(WASHINGTON) – The Republican Legislative Campaign Committee(RLCC) today announced its leadership team for the 2020 election cycle. Indiana Speaker of the House Brian Bosma will serve as chair, Arizona Senate President Karen Fann as vice-chair, and Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield as finance chair.
“All eyes are on state legislatures as we head into this election cycle and redistricting in 2021,” said Indiana Speaker Brian Bosma. “We must keep our foot on the gas because Democrats are making our state legislatures a top priority, and the results of these elections will directly impact the direction of our nation for the next ten years – or longer. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and work with Republican legislators from every corner of the country this cycle.”
“State Republicans have been extraordinarily successful in years past, but we make no mistake about it: we need to do more this year than we ever have before if we’re to be successful – and we’re prepared to do exactly that,” said Arizona Senate President Karen Fann. “Democrats want to gerrymander themselves into near-permanent power in the states and in Congress. We cannot let that happen. The RLCC is a key partner in the fight for the future of our party and, more importantly, our country. I am ready to help lead our state legislators to success this year.”
“We must stand strong and defeat every effort radical liberals are making to flip Republican majorities,” said Michigan Speaker Lee Chatfield. “Democrats are pushing their socialist agenda nationally in my home state of Michigan, and they must be stopped in their tracks. Our leadership team is prepared to ensure that our candidates have the resources necessary to win every seat possible in 2020.”
Expert, public estimates have predicted that the results in as few as 42 state legislative seats could determine as much as a 136-seat swing in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next 10 years. The RSLC and its strategic policy partner, the State Government Leadership Foundation (SGLF), announced last week the groups jointly raised $19 million in 2019, breaking an odd-year record for the organizations.
“Because of leaders like Speaker Bosma, Senate President Fann, and Speaker Chatfield, Republican legislators across the country will have the resources they need to win in 2020,” said RSLC President Austin Chambers. “We have a tough fight ahead of us this year, but I am confident in the ability of this leadership team to recruit, support, and elect the right candidates to be successful. Our team will leave no stone unturned as we work to get Republicans elected this year. The future of our country depends on it.”
Brian Bosma was first elected in 1986 and is the longest-serving speaker in state history. Notable policy accomplishments include passing a historic 20-year, fully funded roads plan, cutting or eliminating 14 taxes in the last 15 years, passing property tax reform and right-to-work, and empowering parents through implementing and expanding school choice. Brian and Cheryl Bosma have been married for 37 years and are the proud parents of Allison and Chris. Brian is also the founding director of Bosma Industries for the Blind, which employs over 125 blind and visually impaired Hoosiers statewide.
Karen Fann is the second female Senate President in the history of Arizona. Senator Fann was first elected in November of 2016 to represent Legislative District 1. She previously served this district from 2011 to 2016 as a State Representative. Karen and husband Jim McKown also owned and operated the FANN-M Ranch for nearly a decade. The FANN-M Ranch, an equine facility, boarded horses and produced equine competitions. Karen and Jim also and worked closely with area 4-H Clubs and other nonprofits to organize and sponsor community fundraisers at the Ranch.
Lee Chatfield is the youngest Speaker in Michigan history in more than 100 years, and currently the youngest serving in the country. He was first elected to serve the 107th District in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2014. Chatfield previously served as the co-vice chairman of the RLCC Executive Committee. Lee was born and raised in Northern Michigan and is a high school graduate of Northern Michigan Christian Academy. He married his high school sweetheart Stephanie in 2008 and they live in Levering with their five children—four sons and a daughter.
