Gary Palmer elected to key House leadership role

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November 14, 2018

On Wednesday afternoon, Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-6) was overwhelmingly elected to chair the Republican Policy Committee (RPC), which is the fifth highest ranking leadership role amongst Republicans in the United States House of Representatives.

Palmer won the internal Republican Caucus vote by a 130-63 margin against Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-6).

The RPC, which was established in 1949, serves as the main advisory committee on conservative policies to House Republicans and provides a forum for Republican representatives to discuss legislative proposals before the chamber. Palmer is the founder and former longtime president of the Alabama Policy Institute (API).

“I appreciate the faith that my colleagues have placed in me and am grateful for their support,” Palmer said in a press release.

He added, “Throughout my career, I have focused on being a problem solver and developing and promoting sound policies, so I feel like I’m uniquely prepared for this role. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue advancing and promoting ideas supported by the American people.”

Some of Palmer’s fellow Alabama members of the U.S. House were quick to congratulate him on social media.

Congratulations to Alabama’s own @USRepGaryPalmer on being elected Policy Chair of @HouseGOP! https://t.co/rP9dFkpwBW

— Rep. Bradley Byrne (@RepByrne) November 14, 2018

A big congratulations to my friend and Alabama delegation colleague @USRepGaryPalmer for being elected House GOP Policy Chair. Proud of you!

— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) November 14, 2018

Cliff Sims, former special assistant to President Donald Trump and Director of White House Message Strategy, added his thoughts on Palmer’s election in a statement to Yellowhammer News.

“This is good news for Alabama, and really for anyone who cares about advancing conservative policies in the House. Gary is an ideas machine. I’d learn something just about every time I’d see him in the West Wing or on the Hill,” Sims said.

In the same House Republican Caucus meeting on Wednesday, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) was elected as Minority Leader, Rep. Steve Scalise (LA-1) was unopposed in his bid to continue as Whip, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) was unopposed in her election as chair of the Republican conference and Rep. Tom Emmer (MN-6) was chosen as National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) chair.

The new leadership team will take the reigns in the coming Congress, which gets to work in January.