The College Republicans of America (CRA), a hard-right student organisation, is experiencing rapid growth across US college campuses. Founded in 2023, the CRA now claims to represent 350 college chapters and has outflanked more moderate rivals.
This expansion comes amidst significant ideological and personal disputes within the wider college Republican movement. Chaston Atkins, chair of the Georgia Association of College Republicans, stated that no national college Republican group is currently receiving recognition from the Republican National Committee due to this internal conflict.
The CRA's approach is exemplified by its political director, Kai Schwemmer, a 23-year-old undergraduate at Brigham Young University. Schwemmer's hiring by a Utah county clerk's office last month to reach younger voters sparked an uproar, with over 80 prominent women in Utah signing a letter of protest. Critics cited his past remarks, including suggestions that women are unsuited for public office and endorsements of "family voting."
Martin Bertao, the CRA's president, has defended the group's stance, stating it "will never back down to the WOKE mob!" He also noted that the CRA endorsed Donald Trump soon after he announced his 2024 re-election campaign, in contrast to more moderate groups.