RGA Announces 2017 Leadership

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Elected RGA Chairman, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley Elected RGA Vice Chair

WASHINGTON, D. C. – The Republican Governors Association announced today that Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker was elected to serve as the RGA Chair for 2017. Additionally, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was elected to serve as Vice Chair. Both assume the positions immediately.

“Governor Scott Walker never backed down from a challenge, and after he helped build a better tomorrow for Wisconsin, I’m confident that his tireless work ethic and strong leadership will greatly benefit the RGA,” said outgoing RGA Chair Susana Martinez. “The record Governor Walker has established in Wisconsin is enormously impressive, and his experience of winning three gubernatorial elections amid turning his state from blue to red will be vital to ensuring our governors and candidates have the resources they need to win in 2017. It has been an honor to serve with him as my Vice Chair for this past year and I look forward to the success he will achieve as the RGA’s Chairman for 2017.”

“Governor Nikki Haley’s strong leadership will be a major asset to the RGA in the upcoming year,” Governor Martinez added. “She has worked tirelessly for the people of South Carolina, to make every day a great day for her constituents, and that is just the kind of determination the RGA expects of its leaders. Governor Haley’s experience and insight will be integral to the success of our governors and candidates as we enter 2017.”

“As this year’s historic gubernatorial elections proved, the RGA remains the most effective political organization in the country and I am honored serve as the RGA Chairman for 2017,” said Governor Scott Walker. “I look forward to building on the RGA’s momentum with the two gubernatorial races we have in 2017, both of which present an opportunity to elect new Republican governors, and the recruitment opportunities we face for 36 races in 2018. All across America, Republican chief executives are fighting for everyday Americans, and I am proud to serve in this role to help the RGA elect more of these outstanding leaders.”

“Republican governors are making a difference, delivering results to the people of their states, and our record breaking majority shows that the RGA knows what it takes to elect effective leaders,” said Governor Nikki Haley. “I look forward to working with Governor Walker, a trusted friend and colleague, to recruit strong candidates and build on RGA’s historic progress in the months ahead.”

Joining Governor Walker and Governor Haley on the RGA’s Executive Committee for 2017 will include Governors Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Rick Scott of Florida, Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Doug Ducey of Arizona, Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Larry Hogan of Maryland, Greg Abbott of Texas, and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas.