Pro-God

Pro-Trump

Pro-Gun

Pro-Family

Pro-Life

Meet Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper

Proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame Inductee

As a native Floridian who has lived in Polk County since the age of 17, I have a deep understanding of the unique issues facing our area. With 20 years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, I bring firsthand military experience to the table. In 2019, I was honored with induction into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

Additionally, my background as a small business owner and cattlewoman, coupled with my role as Chair of the Lake Wales Census Complete Count Committee, has provided me with invaluable insight into local concerns.

My involvement in grassroots politics began in 2012 when I volunteered for Vets for Freedom, later assuming the role of Central Florida Regional Director. This led to my participation in efforts that contributed to the passing of the VA Accountability Act of 2014.

I subsequently served as the State Director of Veterans for Donald J. Trump for President, as well as Polk County Vice-Chair and one of Florida’s 29 electors. Over the years, I have been actively engaged in various capacities, including serving on the National Veterans for Trump Advisory Board.

Presently, I continue my advocacy work for veterans both in Florida and nationwide. I have collaborated with Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Rick Scott on various initiatives, including their campaign vote recounts.

For the past five years, I have served on Senator Scott’s Military Academy Selection Board. Additionally, I held the position of Florida Veterans Coalition Director for Governor Ron DeSantis in 2018 and 2022. My involvement extends to numerous military, veteran, business, and political organizations at the county, state, and national levels.

At the local level, I am deeply engaged as a precinct committeewoman and have served as president of the Veteran’s Republican Club of Polk County since its inception in 2019. Previously, I held the presidency of the Republican Club of Lakeland in 2019 and 2020. Since 2010, I have been a member of the Polk County Executive Committee and have actively contributed to local Republican politics.

Additionally, I hold membership in organizations such as the Florida Federation of Republican Women, the Plant City Republican Women’s Club Federated, and the Republican Women’s Club of Lakeland.

I was also honored to recently be appointed to serve as Chair of the Florida Federation of Republican Women’s Armed Forces Committee, and as a Delegate for the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

My family has a strong military background, with my husband being a combat-wounded Vietnam Army veteran, and two of our four children having served. As a grandmother of five, I am deeply invested in the future and remain committed to safeguarding our Second Amendment rights, advocating for veterans, and championing the principles of the Republican Party.

The State Committeewoman (SCW) is elected on the Republican primary ballot, in a countywide election, serving a four-year term. The SCW represents Polk County on the leadership team of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF).

I promise to dedicate myself to helping Republicans win elections at every level of government, building a bench of qualified conservative candidates, growing the Republican Party of Florida, and holding our elected officials accountable.

Platform

Dear Fellow Polk County Republicans,

Floridians are fed up with establishment politicians and corporate media. As your next State Committeewoman, I am committed to fighting for our conservative values. If elected, I will continue:

Helping Republicans Win Elections at Every Level of Government:

This pillar focuses on supporting Republican candidates across all levels of government, from local to national, by providing resources, strategic guidance, and grassroots support to ensure electoral success.

Building a Bench of Strong Conservative Candidates:

This pillar aims to identify, recruit, and develop a diverse array of conservative leaders who can effectively represent Republican values and priorities in government. It involves mentorship, training, and support programs to cultivate a robust pipeline of future candidates.

Growing the Republican Party of Florida:

This pillar concentrates on expanding the influence, membership, and engagement of the Republican Party within the state of Florida. It involves outreach efforts, community building, and messaging campaigns to attract new supporters and strengthen existing connections.

Holding Our Elected Officials Accountable:

This pillar underscores the importance of transparency, integrity, and responsiveness in governance. It involves monitoring the performance of Republican officials, advocating for accountability measures, and ensuring they fulfill their promises and obligations to the constituents they serve.

Elect Kat for Polk County Republican State Committeewoman

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Political advertisement paid for and approved by Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper, Republican, for Polk County Republican State Committeewoman. Neither military info nor photographs of Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper in uniform imply endorsement of Kathryn “Kat” Gates-Skipper for Polk County Republican State Committeewoman by the Department of Defense or its particular military departments.