JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Republican Party has its new executive director.
Monday afternoon, the party announced that Louisiana political operative Austin Stukins would serve in the position starting March 27 of this year. The Missouri GOP President Todd Graves said Stukins, a “real deal Cajun from New Orleans,” impressed him with his work for the Republican National Committee and for the GOP in Louisiana.
“We like the fact that he went through Louisiana where they defeated [U.S. Sen.] Mary Landrieu,” Graves said. “We have a similar situation in 2018 with Claire McCaskill, a Senator that’s out of step with the people of the state.”
Landrieu’s Senate seat was occupied by Democrats since 1883 before she lost in 2014.
The party undertook a national search effort and Graves said Stukins stood out not just from his work ethic, but also his goal-oriented and self-organized mindset as well as his sense of humor.
Before entering politics, Stukins served as a Marine from 2002 in mostly administrative roles as a Sergeant, including work under then-Brigadier Gen. Joseph Dunford, who now serves as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Stukins was deployed on a combat tour during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After receiving an honorable discharge, he began his work in politics, serving on the successful campaign of former Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne. He most recently served as the digital and political director of the Louisiana Republican Party.
Even in a state that electorally has become incredibly red after the 2016 elections, Stukins believes there is “always room for improvement” and says he is focused on growing the party.
“Any state party should strive for that,” Stukins said. “We can’t do that without being a more inclusive party. I’m not saying we haven’t been in the past, but obviously, we would like to expand on our gains. There’s always room for improvement. We should always strive to do better. We can never be complacent in our gain.”
On top of that, he’s confident in his ability to set up ground operations and his grassroots organizing skills. Most of all, he’s excited for the chance to lead Missouri’s dominant party.
“For anyone that works in the party apparatus, it’s a huge opportunity,” Stukins said.
