Donald Trump will be inaugurated in a few weeks. He is not playing around this time.
That’s why President Trump has plans for a stunning full takeover of the U.S. Senate.
GOP Expands Leadership for 2026 Senate Campaigns with New NRSC Team
The leadership team for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) in preparation for the 2026 election cycle was unveiled on Thursday, revealing a group of seasoned operatives tasked with supporting incoming Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) in his efforts to bolster the GOP’s majority in the Senate. This new team includes key figures from the campaigns of President-elect Donald Trump, Senator Tim Scott himself, and former Vice President Mike Pence.
Senator Tim Scott, who was selected to lead the NRSC in the upcoming cycle, will be guided by a highly experienced team of Republican veterans. At the helm as executive director of the NRSC will be Jennifer DeCasper, Scott’s longtime chief of staff and top adviser. DeCasper’s strategic insight and extensive experience in both politics and policy have made her a trusted figure in Scott’s camp.
Joining her as deputy executive director will be Stephen DeMaura, a seasoned campaign manager who previously led former Vice President Mike Pence’s 2024 presidential campaign. DeMaura brings years of experience working on election campaigns and with outside political groups, positioning him well to assist in the NRSC’s strategic efforts.
Statements from Key GOP Leaders
Tim Scott expressed his enthusiasm about the future of the NRSC, particularly in advancing the Trump agenda. In a statement to Fox News Digital, he noted, “Two years of complete Republican control is good, but four years of a Trump agenda is even better. Defending the majority, going on offense, and advancing President Trump’s agenda requires an elite team to execute at the highest levels. I’m excited about the organization we are building, the wins we will put on the board, and the results we will deliver for the American people.”
Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), the current chairman of the NRSC, also praised DeCasper’s appointment. “Jennifer DeCasper is an outstanding choice to lead the NRSC as Executive Director. As a trusted advisor to Senator Tim Scott, she’s proven to be a master at navigating both politics and policy. Her strategic insight, relentless drive, and commitment to conservative principles make her uniquely equipped to help us keep and grow our hard-fought Senate majority.”
In addition to DeCasper and DeMaura, several other prominent Republican figures have been tapped for key roles within the NRSC. Cara Mason, a veteran of President Trump’s campaign efforts, will serve as the NRSC’s finance director, while Nathan Brand will join the team as Scott’s senior adviser.
Brendan Jaspers, who previously held the role of director of campaigns at the conservative Club for Growth, will take on the role of political director at the NRSC. The committee’s communications director will be Joanna Rodriguez, currently overseeing communications for Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), who will serve as vice chair of the NRSC for the 2026 cycle.
Veteran Senate staffer Brennen Britton will take on the role of director of external affairs, while Brittney Godoy, who has led Scott’s fundraising efforts in the past, will be the senior finance adviser.
A Strong, Conservative Team for 2026
In a statement about the NRSC’s strategic direction, Senator Ricketts expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed. “It will take a team of seasoned, conservative operatives to ensure President Trump has a Senate majority for his entire term, and that’s exactly who Senator Scott has lined up,” Ricketts said. “I’m especially excited to see a member of my senior staff, Joanna Rodriguez, join the team. She will share her experience crafting winning, conservative messages with incumbents and challengers across the map. As an NRSC Vice Chair and in-cycle Senator, I’m confident this team will do whatever it takes to win races and champion President Trump’s agenda of prosperity and security.”
The NRSC emphasized the importance of the diverse political experience represented within the new team. From grassroots campaigning to national-level strategy, the committee is positioning itself to maintain and expand the GOP Senate majority in the upcoming cycle.
The 2026 Senate elections are expected to feature several competitive races, with particular attention on the seats of Senator Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine). With this in mind, the NRSC’s new team will be working tirelessly to ensure a strong showing for Republican candidates in these and other battleground states.
Meanwhile, the Democrat side is preparing for a fierce contest as well. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has already made an aggressive pitch to her party to assume the role of Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) chairwoman for the 2026 cycle. Central to her campaign is the argument that Democrats must work harder to appeal to voters in purple areas, a demographic she believes is crucial for securing victories. The Democrat Party’s inability to connect with Americans in recent elections has been a major discussion point amongst political commentators since Trump’s big win in November.
As both parties gear up for what is expected to be a highly competitive election cycle, the new NRSC team is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the GOP in the Senate. With a combination of seasoned leadership, strategic acumen, and a commitment to conservative values, Tim Scott and his team will look to secure a lasting Republican majority in the Senate.
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