Frankfort, Kentucky — The Republican Party of Kentucky has announced the election of its new slate of party officers. Republicans from across the Commonwealth gathered during the state party reorganization to elect individuals who will lead the state party. The newly elected leadership team includes longtime political professionals and dedicated Republicans from across Kentucky.
Among the most recognizable figures is state party Chair Robert J. Benvenuti III, who was reelected to a full four-year term.
“I am deeply honored to have been elected to a full four-year term as Chairman,” said Chair Benvenuti. “The success of the Republican Party of Kentucky is built on a foundation of individuals who understand and deeply cherish the conservative values that we as Republicans hold so dear. Kentuckians have chosen Republican leadership, and I am absolutely confident that Republicans will continue to see unmatched electoral success in 2026 and beyond. I am grateful for the confidence of the members of the Republican Party of Kentucky, and I look forward to continuing to work with my team to elect strong men and women who share Kentuckians’ values and want to build a better Commonwealth for future generations.”
Also returning to leadership is DeAnna Brangers, who was reelected to a fourth term as Vice Chair. Karen Kelly was reelected as Secretary, and Hunter Whitaker was elected as the new Youth Chair.
“As I head into my fourth term as Vice Chair of the state party, I want to express my deep gratitude to my peers for their continued support and trust in my leadership,” said DeAnna Brangers. “One of the key drivers of our success over the last 20 years has been the presence of talented, capable individuals dedicated to conservative values — like this new group of Members-at-Large. As we look to the future, our party’s prospects are bright. I am confident that this team will help guide Republicans to even greater success in the years to come.”
The eight newly elected state Members-at-Large are Robbin Taylor, Patrick Jennings, Rob Givens, Sarah Van Wallaghen, Richard Grana, Jon Park, Sam Brown and Carol Rogers.
The Republican Party of Kentucky has seen historic success in recent election cycles, both in terms of electoral wins and party registration growth. Members of Kentucky’s congressional Republican delegation were reelected by double-digit margins, and President Donald Trump carried the state by more than 30 points over former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Our wins and growing numbers are not accidental — they’re the result of decades of strategic vision, grassroots engagement and unwavering commitment to conservative values,” said Karen Kelly. “The dramatic realignment in places like Eastern Kentucky and the surge in Republican representation in rural districts across the Commonwealth would have been unimaginable a generation ago. A large part of that is thanks to President Trump and the America First movement, which have helped us tap into a constituency that was once unreachable.
“I’m deeply honored to have played a part in this pivotal shift in Kentucky politics, because I truly believe the work we’re doing is making our Commonwealth better prepared for the future.”
In the past year alone, Republican voter registration has continued to surge, along with Republican representation in the General Assembly. The GOP now holds the largest legislative majority in Kentucky history. That majority was further solidified when longtime state Sen. Robin Webb of Grayson switched parties, leaving just one remaining Democrat representing rural Kentucky and marking the end of Democratic representation in rural Senate districts.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join this experienced team of leaders and to learn from some of the greatest political minds in Kentucky,” said Hunter Whitaker. “Youth engagement and excitement about the future of our party are key to the Republican Party’s continued success in the Commonwealth.
“What’s most exciting about today’s Republican Party is the broad coalition of conservative voters, which creates endless potential for growth and achievement. I’m optimistic about our party’s future in Kentucky and look forward to working with the next generation of voters and activists as we build on our momentum.”
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