Republican Women of Kentucky are very unique. They hosted the third Biennial Convention of the National Federation of Republican women in Lexington, Kentucky on September 7-8, 1944 – three years before becoming member the National Federation.

The first Lady of Kentucky, Mrs. Simeon Willis, gave the Welcome, and Governor Willis and Presidential Candidate, Thomas E. Dewey addressed the convention.

Three years later, in 1947, Republican women met with Mrs. Willis at the Governor’s Mansion in Frankfort, for the purpose of forming a State Federation. Governor and Mrs. Willis are reported to have taken a great interest in helping make the Kentucky Federation a reality. Their objective was to organize a club in each of the 120 counties.

The KFRW reached a high in 1967, when they were credited with having been a major influence in the election of Republican Louie B. Nunn as Governor of Kentucky. Governor and Mrs. Nunn showed their appreciation to the KFRW in numerous ways over the next four years, and membership reached 3,990 and 83 active clubs.

Since that time members of the KFRW have formed an invaluable network of grassroots volunteers in the Republican Party across Kentucky. Many elected official on the local, State, and national level will attest to this influence in their campaigns.

Most recently the KFRW was a mighty force in the 2003 election when Ernie Fletcher became the third Republican governor of Kentucky. Additionally, for the first time Republicans were elected to two state constitutional offices: Trey Grayson as Secretary of State and Richie Farmer as Commissioner of Agriculture. On election night of 2008, Kentucky was the first state called for the McCain / Palin ticket.

The KFRW continues to GROW, TEACH, TRAIN. RECRUIT, and ELECT Republicans while showcasing Republican Women candidates, and championing women’s issues.