JAMES Magazine Online: Kemp Takes on Leadership Role for Republican Governors Association

Cindy Morley

Friday, November 22nd, 2024

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is taking on a new leadership role — having been elected Wednesday to serve as Chair of the Republican Governors Association during the RGA’s 2024 Annual Conference. In this role, he will be working with President-elect Donald Trump and his fellow GOP governors across the country.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte will serve as RGA Vice Chair for 2025 – the role Kemp held last year. Both Kemp and Gianforte will assume their positions immediately, serving for a one-year term.

“Republican governors are making commonsense, conservative policies a reality, putting families and children first, and making our states the best places to run a business and raise a family,” Kemp said following his election to the post.

He went on to say that he looks forward to working with his peers and Trump to “keep getting the job done for the American people and to add even more Republican governors to our ranks.”

Kemp also posted on social media following Wednesday’s vote. “It’s an honor to be elected RGA Chair by my colleagues! I’m looking forward to working with Vice Chair Greg Gianforte and our fellow Republican governors to ensure crucial victories in 2025 and beyond. Let’s get to work!”

There are two notable gubernatorial races on the horizon for 2025 — in New Jersey and Virginia — and RGA is a vital organization behind electing and supporting GOP governors.

Kemp handily defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams to win a second term during the 2022 midterms. His ascension to the top RGA slot comes amid speculation about whether he’ll challenge Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-GA, in two years or possibly run for the White House in 2028.

Kemp replaces outgoing Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee – who will shift to serve on the group’s 2025 executive committee.

“I want to thank my fellow Governors for entrusting me to lead the Republican Governors Association, and I want to thank Governor Bill Lee for his incredible service as RGA Chair over the past year,” said Kemp.

Joining Governor Kemp and Governor Gianforte in RGA’s 2025 leadership are the following governors who will serve on RGA’s 2025 Executive Committee: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor-elect Mike Kehoe, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will serve as Policy Chair.