Following Up on the Year of the Republican Woman: The Young Professional

2020 was definitely the Year of the Republican Woman thanks to the GOP adding a record number of women to Congress. From Nancy Mace to Young Kim, Republican women made major headlines with their election victories in 2020. Even though Kamala Harris is a Democrat, her inauguration as the first female VP was a big deal for even the hardest-line GOP women in my life.

Suburban, educated women voters are a key demographic the GOP must regain to build a sustainable coalition for the future, and their support has been middling and even dwindling during President Trump’s time in the White House. So, I took some time to speak to some successful, smart GOP women from across the country from very different lifestyles, locations, and ideological underpinnings to see where they stand politically, how their affiliation is faring, and how to keep them in the tent. I’ve protected their identities because cancel culture is garbage but I’ll give a brief description of who they are so you can get a little insight into their background.

The Young Professional

To continue this series, I spoke with a friend of mine who is the epitome of hustle. This busy, hardworking young woman lives in Reno, Nevada and has a long history of activism for conservative causes in her part of the state. She is outspoken, determined, and as dedicated to the conservative movement as you can get. She saw victory and renewal for the party during President Trump’s time in office, although she admits there were some easy slam dunks that he missed. She has co-owned small businesses, managed campaigns, worked for the state government and been a consultant. With these experiences, she’s optimistic about the future of the Republican Party if we can learn from President Trump’s best parts.

Can you tell me how you became a Republican? 

To preface my comments, it's important for me to touch on the point that my parents never told me I was one thing or another: not politically and not religiously. My mom is a nurse and my dad has been a small business owner his whole life. For their life lessons of respect, hard work, responsibility and family, I will be forever grateful. They allowed me to make my own decisions and learn about the world, then decide whether or not I wanted to be affiliated with a political party or religion. I have worked since I was 16 years old and filed my taxes since then, too.

I officially declared myself as a Republican during my senior year in high school during our intramural government debate competition called “We the People”.  I remember sitting in class having a group discussion about the Founders’ intent, the Federalist Papers, the Constitution and current events.  My well-intentioned yet misguided class members would start talking about unions, higher taxes, more government involvement, and stimulus packages, etc. My stomach would start churning and I just couldn’t ignore my innate desire to speak up about how America is about helping people find their American Dream, small businesses, less government involvement, individual citizen responsibility and them having the right to make their own decisions. As soon as I turned 18, I registered to vote as a Republican and had the opportunity to vote in the 2012 general election. I’ve never wavered in my political compass since.

Did you become a stronger Republican, weaker Republican, or leave the Party during the Trump years? 

During the Trump years, I became a stronger Republican because of the pure fact that citizens and the silent majority were finally getting involved with policy and promoting America First ideas. Being involved with the excitement that bubbled up inside every room and during each Trump event, was like new life had been breathed into the Republican party. That silent majority was getting less silent and being involved on social media and pushing back not only with Democrats, but also on the media and establishment Republicans for not standing up for America.

“That silent majority was getting less silent and being involved on social media and pushing back not only with Democrats, but also on the media and establishment Republicans for not standing up for America.”

Was it because of Trump specifically or something else? 

Inversely it was because of Trump. Trump brought together people from all parties, cultures, races, sexes, and even those who had never been involved with politics before simply because the campaign and the messaging was about making America the first priority, something our country and society has been forgetting more and more since the early 2000’s. People were excited for President Trump and it was hard not to be on board with someone who was a businessman, not a career politician, and who is genuinely proud to be an American. He was always ready to fight for and stand up for Americans and their jobs.

What is your most important political issue? How has the Republican Party done on that issue? 

The economy. I don't believe the Republican party has done a good enough job of being pro-small business, especially during the pandemic over this last year.

What is it like being a Republican in your friend circles?

My friends know that I am a Republican and I have always felt like my voice is important, even with my friends who are affiliated with other parties. Discussions have been such an important part of my life with my friends and while we may disagree at times, I am proud to be friends with so many people with different views, experiences and backgrounds.

What would make it easier to be a Trump Republican in your non-political friend circles? 

Not necessarily 'easier', but in general, if people could stop getting offended over everything and have a real discussion based on facts, not emotion, we would all be better off. Our political parties have done a really good job of alienating us from each other and there is hate towards Trump from all angles, including those not involved with the daily political scene.

What should the Republican Party focus on to get more women like yourself into the Party? 

Messaging needs to be improved by promoting and empowering more women. Women need to feel and believe that the Republican party is the party for them; the party that will fight for their right to own their own business and to make their own life choices, without stereotypes or mythical glass ceilings. 

“Women need to feel and believe that the Republican party is the party for them; the party that will fight for their right to own their own business and to make their own life choices, without stereotypes or mythical glass ceilings.”

What was something that President Trump could have done better?

While at first it was great to have someone so real and unscripted getting people excited and believing their voice was important on social media, Trump's social media usage and messaging direction were damaged by posting too much and sending unprofessional and, at times, inappropriate posts. 

Would your local elected officials have a bigger impact on your party affiliation? Or do national politics and the media have a bigger influence? 

Local officials have a bigger impact and everyone should strive to be more involved locally. 

What should local Republicans do to help you stay in the tent? 

Be more transparent, sincerely work on messaging and a rebranding campaign towards women, and be more accountable to their voters. 

Are you involved with your local party? Why or why not? 

I am not as involved with my local party as I was five years ago. The local, state and even national party tend to live inside a bubble and the people who attend their events are usually the same groups of people. For those who are busy running their businesses and trying to put food on the table for their families, we think it is more important to be involved with community events and grassroots activities that may help small businesses thrive and inspire the next generation rather than monotonous political get-togethers.

Did you vote Republican in 2016? Trump and all the way down or split ticket? What about 2020?

In 2016 I voted for Trump and other Republicans, however I also voted for people affiliated with other parties in a few non-partisan races. 2020 was virtually the same. Especially candidates or incumbents I have gotten to know locally and statewide, whom I have worked with, to me, it is not always about the party, it is about the best person for the job. I plan to continue to vote Republican in every election for the foreseeable future.