GOP Governors Dominate Chief Executive Magazine’s 2015 Rankings of Best States for Business

Washington, DC – Chief Executive Magazine, a top publication that provides business leaders with key insights into how to better run their businesses, released its annual rankings of the Best States for Business, which was once again dominated by states with Republican governors. The 2015 rankings showed 17 of the top 20 best states for business are led by a Republican governor, including all 10 of the top 10. These results demonstrate that the pro-jobs, pro-business policies that Republican governors continue to champion are working.  The list is compiled by surveying chief executives from across the country.

Since the list was created 11 years ago, Texas has claimed the top spot each year. This achievement is a testament to Governor Greg Abbott’s leadership and the pro-growth policies that he has implemented and continued since being sworn into office. Multiple other states in the top 10 , including Gov. Rick Scott’s Florida at No. 2, Gov. Bill Haslam’s Tennessee at No. 4, Gov. Nathan Deal’s Georgia at No. 5, Gov. Brian Sandoval’s Nevada at No. 8, and Gov. Nikki Haley’s South Carolina at No. 10, are led by Republican governors who were re-elected in 2014 based on targeted campaigns that showcased their successful record of job creation.

Two states with GOP incumbents on the ballot for re-election in 2016 also made the top 10, with Gov. Pat McCrory’s North Carolina finishing as the No. 3 Best State for Business of 2015, and Gov. Mike Pence’s Indiana at No. 6. Both governors have instituted multiple pro-business reforms in the past three years that continue to make their states a top destination for job-growth.

From Chief Executive Magazine:

“The results of our 11th annual survey clearly show that CEOs favor states that foster growth through progressive business development programs, low taxes and a quality living environment.”

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