By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – Alabama State Rep. Danny Garrett of Trussville has been named to this year’s GOPAC list of emerging leaders.
GOPAC is an organization based out of Washington D.C. that focuses on the national development of future conservative leaders. Their Legislative Leaders Advisory Board chose Garrett as one of 23 members in the class of 2015.
According to Garrett, he met with the board many times over the last several months at different meetings and occasions.
“I think what they’re looking for were people with the potential to lead in strategy and in recruitment and in the practical things that we have to do to move our conservative message forward, and I guess my business background may have been helpful,” said Garrett.
The Republican credits his leadership ability to his willingness to trust and listen to those around him. Following the retirement of Arthur Payne last year, Garrett was elected to the state legislator.
He is joined on the Emerging Leaders list by Texas State Representative Craig Goldman, Arizona House Majority Leader Steve Monternegro, Nevada Assemblyman Derek Armstrong, New Hampshire State Representative Bart Fromuth, California Assemblywoman Young Kim, Utah State Senator Todd Weiler, Michigan State Representative Lee Chatfield, Florida State Senator Rob Bradley, South Carolina State Representative Daniel Hamilton, North Carolina State Representative Brian Brown and Kentucky State Senator Ralph Alvarado.
Rounding out GOPAC’s 2015 list is Oklahoma State Senator Stephanie Bice, Wisconsin State Representative Robert Brooks, Ohio State Senator David Burke, West Virginia State Senator Ryan Ferns, Indiana State Senator Erin Houchin, Indiana State Representative Cindy Kirchhofer, Indiana State Senator Erin Houchin, Ohio State Representative Sarah LaTourette, Georgia State Senator P.K. Martin, Virginia House Majority Whip Jackson Miller, Texas State Senator Charles Perry and New Jersey Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg.
Garrett said that he was both honored and surprised to join that prestigious company. He sees his platform as one that can help the recruitment of tomorrow’s conservative candidates.
“I’m excited about the opportunity,” said Garrett. “It will allow me to meet a lot of people that can help us build, attract and recruit conservative Republicans throughout the country and provide training for candidates.”
He sees his current roll as a culmination of many of his past opportunities. Garrett has extensive experience in the business field along with a history of communications for investor relations on Wall Street.
“Maybe they just looked at all of that and said, ‘this looks like something we can use,’” Garrett said.
He also points to his religious faith that has “opened doors” in his life, and he intends to use his most recent opening to strengthen a nation.
“It’s really about identifying leaders so we can get the country back on track, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to be a part of that,” Garrett said.