The Young Republicans (YRs) are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. Important to the growth of the Republican Party, the YRs reach out to registered Republicans, 18 to 40 years of age, and provide them with better political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day.
The first Young Republican club was established in 1856 in support of the newly formed Republican Party and the abolitionist movement. It was not until 1931 that the YRs were organized nationally. West Point graduate George H. Olmsted began to attract the attention of the leaders of the national Republican Party, and he was invited to meet with President Herbert Hoover at the White House. President Hoover, so impressed with his visit with Olmsted, asked the young man to head the Young Republican division of the Republican Party, which Olmsted did. In 1935, the Young Republican division officially became the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), and the YRNF elected Olmsted as the organization’s first chairman.
Since its creation, the YRNF has established itself as the premier Republican grassroots organization in the nation, providing essential grassroots support for Republican candidates and conservative issues on the local, state and national levels.
The YRNF has a solid record of producing future Republican Party leaders – including Governors, Senators, Congressmen, nationally recognized campaign consultants, and community leaders.
Through recruiting, training and mobilizing people, the YRNF presents an opportunity for ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Through community involvement in political issues, charitable projects and participation in political campaigns, YRs work to improve the world in which we live.
While the YRs are best known for political activism and service to our communities, YR events also provide a great opportunity for interaction amongst membership. This interaction allows for the exchange of ideas, networking, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
The YRs provide different opportunities for different people. No matter what your long-term goals may be, the YRs serve as the building blocks for a successful future.
Hayden's journey within the Young Republicans (YRs) traces back to California's Bay Area, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a local club. This endeavor unfolded in the heart of one of the most liberal regions in the United States, setting the stage for Hayden's foray into the dynamic realm of youth politics.
Upon relocating to Texas, Hayden embarked on a new chapter by contributing to the resurgence of the Collin County Young Republicans. The impact was significant, with the club earning the prestigious title of National Club of the Year in 2022, a testament to Hayden's leadership and organizational prowess.
Demonstrating his capacity as a leader, Hayden assumed the role of Chair for the Texas Young Republicans, a position he held for two transformative terms. Under his guidance, the number of affiliated clubs doubled, soaring from 18 to an impressive 36. Simultaneously, the membership base experienced substantial growth, skyrocketing from 800 to over 2,000 members.
Hayden's commitment to grassroots efforts became evident as he spearheaded the Texas Young Republicans in establishing over 2 million voter contacts annually. Recognizing the significance of building connections at the community level, Hayden's leadership left an indelible mark on youth engagement in Texas.
In his capacity as Southern Regional Vice Chair, Hayden further extended his influence by re-chartering both the Oklahoma and Kentucky Young Republicans. His organizational acumen was showcased through the meticulous planning of deployments and phone banks in 2022, strategically contributing to key races nationwide.
The pinnacle of Hayden's accomplishments came in 2023 when he orchestrated and led the highly successful National Convention in Dallas. This event underscored not only his logistical prowess but also his ability to bring people together on a national scale. Hayden's journey exemplifies a dedication to youth empowerment, strategic growth, and impactful leadership within the realm of Young Republicans.
The Young Republican national leadership team is a creative and successful powerhouse representing Young Republicans across America!
Young Republican National Board of Directors 2023-2025
Chairman Hayden Padgett
Co-Chairwoman Catherine Whiteford
Vice Chairman Nik Rettinger
Treasurer Joe Paru
Secretary Kayla Saunders
Assistant Secretary Ashley Garcar
Assistant Treasurer Sean Carpenter
Midwest Regional Vice Chair Brett Barker
Northeast Region Vice Chair Paige Wolfe
South Region Vice Chair Jack McAdams
West Region Vice Chair Ryan McKee
Auditor Thomas Turner
State Chairman's Association Chair Scott Woodworth
1931 – 1936 Gen. George H. Olmsted, IA
1936 – 1938 J. Kenneth Bradley, CT
1938 – 1941 Donald Hornbeck, OH
1941 – 1946 Gordon Allott, CO
1946 – 1949 Ralph E. Becker, NY
1949 – 1951 John Tope, MI
1951 – 1953 Herbert Warburton, DE
1953 – 1955 Sullivan Barnes, SD
1955 – 1957 Charles K. McWhorter, NY
1957 – 1959 Congressman John M. Ashbrook, OH
1959 – 1961 Ned Cushing, KS
1961 – 1963 Len Nadasdy, MI
1963 – 1965 Donald E. “Buz” Lukens, OH
1965 – 1967 Tom Van Sickle, KS
1967 – 1969 Jack McDonald, TN
1969 – 1971 Ron Romans, NE
1971 – 1973 Governor Donald K. Sundquist, TN
1973 – 1975 Richard “Dick” Smith, FL
1975 – 1977 Jack Mueller, WY
1977 – 1979 Roger J. Stone, Jr., VA
1979 – 1981 Richard B. Abell, PA
1981 – 1983 David H. Barron, SC
1983 – 1985 Stephen R. Clark, IL
1985 – 1987 Marilyn R. Hudson, KS
1987 – 1989 Richard Jacobs, TN
1989 – 1991 Terry Campo, VA
1991 – 1993 Enid Greene, UT
1993 – 1995 Irv Biznov, TX
1995 – 1997 Larry Kidwell, TN
1997 – 1999 Monica Samuels, TX
1999 – 2001 Speaker Kevin McCarthy, CA
2001 – 2003 Dee Dee Benkie, IN
2003 – 2005 Michael Mack, CA
2005 – 2007 Nicolee Ambrose, MD
2007 – 2009 Jessica Colon, TX
2009 – 2010 Audra Shay, LA
2010 – 2013 Lisa Stickan, OH
2013 – 2015 Jason Weingartner, NY
2015 – 2017 Dennis Cook, IL
2017 – 2019 Jason Emert, TN
2019 – 2023 Rick Loughery, PA
2023 – Present Hayden Padgett, TX
The Young Republicans are fighting for the future of the Republican Party. Together, our mission is to RECRUIT new Young Republicans and engage young voters with the Republican Party, TRAIN the future leaders of the United States, and ELECT Republican candidates from the top to the bottom of the ballot across the country!