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Statement
February 19, 2026

Kansas SB 244 Reinforces Sex-Based Protections in State Law

Washington, D.C.—The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Stephanie Whitt, Chief State Action and Engagement Officer, in response to Kansas lawmakers’ decision to override Governor Laura Kelly’s veto of the state’s transgender bathroom ban, ensuring that women will no longer be forced to share private spaces with biological men in public buildings. “Kansas lawmakers have taken an important and bold step to stand up for women and girls by restoring clarity, common sense, fairness, and safety to state law and affirming that sex is a biological reality, not a subjective identity.
News Release
February 17, 2026

America First Policy Institute Names Travis Ricketts as Ohio State Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Columbus, OH—The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) announced public affairs strategist and government relations expert Travis Ricketts as Ohio State Manager of AFPI-Ohio, expanding operations in the Buckeye State as AFPI continues its work codifying the America First agenda into lasting law across state legislatures nationwide.

Travis previously served as Majority Policy Advisor to two Speakers of the Ohio House of Representatives, where he managed legislative priorities across seven committees and advised 249 bills, with 50 enacted into law. Travis also serves as Chair of the Pickaway County Republican Party and Central Ohio Regional Representative to the state GOP.

I am honored to join America First Policy Institute and carry this mission forward in Ohio," said Travis Ricketts. "AFPI is doing some of the most important policy work in the country — helping states transform America First principles into permanent policy that protects families, strengthens communities. Ohio has always punched above its weight in shaping the direction of this nation, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with members of the Ohio legislature to build on the wins we've already achieved and deliver even more."

"Travis Ricketts is exactly the kind of seasoned, results-driven leader AFPI needs on the ground in Ohio," said Stephanie Whitt, AFPI's Chief State Action and Engagement Officer. "His deep relationships at the Statehouse, his record of turning policy priorities into enacted law, and his roots in Ohio politics make him uniquely positioned to lead our efforts in the state. It is no coincidence that we are growing our presence in Ohio as we continue expanding the America First movement's footprint across states from coast to coast. The work being done state by state is how policy priorities become lasting law, and Travis will be a driving force in Ohio."

For more information, please visit our website.

Statement
February 17, 2026

AFPI: NC Voter Roll Settlement Highlights Importance of SAVE America Act

Washington, D.C.—The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) issued the following statement from Kevin Daniels, Executive Director of North Carolina’s State Chapter, in response to news that 73,000 North Carolina voters registered without proper identification will remain on the voter rolls following a settlement agreement:

Secure, credible elections start with accurate voter rolls and enforceable ID verification. While the left may celebrate weakening these safeguards, Americans want and deserve safe and reliable elections whose results they can trust.

That is exactly what the SAVE America Act is designed to do. The bill requires documented proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote, directs states to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls, and adds a photo voter ID requirement before casting a ballot in federal elections.

These are the basic building blocks of election integrity, and fundamental for creating an election system the public can believe in.”

Latest

Op-Ed | February 20, 2026

Transparency Is Public Safety: Medicaid Oversight and Honest Governance Matter

On March 7, 2025, 39-year-old Rick Clemmer was found dead in his East Side St. Paul, Minnesota apartment after several days without contact from medical providers paid to oversee his care. The medical examiner attributed his death to an enlarged heart. But for his mother, Mickey Clemmer, that explanation left the most troubling question unanswered: how did a man enrolled in a Medicaid-funded program designed to provide daily supervision end up entirely alone?

Statement | February 20, 2026

AFPI Responds to SCOTUS Ruling in Learning Resources v. Trump

Decision does not weaken case for strong America First trade policy.

Op-Ed | February 19, 2026

Europe’s Fate Is America’s Business

Deep into a second Trump term, and not only has the United States not fulfilled that prophecy, it has doubled down on what is arguably the most consequential defense of Europe in generations.

Expert Insights | February 19, 2026

HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS FROM ENERGY DOMINANCE: ONE YEAR LATER

One year into the Energy Dominance agenda, the facts are already clear and unsurprising: abundance trumps scarcity, freedom beats mandates, and energy price spikes are cooling and even falling. When bureaucracy and red tape grow, the American people suffer at the meter and at the pump.

Op-Ed | February 18, 2026

Open Borders Led to an Explosion of Human Trafficking Victims. We Can Stop It.

A humanitarian crisis has been unfolding inside America's borders, largely ignored for years: the mass trafficking of vulnerable children. National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month comes to a close this year, with a promising update: 2,700 child exploitation victims have been located by the Department of Justice in just one year under President Trump’s leadership.

Op-Ed | February 17, 2026

How to Lead on Iran Through the America First Playbook

Most Americans can feel it: the world is on edge. Things are moving fast, and actions carry real consequences. This is one of those moments when leadership matters — not flashy speeches or empty promises, but steady hands and clear judgment. That’s what people expect from a president, and it’s what President Donald Trump has shown he understands.

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