PERSON: Gus Portela

College Republican National Committee

Executive Director

Gus Portela is serving as the National Executive Director. Gus, born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, has been active in Michigan politics since his sophomore year in high school. Gus is a political operative having worked on multiple campaigns in Michigan and most recently as the Political Director for the College Republican National Committee for the 2014 cycle and on Rick Santorum’s Presidential campaign in 2012 as a part of the Delegate Operations Team. Additionally, Gus worked for the Michigan based firm Strategic National.

Gus worked his way up from being a member of the College Republicans his freshman year at his college, to becoming first Hispanic Chairman of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans for the 2010-2011 cycle, one that proved to be extremely successful for the organization shattering fundraising records, expansion in number of chapters, and improved online presence. Under his leadership, the Michigan College Republicans helped to bring a new Republican Governor to Michigan, a majority in the state house, and a super majority in the state senate. Gus’ work with the Michigan Federation of College Republicans aided in the capture of two Congressional seats, as well as, abetting the election of a new Republican Attorney General and Secretary of State.

Most recently, Gus was named to Red Alert Politics 30 under 30 and Newsmax’s 30 most influential Republicans under 30. As a proud Hispanic Republican, Portela’s biggest passion is to bridge the gap between Hispanic voters and the Republican Party.

— crnc.org