Austin Young Republicans
The Austin Young Republicans exist for three reasons: so we may make friends, be offered political opportunities, and contribute to the greater Republican movement.
Benjamin Patrick Shrader
Statement of Candidacy and Purpose
I am running for Chair of the Austin Young Republicans because this organization has given me one of the greatest gifts of my life—friendship and a pathway into politics. That is the entire reason for our organization’s existence: so that our members may find fellowship with one another, and that the door to their political future, should they desire it, will be opened.
I have a deep and abiding love for this organization, and I will ensure that the Golden Age continues. I will stand as a bulwark against bad actors, and I will protect and respect our membership—because every person who joins this organization joins a special group, deserving of respect and fellowship, because they are one of us—they are an Austin Young Republican.
My experience spans the local, state, and national levels of the Young Republican movement. I have worked closely with the Texas Young Republican Federation, the Young Republican National Federation, and the local Republican Party. These relationships will strengthen our chapter’s influence, expand our reach, and ensure that the Austin Young Republicans remain a respected and effective part of the Republican family.
Beyond politics, I bring professional experience as the CEO of Shrader Promotions LLC, an event production company. I will ensure that the Austin Young Republicans host outstanding, well-organized events, both social and political. This is what I do for a living, and I will apply the same level of professionalism and precision here—drawing on my nine years of event experience and my network of contacts across Texas.
I chose to run a slate because unity is vital to the health and success of our organization. The unity of our membership is the key to our future. Every individual on this team has been personally approached and invited by me to join this movement or to continue serving in their current position.
Together, we will strengthen what was built, protect what we value, and carry forward the Golden Age of the Austin Young Republicans with integrity, professionalism, and purpose—in partnership with our fellow Young Republicans across Texas and our allies in the local Republican Party. Under my leadership, we will increase both our membership and our influence.
Unity Slate and Confirmed Leadership
Elected Positions
Benjamin Shrader, Chairman & President
Eric Han, Secretary
Bryan Swanick, Esq., Treasurer
Matt Tostenrude, Membership Director
Cameron Carlisle, Political Director
Nethanel Maldonado, Media Director
Appointed Caucus Leadership
Chair of Women’s Caucus: Noa Klionsky
Chair of Catholic Caucus: Varies
Chair of Tech/Entrepreneur Caucus: Sarah Kubrick
Chair of Capital Caucus: Dustin Tropp
Chair of Jewish Caucus: Varies
Chair of Blue State Refugee Caucus: Varies
Endorsements
Sydney Suss Tropp, AYR Chair, Club Development Director TYRF
Dustin Tropp, AYR Chair Emeritus
Jimmy Brymer, National Committeeman TYRF
Derek Wilson, Chair of Texas Young Republican Federation
Hannah Beth Jones, Vice Chair Texas Young Republican Federation
David Garza, Secretary TYRF
Regan Keith, Central Texas Regional Director and Bell County YR President
Courtney Trevino, National Committeewoman TYRF
Jacob Martinsen, Williamson County YR Chair
Tennyson Moreno, Hays County Young Republican Chair
Erik Parakakis, Policy Director Texas Young Republican Federation
Chase Bradstreet, Houston YR Chair
Lisa Clontz, Bastrop County YR Chair
Zach Boyer, New Braunfels YR Chair
Michael Salvo, Vice Chair Hays County YR
Jennifer Fleck, TCRP Chair
Caroline Harris, HD 52
Gerry Ward, President LTRC
Randy Purham, SREC Member
Recruit. Retain. Mobilize.
