
GOPAC has named Senator Steve Smith one of its 2017 Class of Emerging Leaders, a group of promising legislators across the country selected for their potential and ability to impact their state and the Republican Party. Senator Smith is the only legislator from Arizona to be selected. GOPAC is the largest Republican state and local political training organization in the country.
“As we grow the roster of Republicans who are ready to lead in their state legislatures and run for higher office, our 2017 Class of Emerging Leaders exemplifies men and women focused on boosting their state's efforts to create jobs and protect their communities. This year's honorees join the members of Congress, statewide elected officials and state legislative leaders who have benefitted from our mission and programs. We welcome their involvement and are excited to help foster their success," said GOPAC Chairman David Avella.
The Emerging Leaders program is a yearlong initiative to coach and develop state legislators from across the country on how to be effective legislative leaders. This year’s class will begin their involvement at the 7th Annual Emerging Leaders' Summit, which takes place in June. The Summit gives participants the opportunity to learn from policy experts, veteran lawmakers, communications professionals and seasoned political strategists as well as each other. These leaders return to their states better equipped to advance the ideas they are championing and prepare for the rigors of campaigning for higher office. To be selected, an Emerging Leader must be nominated by a member of the organization’s Legislative Leaders Advisory Board or the legislative leader in their state.