In 1995 and 1996, Hensley served as Communications Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, chaired by Senator Alfonse D'Amato, acting as media spokesperson and communications strategist for Senate campaigns in 33 states [REF].
During his time at the NRSC, Hensley spent three months in Portland, Oregon, working to elect businessman Gordon Smith, and wrote many speeches, including South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond's final campaign re-election announcement.