WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY) gathered women Republican congressional candidates from various states, all backed by her super PAC.
The following candidates attended:
- Alison Esposito, the 2022 Republican nominee for lieutenant governor in New York, now running for New York’s 18th Congressional District
- Retired Army Colonel Laurie Buckhout, candidate for North Carolina’s First Congressional District
- Attorney and Air Force veteran Monique DeSapin, aiming to represent Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District
- Attorney Caroleene Dobson, contender for Alabama’s Second Congressional District.
Stefanik also mentioned two endorsed candidates who were unable to attend: North Dakota Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, due to a primary, and Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom (R-AK), who was hosting an event in Alaska.
“E-PAC is distinctive because we endorse not just any women, but the strongest candidates who are women leaders,” Stefanik explained to reporters. “They have demonstrated strong fundraising abilities and a clear path to victory in both primary and general elections.”
She also noted that she evaluates numerous candidates, many of whom she ultimately decides not to endorse.
“We spotlight our rising stars to ensure our investments have maximum impact, ensuring we present the best quality candidates who are women leaders. This strategy has been effective,” she stressed.
Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-NY), with Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), speaks at a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Jan. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) was also present and praised Stefanik, noting that the number of Republican congresswomen has nearly tripled since she launched E-PAC in 2019, growing from 13 in the 116th Congress to 36 in the current 118th Congress.
Emmer highlighted the achievements of Herrell and Flores, asserting their future success, and then turned his attention to other E-PAC candidates.
“Our newcomers have the potential to win seats that were previously considered out of reach, thanks to the high caliber of candidates supported by Elise,” he remarked.
Since its establishment in 2019, E-PAC has raised $10 million for Republican women candidates.
