Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has been elected to replace Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, the organization announced Thursday.
“As recent elections have shown, the RGA is the most effective political organization in the country and I am honored to serve as the RGA Chairman for 2018,” Haslam said in a statement. His election as chairman comes after GOP candidates lost gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia earlier in the month.
“I look forward to building on the RGA’s success in 2018, which present numerous opportunities to re-elect our incumbents and elect a new class of Republican governors,” the first-term governor added.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts will serve alongside Haslam as vice chairman as they both transition into their leadership roles immediately.
Republicans hold 34 governorships across the country, a record high, until New Jersey governor-elect Phil Murphy’s inauguration in January.
Thirty-six gubernatorial races are set to take place as part of the 2018 election cycle, outgoing chairman Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said, emphasizing the need for Haslam to secure resources for their candidates.
“Gov. Bill Haslam is a proven conservative leader, and with his record of getting results for the people of Tennessee, I’m confident that his capable leadership and tireless work ethic will greatly benefit the RGA in 2018,” Walker said.
