America’s Comeback Starts in the States: CEO Update

What an unforgettable week in Indianapolis.

Our 52nd Annual Meeting was not just another conference. It was a bold demonstration of the power of the states and the incredible momentum of the ALEC network. More than 1,600 leaders gathered in the heartland of America, joined by a record number of elected officials, to support our mission of building this country from the states up. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength of ALEC’s bench. More than 114 members of Congress are ALEC alumni, as are five current cabinet secretaries. And just days after the meeting, our 2024 National Chair, Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson, announced the launch of his campaign for governor. This is a clear example of how ALEC equips leaders with the ideas, support, and experience necessary to serve at the highest levels.

Throughout the week, West Virginia Senator Patricia Rucker, our ALEC National Chair for 2025, took to the stage with grace, poise, and conviction. She reminded all why ALEC legislators are seen as the stewards of American renewal.

But the real star of the week was Indiana. Not just because it served as our host state, but because it showed us what strong, principled state leadership looks like. Governor Mike Braun and Speaker Todd Huston were everywhere. On stage. Behind the scenes. Helping us develop and shape the program from the word go. They proved to be a great example of why the Midwest stands as a symbol of American strength and resilience.

I was honored to kick off the meeting with a powerful conversation with Department of Education (ED)Secretary Linda McMahon. A trailblazer, a job creator, and one of the few people in Washington ever hired to eliminate their own job, her outlook on reforming the ED and improving the services the department provides will help provide parents with the power they need to shape their child’s future. Sec. McMahon knows what it means to lead, and she is doing it with clarity and courage.

Day two saw the return of our friend Dr. Arthur Laffer to the ALEC stage, along with his trademark energy and optimism, to deliver a masterclass in common-sense economics. I had the honor of joining him and his son-in-law, Michigan Senator Jonathan Lindsey, for a conversation that blended family values, fiscal discipline, and the economic agenda that continues to shape America’s future.

That afternoon, Stephen Moore took the stage with his trademark clarity and conviction, offering an unfiltered assessment of the economy and explaining how the Big Beautiful Bill will foster America’s long-term prosperity. Next, I had the honor of leading a timely discussion with Catherine Hogan of JPMorgan Chase and Illinois Assistant Minority Leader John Cabello on financial innovation and its impact on Main Street and the broader economy.

Then Vivek Ramaswamy, a frequent ALEC speaker, took the mic and lit up the room. Focused, fearless, and fired up, he delivered a compelling case for a national revival grounded in cultural confidence and economic freedom. If the energy he brought to our stage is any indication, Ohio voters are in for something special.

Friday morning delivered a memorable session as Governor Mike Braun took to the stage for a one-on-one conversation on what makes states succeed with ALEC President Jonathan Williams. Fresh off his service in the U.S. Senate, Governor Braun brought a national perspective grounded in Indiana values. Continuing the Hoosier State theme, attendees were treated to a video message from Senator Jim Banks and an inspiring in-person address from Congresswoman Victoria Spartz.

We were also honored to welcome Dr. Kevin Roberts from the Heritage Foundation as part of the program. As always, Dr. Roberts provided both insight and inspiration, reminding us why our shared principles still matter. His leadership has carried forward the mission that Dr. Ed Feulner helped launch more than 50 years ago. It was especially poignant to hear from Dr. Roberts just hours before we learned of Dr. Feulner’s passing. A true giant of the conservative movement, Ed was instrumental in ALEC’s founding and remained a steadfast ally throughout his life. In Dr. Roberts, Heritage has a worthy successor.

From our tour of Eli Lilly’s state-of-the-art facility to the financial insights shared by leaders at JPMorgan Chase, we saw firsthand how sound policy creates strong partnerships and vibrant communities. We saw it in EdChoice CEO Robert Enlow’s compelling presentation on education freedom and the future of school choice. We saw it again as Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, honored Oklahoma Representative Mark Lepak for his principled efforts on behalf of Oklahomans. From Informing America’s efforts to restore trust in journalism to the Heritage Foundation’s ten bold policy priorities aimed at renewing the American Dream, the contributions of all our partners helped make this Annual Meeting one of the strongest in ALEC’s history.

We left Indianapolis with new ideas and a renewal of purpose. But that is far from the end. Now, we look forward to Fort Worth, where our States and Nation Policy Summit will continue this momentum. To tackle new model policies, new hopes, and new dreams. For our work does not rest on our accomplishments, but on our ambitions to build and improve for us and the generations to come.

Thank you for all you do to keep this movement strong. The Annual Meeting may be behind us, but the job never is. And that is the American way.

See you in Fort Worth.