Hayden Padgett, chairman of the Young Republican National Federation (YRNF), was reelected to the role over the weekend during the organization’s National Convention held in Nashville.
Padgett, who leads the Grow YR slate, faced challenger New York State Young Republicans Chair Peter Giunta with the Restore YR slate in the election for chairman, receiving 481 votes against Giunta’s 426 votes.
Congratulations to our fearless leader, our Chairman, @haydenpadgett on his decisive re-election today! Under his leadership, we will continue to GROW our organization of Young Republican leaders, and become larger and more effective than ever before. 🇺🇸🎉 pic.twitter.com/O0LHT5GZ9k
— Young Republicans (@yrnational) August 2, 2025
“I am deeply honored by the trust our members have placed in me through this hard-fought election. With this mandate, I am more determined than ever to harness our momentum, empower the next generation of Republican leaders, and fight for a future grounded in opportunity, freedom, and conservative values,” Padgett said in a statement upon his reelection.
As the oldest political youth organization in the country, the YRNF’s mission is to “recruit new Young Republicans and engage young voters with the Republican Party, train the future leaders of the United States, and elect Republican candidates from the top to the bottom of the ballot across the country.”
Blake delCarmen, YRNF’s national political director, said under Padgett’s leadership as chairman, the organization has “become a powerhouse for recruiting, training, and electing Republicans, amplifying our impact nationwide,” citing fundraising data, voter contact numbers, and member engagement during Padgett’s first term as chair.
“Hayden Padgett’s re-election, amidst a spirited challenge, is a testament to his proven leadership and the confidence Young Republicans have in his vision,” delCarmen added.
Looking forward, YRNF – which consists of some 14,000 members – said it will turn its attention to the 2026 midterm elections, where the organization said its members will “be instrumental in bolstering Republican candidates to expand majorities in the House and Senate.”
“As the 2026 midterms approach, Chairman Padgett stands ready to lead YRNF with renewed vigor, mobilizing young Republicans to shape the future of the Republican Party and secure victories across the nation,” the organization said.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
Photo “Hayden Padgett” by Hayden Padgett.
