After college, Lesser joined Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, helping stage events in New Hampshire. After the primary, Lesser was tapped to be the campaign's "Ground Logistics Coordinator," traveling with the candidate to 47 states and six countries – over 200,000 miles in total. Commenting on his logistical prowess, President Obama said "Eric Lesser may be running a Fortune 500 company one day," adding "We are lucky to have such a smart and committed young man as part of our team." During a campaign stop in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lesser organized an impromptu Passover Seder. At the Passover Seder, then-Senator Obama promised, "Next year in the White House."