In that position, Donilon worked on the campaigns of several prominent Democrats. In 1988, he was part of the team that helped Douglas Wilder win the governorship of Virginia (making him the first African American governor in U.S. history) and Sen. Harris Wofford's (D-Pa.) upset win over Dick Thornburgh (R) in 1991.

1992 Clinton Campaign

Donilon was then tapped to join a diverse team of Democratic insiders for President Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, and was a member of the team that developed Clinton's image as a fresh thinker who could address the country's ailing economy and unrest over taxes and racial conflict. "If there's a common thread from Mississippi to Pennsylvania to New Jersey, it's that outsiders fare better," Donilon told The Washington Post in 1992.

As a result of his success on Clinton's campaign, Donilon teamed up with Mandy Grunwald, who ran the Clinton media team, and Carter Eskew to launch Grunwald, Eskew and Donilon, a political consulting firm known for its modern approach to campaigning. It immediately scored a contract with the Democratic National Committee, and has represented several other Democrats.

2004 Kerry Campaign

In 1996, Donilon rejoined his old mentor Bob Shrum at the newly formed Shrum, Devine & Donilon political consulting firm. There, he consulted for Vice President Al Gore during his 2000 presidential run. He worked on Sen. Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign as media strategist and a senior adviser. In that race, he helped produce ads that emphasized Kerry's military and public service to the country, but faced fierce criticism from Democrats, who said the campaign lacked control over its message.

In the 2006 and 2008 election cycles, Donilon was tasked with creating ads for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC).

Donilon joined Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign as a travelling adviser to Biden. He was an instrumental part of his debate preparation team. Shortly after the campaign, Biden appointed Donilon as a top counselor.

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