JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – House Republican leadership announced Wednesday that Robert Knodell has been chosen as the new executive director of the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC).
HRCC serves as the political arm of Republican House Caucus, where their primary goal is electing Republican House members and retaining the current Republican super-majority.
“I believe in the conservative vision in this state that Speaker Todd Richardson and House Majority Leader Mike Cierpiot have,” said Knodell. “I plan to re-elect and elect a lot of good folks.”
Knodell has been involved with HRCC for many years, even previously serving as HRCC’s ED from 2007-2010 after holding other positions within the organization.
“Everything old is still new again,” said Knodell. “I’m looking forward to it.”
During his previous tenure, the House made its largest gains – picking up 17 seats and defeating 10 Democratic incumbents in the 2010 election.
“Robert helped me win my first campaign, he is one of the best political minds in the Midwest,” House Speaker Todd Richardson said. “He is the best person for the job, and I am excited about the veteran leadership he brings to lead our team in the 2016 election cycle.”
After serving two cycles as executive director of HRCC, Knodell went on to work as political director of the Missouri Republican Party and eventually became a partner in the consulting firm of Barklage and Knodell where he helped Republicans win state senate, congressional and statewide campaigns.
“I have known and worked with Robert for a long time, he has a long history with the organization and more importantly a history of winning tough races. HRCC is in need of his experience and leadership,” said Majority Floor Leader Mike Cierpiot.
Knodell did note that the campaign world is not what it was just 5 years ago, being much more data and social media driven.
“Voters are paying a lot more attention with greater social media, greater awareness of state issues, and greater coverage,” said Knodell. “There is a greater level of sophistication; campaigns have only gotten bigger since time has gone on.”
Knodell will begin the transition in the coming weeks and will officially begin his new role on Jan. 1, 2016.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
