Meet Paul Dans
Early Life & Family Background
Paul Dans grew up in a family steeped in public service and intellectual pursuit. His father, Peter Dans, was a respected professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University. His mother, Colette Lizotte, a French teacher with a background as a chemist at the National Institutes of Health. Dans and his twin brother excelled at Dulaney High School, where he was known for his brightness, good behavior, athletic prowess in sports, and sharp skills on the debate team.
Pictured: Paul's grandfather on a post WW2 convoy to help build Greenland in 1951
Education
Dans pursued higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning both a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in city planning. His master's thesis demonstrated forward-thinking vision, focusing on the innovative redevelopment of industrial parks like the Brooklyn Navy Yard to revitalize urban economies. He continued his academic excellence at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he obtained his Juris Doctor (JD) and rose to become president of the campus chapter of the Federalist Society, showcasing his early leadership in conservative legal thought.
Pictured: Paul's father who was a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University
Legal Career
Paul pursued higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), earning both a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in city planning. He continued his academic excellence at the University of Virginia School of Law.
Launching into a stellar legal career in the late 1990s, Dans spent two decades practicing commercial litigation in New York City at prestigious international firms, including Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP, before establishing his own successful solo practice by 2009. His expertise spanned complex cases in administrative law, intellectual property, and high-stakes disputes. Notably, he is recognized as the intellectual architect of the groundbreaking "Chevron outtakes" case, where he devised a strategic approach involving the subpoena of documentary film outtakes. This innovative tactic helped Chevron combat a massive $27 billion fraud allegation related to oil pollution in Ecuador, securing a favorable ruling and earning Dans acclaim in legal circles. His contributions were profiled in American Lawyer magazine and featured in a book chronicling the epic litigation, underscoring his reputation as a brilliant and resourceful litigator.
Political Involvement & Public Service
Paul Dans' passion for conservative principles extended beyond the courtroom. Active in Republican politics since law school, he served on the steering committee of the New York City Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society and as a member of the Media and Communications Law Committee of the New York City Bar Association. In 2016, he played a key role in Donald Trump's presidential campaign, working in the war room in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, to help secure a historic victory.
Transitioning to public service, Dans joined the Trump administration in July 2019 as a senior advisor in the Office of Community Planning and Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he gained invaluable insights into streamlining government operations for greater efficiency. By February 2020, he advanced to White House liaison and senior advisor at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), later becoming chief of staff, where he spearheaded reforms to modernize federal personnel processes and ensure alignment with conservative priorities. In January 2021, President Trump appointed him to a six-year term as Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, recognizing his expertise in urban development and policy.
In his most prominent role, Dans served as Director of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project at The Heritage Foundation until July 2024, a visionary initiative aimed at preparing a robust conservative framework for future administrations. Under his leadership, the project developed a comprehensive "battle plan" for federal agencies, built a database of over 10,000 vetted conservative candidates—often dubbed a "conservative LinkedIn"—and conducted training seminars like "Deep State 101" to empower appointees. Embracing the Reagan-era maxim that "personnel is policy," Dans' efforts focused on assembling a talented team to advance pro-American policies, reduce bureaucratic overreach, and restore efficiency in government. His strategic acumen and dedication earned praise from colleagues, with one noting that "there was no one who had a better idea of it than he did," highlighting his pivotal role in shaping a more effective, MAGA-aligned executive branch. In 2025, Dans expressed delight at the implementation of Project 2025's agenda under the second Trump administration, describing it as "beyond my wildest dreams" and assessing significant progress in the first 100 days.
Personal Life & Family
Amid his professional triumphs, Dans remains a devoted family man. He is married to Mary Helen Bowers, a renowned former dancer with the New York City Ballet and the innovative founder of Ballet Beautiful, a global fitness brand that has trained celebrities and inspired countless women worldwide. Together, they have built a loving family, raising four children in Charleston, South Carolina. Their children include daughters Lumina Belle and Violette Allegra, along with two younger siblings, reflecting Dans' commitment to family values and work-life balance even as he pursues ambitious political goals.
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Join Paul Dans’ fight for U.S. Senate to replace Lindsey Graham and restore faith-based values, tackle our $35 trillion debt, and end endless wars. As a proven conservative who led Project 2025’s blueprint for reform and served in Trump’s administration, Paul offers a bold, America First vision. Volunteer, donate, or spread the word to help South Carolina families thrive under principled leadership. Sign up today to make a difference!