As stated in our governing documents, the purpose of the Executive Committee is to manage the functions of the Republican Party within Minnesota's Senate District 45 as the facilitator of administration for the Full Committee, and to create and maintain an effective and permanent SD45 Republicans organization based on the SD45 Republicans’ objectives.

 

Chair

Kathleen Fowke

As a former state senate candidate in 2022 and 2024, Kathleen understands the value of a strong team, a dedicated board, and a supportive family. In her state senate race, out of 56,760 votes she came within 1,412 votes of taking that seat. She outperformed President Trump in SD45. 

She's worked with several candidates and committees:

  • Jeff Johnson’s gubernatorial campaign
  • Vice Chair of CD3 (two terms)
  • Candidate forum organizer
  • Grassroots engagement (parades, phone calls, hosted gatherings)
  • 2016 RNC State Convention

[email protected] 

   

Deputy Chair

Travis Michels

Travis has served as our Deputy Chair since his election at our BPOU convention held in 2025.

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Treasurer

Brant Schulz

Brant has a long history supporting the Minnesota Republican party. Just a few of his most recent positions:

  • State Central Committee Alternate
  • Bonifacius Precinct Secretary
  • SD33/SD45 Delegate
  • CD3/State Delegate

[email protected]

   

Secretary

Wendy Beard

Wendy was last elected to serve as our secretary at our BPOU convention held in 2025.

[email protected]

   

At-Large Vice Chair

Shannon Bruce

Precinct Chair for Minnetrista 2A. State Central Delegate 2025. Served on the Minnetrista City Council 2017-2020. Campaign Committee Chair for 2022 Secretary of State candidate Kim Crockett. B.S. Political Science from the University of Colorado-Denver.

[email protected]

   

At-Large Vice Chair

Carrie Michels

Carrie has served as an At-Large Vice Chair since 2023.

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Vice Chair (45A)

Mike Bang

Mary has served as an Area Vice Chair since her election at our BPOU organizing convention held promptly after redistricting took effect in 2022.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45A)

Lisa Beal

Lisa has served as an Area Vice Chair since her election at our BPOU convention held in 2025.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45A)

Mary LeClaire

Mary has served as an Area Vice Chair since her election at our BPOU organizing convention held promptly after redistricting took effect in 2022.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45A)

Hana Qorri Banks

Hana previously served as an Area Vice Chair and as our treasurer. She has served as an Area Vice Chair since January 2026.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45B)

Denise Kozojed

Denize previously served as our secretary and chair. She has served as an Area Vice Chair since January 2026.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45B)

Scott Moss

Scott has served as an At-Large Vice Chair since 2023.

[email protected]

   

Vice Chair (45B)

Ryan Ness

Ryan has served as an Area Vice Chair since his election at our BPOU convention held in 2025.

[email protected]

   

Additional Vice Chair

Scott Graham

Scott has served as a liaison to the Republican Seniors of Minnesota (a state party affiliate) since our organizing convention was held promptly after redistricting took effect in 2022.  He was last appointed by the Executive Committee to serve as a Vice Chair in January 2026.

[email protected]

   

Additional Vice Chair

Steve Leventhal

Steve previously served as an Area Vice Chair and as our Secretary. He was last appointed by the Executive Committee to serve as a Vice Chair in January 2026.

[email protected]

Under our governing documents, the Executive Committee comprises:

  • the elected Officers of the SD45 Republicans, namely:
    • Chair,
    • Deputy Chair,
    • Secretary,
    • Treasurer,
    • up to 2 Vice Chairs representing Senate District 45 (at large),
    • up to 4 Vice Chairs representing House District 45A,
    • up to 4 Vice Chairs representing House District 45B, and
  • up to 5 additional Vice Chairs appointed by the Executive Committee.

Please contact us, if you are interested in serving in any open position.