Young Republicans National Federation Leadership Candidates Unite in “Together YR” Slate

Raleigh, NC – A slate of candidates backed by North Carolina’s Catherine Whiteford announced their candidacy for national Young Republicans leadership positions ahead of a YR gathering in Boise, Idaho. Whiteford, current Co-Chair of the Young Republican National Federation is running for national Chair of YRNF, flanked by Florida National Committeeman Jake Hoffman for Co-Chair and Ohio Young Republicans Chair Cody Petit. Additional candidates are expected to be announced for the slate, according to sources speaking to Right Now Oregon under condition of anonymity. The slate announced their campaign in a statement on social media:

The midterms have shown us just how divided our party has become, but they’ve also reminded us how important it is to find common ground and move forward with a shared purpose. We won’t always agree on everything, and that’s okay. Our differences can make us stronger when we approach them with mutual respect and a willingness to work together.

Like our party, the Young Republicans need leadership with a clear vision, a proven record of results, and the ability to bring people together.

Our slate brings some of the strongest Young Republican leaders from across the country, with experience building successful organizations, growing membership, and helping elect Republicans from local office all the way to Congress, and the White House.

We chose the name Together YR because we believe our success is shared. A rising tide lifts all boats, and when our states, chapters, and members succeed, our entire federation becomes stronger.

It’s time for a new chapter of Young Republican leadership. One focused on building each other up, delivering results, and moving our organization forward.

The future of YRNF is brighter Together.

Catherine Whiteford (North Carolina) for Chair

From leading national committees to delivering grassroots wins, Catherine has brought heart, hustle, and results to every level of the YR movement:

🌟 Transformed the North Carolina YRs into a powerhouse—growing from 8 to 32 chapters during her term as State Chair (2019–2023). Under her leadership, NC YRs made over 5 million voter contacts, raised six figures in grassroots dollars, and hosted four national deployments—including one just weeks after her first election as state chair.

📚 Built the foundation for future leaders as Chair of the YRNF Club Development Committee, where she authored the official Club Development Manual. Catherine also co-chaired the Policy & Resolutions Committee and now, as YRNF Co-Chairwoman, oversees all national committees and works directly with the Chief of Staff to execute strategic priorities.

🚪 Led boots-on-the-ground efforts in major races—organizing 22,000 doors for Dan Bishop’s NC-9 special election win, managing 50+ Trump campaign canvassers as a regional field director, and driving large-scale voter registration through PAC-backed initiatives. She has continued to help efforts with our national deployments in 2024.

🎙 A trusted voice for young conservatives, Catherine has spoken on national panels at NYU and NC State, and hosted key sessions at YRLC on women in politics and emerging campaign challenges with AI. She was named NCFYR Woman of the Year in 2020 and featured in the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics & Public Affairs 40 Under 40.

🛠 Focused on structure and sustainability, she modernized the NCFYR constitution to include a sexual harassment policy and dispute resolution framework, and created the first-ever YR Legislative Caucus in the NC General Assembly. She’s now helping other states build their own caucuses through her role on the YRNF Legislative Affairs Committee.

Jake Hoffman (Florida) for Co-Chair

Jake was first elected to serve as Florida’s National Committeeman in June of 2021 and re-elected in 2023 and 2025. He previously served as the Tampa Bay YR Chairman and currently as TBYR’s Executive Director.

During his time as TBYR Chair, Hoffman grew the organization to the second largest chapter in the country. Hoffman continues to play a significant role in Republican politics in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region, where he provides consulting & data services for numerous state and local campaigns.

Jake is a University of South Florida graduate and currently resides in the central Florida city of Tampa.

Cody Petit (Ohio) for Vice Chair

Cody Pettit is the Chairman of the Ohio Young Republicans. He founded the Muskingum Young Republican Club in 2015, and has been on the board since 2016. Cody has volunteered on numerous campaigns since he started volunteering with the party in 2008. He is very engaged in his community being an active member of the Zanesville Noon Rotary and the creator of a young professional group in Muskingum County.

Editor’s Note

Right Now Oregon, LLC President Alex McHaddad is Treasurer of the Young Republicans of Oregon. Right Now Oregon, LLC has not and will not be endorsing candidates.