If you’re even remotely involved in politics, you’ve heard of “The Squad” on Capitol Hill. Comprised of freshman Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the four lawmakers are frequently in the spotlight for their bold progressive proposals and frequent jabs at the other side of the aisle. On Thursday morning, a new “Conservative Squad” made their debut on Fox and Friends. 

Initially pitched by AL-02 congressional candidate Jessica Taylor, the Conservative Squad is made up of Taylor, MN-07 candidate Michelle Fischbach, SC-01 candidate Nancy Mace, and TX-24 candidate Beth Van Duyne. All four women appeared on Fox News this morning to launch the partnership. The website connects you to a donation page where money will be split evenly between the Conservative Squad and the eventual Republican nominees for NY-14, MA-07, MN-05, and MI-13 – yes, those are the districts that elected the progressive Squad.

Jessica Taylor leapt onto the scene in late October with a campaign launch video that went viral. She is a small business owner and earned her law degree at night while working and raising her first child. Taylor is a staunch supporter of President Trump and his policies. She is pro-life, pro-2nd amendment, and has signed a promise to cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits amendment when in office. The seat will be open since Rep. Martha Roby announced her retirement at the end of the term, but the district is R+16 and should go to the winner of the primary.

Michelle Fischbach was first elected to the Minnesota State Senate in 1996 and became the first woman to serve as the President of the Minnesota Senate. She served as Lieutenant Governor for a year following the resignation of now-Senator Tina Smith. Her legislative priorities include healthcare reform, supporting rural farmers and growers, and protecting the 2nd Amendment and the right to life. If Fischbach makes it through the primary, she will take on Rep. Collin Peterson, a Democrat in an R+12 district.

Nancy Mace is a heavy hitter right out of the gate. She was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel’s Corps of Cadets. In addition, she served as a Coalition Director and Field Director for President Trump’s 2016 campaign. Her agenda includes bringing more infrastructure dollars to South Carolina, protecting our constitutional rights, and securing the border. The district is currently represented by Democrat Joe Cunningham and is rated R+10.

Beth Van Duyne has worked hard all her life – she left home at 17, worked her way through college, and became the first female mayor of her hometown. Most recently, she served in the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Secretary Ben Carson. She is most passionate about standing up to socialism, strengthening our borders and national security, and ensuring that her grandchildren have the same opportunities she had and more. The R+9 seat is up for grabs after Republican Rep. Kenny Marchant announced his retirement.

In the interview, Nancy Mace said “This is not your grandfather’s GOP” and she’s right. The increase in GOP women stepping up to run is incredible. I cannot wait to see how many of these women are successful. 

Jillian K
CABINET