A freshman lawmaker has thrown his hat in the ring to lead the Pennsylvania Young Republicans.

State Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) sent out a press release on Monday announcing his candidacy to serve as Chair of the Pennsylvania Young Republicans for the 2024-2025 term. 

“Pennsylvanians are facing new generational challenges every day, and Young Republican leaders are stepping up to tackle these challenges with a fresh perspective,” Kutz said. “Young Republicans in Pennsylvania stand at the ready to make Pennsylvania more competitive and more attractive for families and innovation.”

“I’m committed to lead the effort to recruit and train Young Republicans from across our Commonwealth to run for public office and make a difference in their communities,” Kutz continued. “Together, we will unite young conservative leaders and build a Pennsylvania that future generations will be proud to call home.”

We’re in! This team of Young Republicans stands at the ready to make Pennsylvania more competitive and more attractive for families and innovation. I’m committed to lead the effort to recruit and train YRs across PA to run for office and make a difference in their communities. pic.twitter.com/QKRXF0BuIL

— Thomas Kutz (@thkutz) August 7, 2023

In 2022, Kutz bested Democrat Kristal Markle in the race for the newly drawn 87th state House District in Cumberland County. 

The seat was previously occupied by Republican Greg Rothman, who won a seat to represent the 34th state Senate District last year. 

In 2022, PennLive described the 87th state House seat as a “GOP-leaning district.”

Kutz serves on the following committees in the House: Appropriations, Children & Youth, Housing & Community Development, and Insurance. 

Prior to Kutz’s election to the state Legislature, he served as a Lower Allen Township Commissioner since 2019. 

According to a press release from Kutz, he currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Young Republicans and previously led their Cumberland County chapter. 

Jenna Geasey, who currently serves as the Chair of the Pennsylvania Young Republicans, is not seeking reelection, according to the release from Kutz. 

The organization is the most prominent GOP group for young adults, whose members range from ages of 18-40. 

The organization is a chartered federation of the Young Republican National Federation, which is chaired by Pennsylvania native, Rick Loughery. 

In addition to announcing his candidacy for Chair, Kutz also named the following individuals as a part of the “Build PAYR” ticket: Sam Miclot for Co-Chair, Andrea Raffle for Vice Chair, Rebecca Ream Weigle for Treasurer, Shawn Gamble Jr. for Secretary, Allie Kutz for National Committeewoman, and state Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Adams) for National Committeeman. 

Kutz added in the press release that he also intends to appoint Jake Taylor as Executive Director, Ross Wolfe as General Counsel, Jess Kemmerer as Finance Chair, Eric Reath as Bylaws Chair, Matt Zupon as Grassroots Director, and Michael Straw as Communications Director, if elected. 

“I’m proud to announce a regionally diverse team of strong grassroots leaders from across our Commonwealth,” Kutz said. “This generation of Republicans is ready to lead and deliver victories for Republicans in every corner of our state, including taking back our state house majority.”

The Pennsylvania Young Republicans will convene on October 14 to elect leadership for the 2024-2025 term.