Kelly D Johnston served as the 28th Secretary of the Senate from 1995-1996. At the the time, he was the second youngest to ever hold the position. He has also served as a press secretary and chief of staff to various Senators, and as Executive Director of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. Kelly has worked on 35 Senate and House campaigns in 25 states as a regional political director for national Republican committees. He is the proud father of two, including a National Guard leader currently deployed in DC, and grandfather of two.
In our conversation, we discuss:
How he was appointed to the Secretary of the Senate
Responsibilities of the role
War stories from his time as Secretary
How DC has changed over the past 30 years
Why Thune has failed to pass the SAVE Act and confirm many appointments
What will happen to the filibuster if Democrats take power again
Tensions between establishment and MAGA Republicans
The power of MAHA and his experience working for Campbell’s Soup
