Kelly Fenton Announces Run for Deputy Chair of Minnesota GOP

Kelly Fenton, current Minnesota Excellence in Public Service (MEPS) president and long-time political activist, recently announced her run for deputy chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota.

The Woodbury resident made the announcement a week after Michael Brodkorb’s resignation.

"With the 2012 elections just 12 months away, there is much at stake for our party and for Minnesota. It is imperative that Republicans retain the impressive gains from 2010 and build upon that success," Fenton said in a statement. "My commitment to winning more elected offices and communicating the Republican solutions to all Minnesotans is unwavering. It would be an honor to serve alongside the thousands of grassroots volunteers across our state to promote the Republican Party of Minnesota and its candidates. I have the knowledge, experience and skills to make a difference on day one."

Republican Sen. Ted Lillie—who represents Woodbury—said Fenton would "make an outstanding deputy chair."

"I have no doubt that she has the qualifications and passion to succeed in this position," he said in a release. "Kelly’s training, strategy and campaign expertise will be huge assets to our party."

Fenton said she plans to spend the next six weeks earning the support of delegates across the state. She currently serves as president of the Minnesota Excellence in Public Service Series, a women’s leadership and political training program which has successfully prepared many state legislators and campaign managers.

Fenton continues to serve as campaign manager for Lillie. In 2010, the press cited this campaign as one of the most watched legislative races in the state of Minnesota, according to the release. After the win, she has added the role of political strategist/adviser to her resume.

Fenton is a former teacher and school administrator, and served under the leadership of former Secretary of Education Dr. Rod Paige while he was the Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District.

Fenton is a graduate of Marquette University and holds a master’s of administration and supervision from the University of Houston.