Advertising Industry Leader Carolyn Xu Launches Fortae Co

New Advertising Agency Bridges Political Discipline and Brand Resonance Ahead of the 2026 Mid-Term Election Cycle

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Carolyn (“Carrie”) Xu, a nationally recognized advertising and media leader, today announced the launch of Fortae Co, a full-funnel, full-service integrated media buying agency, with a focus on the political sector. Bridging the gap between sophisticated political mobilization and commercial brand-building, Fortae enters the market with Xu’s proven track record of managing over $200 million in media spend across more than 40 states.

As the 2026 landscape faces unprecedented shifts – from the maturation of Connected TV (CTV), to the integration of AI-driven optimization, and the upcoming mid-term election cycle – Fortae offers a nimble, responsive, data-driven, and intentional approach to paid media. The firm partners with campaigns, nonprofits, and agencies to create bespoke media plans that prioritize sustained community engagement over "one-size-fits-all" tactics.

"Political media builds a certain muscle: accountability, urgency, and clarity under pressure, while brand marketing is rooted in consistency and emotional resonance," said Carrie Xu, Founder of Fortae Co. "When you weave those two together, the work becomes something stronger: highly disciplined, yet deeply human. Fortae’s mission is to build a bridge between these two worlds, with work that is grounded in discipline, shaped by brand thinking, and always intentional."

A Legacy of Impact

Xu, an American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) "40 Under 40" honoree in 2021 and Reed Award winner, brings nearly two decades of advertising expertise to the new venture. Her background includes:

• Presidential Scale: Strategic roles in the Biden-Harris 2024 and Harris-Walz 2024 campaigns.
• National Reach: Experience managing media for 10+ unions and two universities across 40+ states.
• Advocacy & Diversity: Expert at expanding engagement among women and historically underrepresented communities, with a deep commitment to AANHPI, Black and Hispanic outreach.

Industry Voices on Fortae’s Launch

Strategic partners and media giants recognize the necessity of Fortae’s data-driven, community-focused model.

"Carrie and the Fortae team bring the expertise political campaigns need to connect with voters across today's streaming landscape," said Eric Davis, Head of Independent & Political Demand at FreeWheel. "As political media buying shifts toward premium CTV, the ability to activate verified audiences across high-quality inventory is critical—and that requires deep knowledge of audience identity and data-driven targeting."

"As brand strategists, my biggest priority is ensuring our work reaches the right audience,” said Steve Miller, CEO of CreoStrat. “Carrie provides the precision needed to make that happen. She has a deep understanding of how to balance traditional linear with digital platforms ensuring the strategy is cohesive across the board. She’s a reliable partner who consistently maximizes the impact of our creative."

To learn more about Fortae and its advertising capabilities in the political and commercial sectors, please visit https://www.fortaeco.com/.

About Fortae Co

Fortae Co is a full-service media agency specializing in nimble, responsive paid media strategy. With a portfolio that includes work for the late Congressman John Lewis, the NAACP, and SEIU, Fortae combines national scale with local insight. Led by advertising industry veteran Carolyn (“Carrie”) Xu, Fortae is dedicated to increasing visibility and relevancy through innovative adtech and strategic linear media rooted in human insights and lived experience.