Co-Chair Biographies
Congressman Kevin McCarthy (CA-01)
Congressman Kevin McCarthy proudly serves California’s 23rd district and is currently the Republican Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Kevin was first elected to Congress in 2006 and is a native of Bakersfield and a fourth-generation Kern County resident. The grandson of a cattle rancher and the son of a firefighter, Kevin grew up a working-class family and is committed to preserving and promoting the American dream for hardworking Americans.
In Washington, Kevin fights every day for the constituents of California’s 23rd District and for the future of America with the simple promise: to have the courage to lead with the wisdom to listen.
At the age of 21, Kevin started his own small business, Kevin O’s Deli, from the ground up. As he worked hard, hired employees, and enjoyed success in his community, he soon learned—as all small business owners do—that the margins are thin, the hours are long, and that often Sacramento and Washington are obstacles, not aids, to success. The redundant and frivolous rules along with tedious paperwork and overburdening taxes compelled Kevin to enter public service.
He sold his business to put himself through college and graduate school at California State University, Bakersfield. While at school, he interned for Congressman Bill Thomas and later became a member of Congressman Thomas’s staff. In 2000, he won his first public election as Trustee to the Kern Community College District and then, in 2002, he was elected to represent the 32nd Assembly District in the California State Assembly. As a freshman legislator, he was selected unanimously by his Republican colleagues to serve as the Assembly Republican Leader, becoming the first freshman legislator and the first legislator from Kern County to assume this top post in the California Legislature. Kevin worked with his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate and with the Governor to reduce California’s budget deficit, overhaul the state workers’ compensation system, and enhance California’s business climate to create more opportunities for California workers and businesses.
After he was elected to Congress in 2006, Kevin quickly became Chief Deputy Whip and later served as Majority Whip. In 2014, he was elected Majority Leader of the House, where he now leads Congress in fighting for individual liberty, an efficient and effective government, free markets, and a vibrant civil society.
Since Kevin was elected to Congress, he and his Republican colleagues have blocked the largest tax increase in American history, cut out-of-control government spending, passed bills to create jobs, promoted North American energy independence, and fought to free Americans from the meddlesome influence of Washington in health care and beyond.
Kevin will continue to fight for a strong, fiscally responsible, and free America where every person has the ability to achieve the American dream.
When Kevin is not in Washington working for the constituents of California’s 23rd District and for the future of America, he is home in Bakersfield with his wife Judy and two children Connor and Meghan.
Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06)
David Schweikert is serving his third term in the United States Congress. He holds a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, Joint Economic Committee, Co-Chairs the Valley Fever Task force with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, and is the Republican Co-Chair of both the Tunisia Caucus as well as the Congressional Blockchain Caucus.
Among his legislative accomplishments, David was instrumental in authoring and passing the JOBS ACT into law. The bill was signed by the President in April 2012.
David served as Chairman of the EPA Oversight Subcommittee; David championed key reforms such as the Secret Science Reform Act, which passed the House of Representatives in 2014.
A national leader on tribal policy, David draws on a unique background working with Arizona’s tribal communities on important priorities. He is always eager to take on a technical challenge, particularly when it pertains to water or land management policies.
As a strong advocate for efficiencies in the 21st Century economy, David collaborates with entrepreneurs and innovators in Arizona and around the world on ways to increase trade and drive economic growth.
David Schweikert has always been committed to public service and he has an impressive record as an effective reformer and problem solver.
By the age of 30 years old, David was serving as the Majority Whip in the Arizona state legislature. There, he chaired the Indian Affairs Committee and rolled up his sleeves working on the state budget, healthcare system, and passed landmark tax reform and second amendment legislation.
Over the years, Arizona’s governors have appointed David to numerous posts. He served as Chair of the state’s tax court and helped negotiate Arizona federal compact with tribal communities.
After being out of public life for 14 years building a successful Arizona business, David was called to serve as Treasurer of Maricopa County. One of the largest counties in the country, David has been heralded for his pragmatic decision making leading up to the fiscal crisis. Maricopa County increased revenue at a time when municipalities all around the country were going deep into the red.
Whether serving in elected office, or running a successful Arizona-based family real estate business with his wife Joyce, David Schweikert has been an integral voice in shaping Arizona’s healthy and growing economy.
As a Member of Congress, David works to remove government barriers to innovation and free enterprise. He is a budget hawk and is continuously fighting for solutions to curb federal spending and reduce American debt.
David and his wife Joyce enjoy backpacking. They host a bi-annual overnight down the Grand Canyon and recently took a pilgrimage to Spain where they hiked the Camino Trail.