Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has been elected Chair of the Republican Governors Association (RGA), placing him at the forefront of the GOP’s national effort to expand its roster of governors ahead of the 2026 election cycle. The announcement came during the RGA’s 2025 Annual Conference, where Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves was selected as Vice Chair and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee as Policy Chair. All three governors will serve one-year terms beginning immediately.
Gianforte, who succeeds Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp in the top leadership role, used the moment to highlight what he described as the success of Republican-led states and the urgency of the coming elections.
“I want to thank Governor Kemp for his leadership of RGA this past year, and I’m grateful to my fellow Republican governors for the trust they’ve placed in me as we enter the 2026 election cycle. The stakes could not be higher,” Gianforte said. “States with Republican governors are thriving, with our citizens seeing lower costs, safer streets, and a higher quality of life. That stands in stark contrast to the many failing states led by Democrats, places Americans are fleeing. I look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues to tell our story and elect more conservative leaders all across the country.”
As RGA Chair, Gianforte will be responsible for coordinating national strategy, fundraising, and candidate support in what is expected to be a heavily contested cycle. Twelve gubernatorial seats will be on the ballot in 2026, including several in politically competitive states.
Reeves, the incoming Vice Chair, echoed Gianforte’s message, framing Republican governors as a bulwark against Democratic policies.
“As the Democrat Party sprints toward socialism, it’s never been more important for states to elect Republican governors. America is at a crossroads, and Republican governors are the first line of defense from the radical left’s radical policies,” Reeves said. He added that the organization will remain focused on economic growth, public safety, and strengthening families. “Alongside Governor Gianforte, Governor Lee, and President Trump, we’ll continue to elect more Republican governors and expand the American Dream.”
Gianforte’s elevation marks the first time a Montana governor has served as RGA Chair.