Our Republican Legacy Launches National Grassroots Campaign to Reclaim the GOP

Danforth, Dent, and Republican Leaders Kick Off New 50-State Mobilization Effort

Today, former Senator John Danforth and a coalition of respected Republican leaders announced a national grassroots campaign to restore the party's core conservative principles and reclaim its future. The new effort, led by Our Republican Legacy (ORL), marks a bold expansion from messaging into real grassroots organizing across all 50 states.

“We are building a renewed Republican movement—one rooted in constitutional values, unity, economic freedom, fiscal discipline, and peace through strength,” said Danforth.

“Faced with the chaos and division that populism has unleashed in our party, we are stepping forward to give Americans a Republican alternative they can once again be proud to support.”

Former Congressman Charlie Dent, an ORL founding member, said the movement will focus on two major initiatives:

1. Amplifying our voice — with more frequent messaging across media platforms on the critical issues facing Americans.

2. Mobilizing at the grassroots — through a new 50-state National Committee of volunteer activists.

“This is not just about statements — it’s about action,” Dent said. “We are organizing Republicans nationwide who still believe in common sense conservatism and are ready to stand up and be counted.”

Chris Vance, former chairman of the Washington State Republican Party and ORL senior advisor, said the new National Committee has already recruited chairs in 15 states and over 1,000 grassroots activists.

“We’re just getting started,” Vance said. “Our state organizations will recruit members, engage local media, drive the conversation on social platforms, and show up visibly in Republican Party events at every level. We are building the leadership structure for a Republican Party in exile — ready for its return.”

Greg Wilson, former deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury in the Reagan and Bush 41 administrations, emphasized that ORL’s foundation remains firm.

“These five principles have always defined the Republican Party at its best — and they will again,” Wilson said. “Sooner or later — and we intend to make it sooner — these values will reassert themselves because they are essential to America’s well-being.”

Our Republican Legacy’s Five Core Principles:

• The Constitution — We pledge to defend the Constitution, including accepting election results, respecting court decisions, and supporting the peaceful transfer of power. January 6th was a dark day in U.S. history; we reject all assaults on our constitutional order.

• Union — Following Lincoln’s vision, we believe in one united nation, rejecting divisive tactics from both the right and the left that pit Americans against each other.

• Fiscal Responsibility — We renew our commitment to balanced budgets and reducing debt, opposing reckless spending that burdens future generations.

• Free Enterprise — We champion the private sector as the driver of prosperity and oppose big government overreach, tariffs, and price controls.

• Peace Through Strength — We support a strong America that stands firm against aggression from regimes like Russia and stands with allies such as Ukraine.

Join the Movement:  Americans ready to reclaim their party and their principles can join us at OurRepublicanLegacy.com. Sign up, get involved, and be part of the national grassroots team that is rebuilding the Republican Party from the ground up.

ORL Leadership

Chairmen:

Senator John Danforth

Senator William Cohen

Founding Members:

Hon. Steve Bartlett

Hon. Charlie Bass

Hon. Doug Bereuter

Hon. John Boehner

Hon. Barbara Comstock

Hon. Charlie Dent

Hon. Tom Davis

Hon. Bob Dold

Hon. Dan Evans

Hon. Rodney Freylinghuysen

Hon. Jim Greenwood

Hon. John Katko

Hon. Adam Kinzinger

Hon. Ray LaHood

Hon. Leonard Lance

Hon. Mel Martinez

Hon. Susan Molinari

Hon. Bill Paxon

Hon. Thomas E. Petri

Hon. Deborah Pryce

Hon. Dan Quayle

Hon. Jack Quinn

Hon. Christopher Shays

Hon. Gordon Smith

Hon. Michael Steele

Hon. Alan Steelman

Hon. David Trott

Hon. Fred Upton

Hon. Mimi Walters

Hon. Mark Kirk

Hon. Claudine Schneider

Hon. Mickey Edwards

Hon. Mike Pence

Hon. Mack Mattingly

Senior Advisors

Peter Leibold, former Chief of Staff to Sen. Danforth

Chris Vance, former lawmaker and former Chairman of the Washington state GOP

Greg Wilson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Treasury Department in the Reagan and Bush 41 administrations

Strategic Partner:  Austin Weatherford, former Chief of Staff to Rep. Adam Kinzinger

State Chairs:

Arkansas:  Nate Bell, former Arkansas State Representative

California: Steven Willing, former Electronics Executive and GOP Activist

Colorado:  Bill McGillick, Tech Executive and GOP Activist

Florida:  Greg Wilson, former Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Treasury Department

Idaho:  Amos Rothstein, former Executive Director, Idaho Republican Party

Illinois:  Andrew Eastmond, elected Trustee, Village of Riverwoods (nonpartisan position)

Massachusetts:  RJ Lyman, Former Senior Advisor to Gov. William Weld

Michigan:  Chuck Brown, former member Republican Lawyers Association

Minnesota:  Michael Brodkorp, former Deputy Chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party

Missouri:  Lynn Schmidt, columnist and former Republican national convention delegate

North Carolina:  Robert Orr, former Justice North Carolina Supreme Court

Rhode Island:  Gary Sasse, former NE Policy Director, Kasich for America

Washington:  Chris Vance, former Chairman, Washington State GOP

Wisconsin:  Tracy Mangold, former Secretary, 8th CD Republican Party

Utah:  Joe Hunter, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior