How Will Kemp and Gianforte Shape the 2025 Republican Elections?

Republican elephant and Democratic donkey pins.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte take the helm of the Republican Governors Association for 2025, setting the stage for crucial gubernatorial races.

At a Glance

Gov. Brian Kemp elected as chair and Gov. Greg Gianforte as vice chair of the Republican Governors Association for 2025
RGA to focus on electing Republican governors, maintaining 27-23 advantage over Democrats
Key 2025 gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey
Both leaders emphasize conservative policies and collaboration with President-elect Donald Trump

New Leadership for Republican Governors Association

The Republican Governors Association (RGA) has announced its leadership for the 2025 cycle, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp taking the role of chair and Montana Governor Greg Gianforte serving as vice chair. This decision comes as the organization prepares for crucial gubernatorial races in the coming year. The appointments, effective immediately, recognize both governors’ significant contributions to Republican victories in the 2024 elections.

Governor Kemp, in his new role, expressed gratitude to his fellow governors and outgoing RGA Chair, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. He highlighted the association’s commitment to implementing conservative policies across the nation.

“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

Focus on Conservative Policies and Collaboration

Both Kemp and Gianforte emphasized their intention to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump and fellow Republican governors to advance conservative agendas. Their statements reflect a united front in pursuing Republican priorities, including tax cuts, infrastructure investments, education reform, and border security.

“I’m honored to serve as RGA vice chair and continue to work with my colleagues to elect strong, Republican governors across the nation. Republican governors are cutting taxes, investing in infrastructure and our workforce, putting parents, students, and teachers first, and helping secure the border.” – Gianforte

The RGA’s focus for 2025 includes maintaining and expanding the Republican advantage in governorships. Currently, Republicans hold a 27-23 edge over Democrats in state leadership positions. This majority provides a strong foundation for implementing conservative policies at the state level.

Key Gubernatorial Races in 2025

The RGA’s leadership will face immediate challenges with two critical gubernatorial races in 2025. Both Virginia and New Jersey will hold elections, with current governors in these states facing term limits. These races present opportunities for Republicans to either maintain or gain control in key battleground states.

The association’s executive committee includes other prominent Republican governors such as Sarah Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, and Glenn Youngkin of Virginia. This diverse leadership team brings a wealth of experience and regional perspectives to the RGA’s strategic planning.

Economic Success and Future Goals

Gianforte’s appointment comes on the heels of economic success in Montana, which has experienced 40 consecutive months of unemployment at or below 3.4%. This economic performance, with a current unemployment rate of 3.3% compared to the national 4.1%, underscores the potential impact of Republican governance on state economies.

As the RGA looks ahead, its leadership aims to build on recent successes, including President-elect Trump’s victory in Georgia and Montana, and the flipping of a Montana Senate seat to Republican control. These victories contribute to a broader narrative of Republican momentum heading into the 2025 election cycle.

With Kemp and Gianforte at the helm, the Republican Governors Association is poised to play a significant role in shaping state-level politics and policies across the nation. Their leadership will be crucial in navigating the complex political landscape and advancing Republican priorities in the years to come.