Republican Party of Kentucky executive director to leave for government relations role
The Republican Party of Kentucky will soon get a new leader in Frankfort.
Sarah Van Wallaghen, the GOP’s executive director since 2017, is leaving her role to join a government relations firm, The Rotunda Group, as a partner, according to a Tuesday morning news release.
“It has been an honor to serve as the Executive Director of the Republican Party of Kentucky,” Van Wallaghen said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I’m excited for this new chapter to advocate for Kentucky’s future in a different capacity.
RPK Chair Robert Benvenuti said in a statement that Van Wallaghen “put party before self, leading with great intellect, unmatched work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the party.”
“During her time as Executive Director, Kentucky Republicans achieved remarkable victories at every level of government, contributing directly to the economic success brought by the candidates she helped elect,” he added.
Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, said Van Wallaghen has been “instrumental to the success of our party.”
“She has been crucial to our pivotal achievements — electing a Republican Governor, a historic flip of the State House, and expanding our majorities in the legislature, all while preserving our strength in Congress,” Stivers said in a news release from The Rotunda Group.
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, said Van Wallaghen has been a “true asset” to the state party.
“Her ability to unite people and commitment to supporting candidates at the local, state, and federal level have made a lasting impact on our party and state,” he said in a statement.
In her new role, Van Wallaghen will “focus on representing various industries and organizations to advance key policy initiatives before Kentucky’s government leaders,” according to The Rotunda Group.
Information about a timeline for naming Van Wallaghen’s replacement was not immediately available.
The party holds a strong advantage over Democrats in the state legislature, boasting four-fifths majorities in the House and Senate. However, long-term control over the governor’s office has eluded it. No Republican has ever been elected to consecutive terms as governor in Kentucky.
Van Wallaghen is a Glasgow native and University of Kentucky graduate. She lives in Louisville.
This story was originally published November 12, 2024 at 10:49 AM.
