States United Democracy Center Welcomes William Kristol and Stephen Richer to Bipartisan Advisory Board
Washington, D.C. — The States United Democracy Center is pleased to announce that William Kristol, former Chief of Staff to Vice President Dan Quayle in the George H. W. Bush administration, and Stephen Richer, former Recorder of Maricopa County, Ariz., have joined its Bipartisan Advisory Board. Both bring extensive experience in government, elections, and the rule of law. They share States United’s commitment to upholding democracy, protecting the integrity of elections, and uplifting the power of states.
“Bill and Stephen are fierce defenders of democracy,” said Joanna Lydgate, CEO of States United. “Their insights and leadership will further sharpen our support of the state officials and law enforcement leaders working tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and defend our system of checks and balances.”
Kristol, a prominent conservative analyst and commentator, brings decades of experience in public policy and political strategy. “Joining the States United Advisory Board offers a critical opportunity to work with committed leaders who understand the importance of safeguarding democracy at a time when our institutions face unprecedented challenges,” he said. “Protecting the integrity of our democracy is not a partisan issue—it’s an American imperative.”
Richer, a leading voice for election integrity and transparency at the state and local level, also emphasized the importance of working across party lines to protect democracy. “I am honored to join the States United Advisory Board and further the critical efforts to strengthen our democracy,” he said. “Democracy doesn’t just happen—it relies on the dedication of state officials and law enforcement leaders who safeguard our elections and uphold the rule of law. I am excited to contribute my perspective and experience alongside such group of like-minded leaders.”
Throughout their careers, Kristol and Richer have demonstrated steadfast commitment to defending democracy and protecting the integrity of American elections. Kristol’s decades of experience in public policy and thought leadership combined with Richer’s invaluable on-the-ground experience in upholding election integrity will be instrumental to informing States United’s work at the state and national levels.
The addition of Kristol and Richer underscores States United’s commitment to bipartisan solutions that strengthen American democracy. The Bipartisan Advisory Board is comprised of former state and federal officials, issue experts, and law enforcement leaders who are committed to protecting the will of the people and the rule of law.
Other members of the Bipartisan Advisory Board include:
- Donald Ayer, Former United States Deputy Attorney General
- Greg Brower, Former Assistant Director and Deputy General Counsel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Steve Bullock, Former Governor of Montana
- Michael Chertoff, Former United States Secretary of Homeland Security
- Tom Coleman, Former Missouri Congressman
- Jack Conway, Former Attorney General of Kentucky
- Frankie Sue Del Papa, Former Attorney General of Nevada
- John J. Farmer, Jr., Former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey and Attorney General of New Jersey
- Trey Grayson, Former Secretary of State of Kentucky
- Jim Hood, Former Attorney General of Mississippi
- Rachel Kleinfeld, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian, Sheriff of Middlesex County, Massachusetts
- Jahna Lindemuth, Former Attorney General of Alaska
- Patricia Madrid, Former Attorney General of New Mexico
- Janet Napolitano, Former Governor of Arizona
- Kathleen O’Toole, Partner at 21CP Solutions and Former Chief of the Seattle Police Department
- Chuck Ramsey, Founder and Partner at 21CP Solutions and Former Chief of Police in Washington, D.C.
- Tom Rath, Former Attorney General of New Hampshire
- Tom Ridge, Former Governor of Pennsylvania
- Sarah R. Saldaña, Former Director of Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- Michael Steele, Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
- Joyce Vance, Former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama
- Bill Weld, Former Governor of Massachusetts
- Christine Todd Whitman, Former Governor of New Jersey
- Kim Wyman, Former Secretary of State of Washington
Norman Eisen, who previously served as a co-chair, concluded his service to the organization in April 2024.
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About the States United Democracy Center
States United is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the rule of law and free, fair, secure elections. We provide direct support to state officials and law enforcement leaders as they uphold the law and our system of checks and balances, protect public safety, defend elections, and preserve our democracy. For more information, visit statesunited.org.