ensured substantial fees for his services. Known for his fiery temper and sharp wit, Reilly earned both respect and wariness from colleagues and clients alike.

Before entering politics, Reilly initially pursued the priesthood, studying philosophy at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park for nine years before shifting to political consulting with a focus on social justice. His first political client was a former seminary professor, Rev. Eugene J. Boyle.

Reilly’s career also involved significant business ventures after he left political consulting in 1995. He became a successful real estate investor in San Francisco, acquiring notable properties including the Merchants Exchange Building. In 2020, he bought The San Francisco Examiner and its sister publication, SF Weekly, transforming the Examiner into a locally focused broadsheet with a digital presence after a lengthy history of disputes with the newspaper’s management.

Born on January 13, 1947, in Oakland, California, Reilly was the eldest of ten children. He grew up in San Leandro, a working-class city in the East Bay, as the son of a milkman and a concessions stand operator. Reilly was married to Janet Koewler, a former aide to Richard Riordan, and is survived by two daughters, six brothers, and a sister.

Known for his blunt assessments and combative style, Reilly once described the political campaign environment as “a war,” emphasizing that his role was not to foster harmony but to secure victory.