Uber has retained Ballard Partners of Florida, which has close ties to the Trump White House, for its Washington lobbying team.

Brian Ballard, top fundraiser for the President who chaired Trump Victory organization in Florida, opened a DC outpost earlier this year. He also helmed the Sunshine State's presidential campaigns for John McCain and Mitt Romney.

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Uber's faces key issues in DC including privacy, data security and regulations regarding driverless vehicles.

Ballard heads a lobbying team that includes Dan McFaul, one-time legislative director to Florida Congressman and now "Morning Joe" co-host Joe Scarborough, Sylvester Lukis, veteran of the Dept. of Health and Human Services, and Rebecca Benn, ex-aide to Mississippi Senator Thad Cochran.

Tallahassee-based Ballard has offices in West Palm Beach, Miami, Orlando and Jacksonville.

Uber spent $1.4M in Washington lobbying during the past year.