WASHINGTON —The Heritage Foundation announced today that Steve Chartan is joining the organization as vice president of government relations.  

Chartan joins Heritage after a 15-year career advancing conservative policies on Capitol Hill and in the private sector. During his 12 years of congressional service, he held senior roles with leading conservative members. His most recent role in Congress was chief of staff to Senator Ted Cruz, serving as Senator Cruz’s top advisor and leading his official team. He began his tenure with Senator Cruz in 2015 as legislative director. Prior to that, Chartan was the founding executive director of the House Freedom Caucus. Under the chairmanship of Congressman Jim Jordan, he served as the organization’s lead legislative strategist. 

Previously, Chartan served as policy advisor for the Senate Steering Committee under two chairmen, Senator Mike Lee and Senator Pat Toomey. Before joining the Steering Committee, he was a legislative staff member for Senator Toomey. Following his congressional service, Chartan was a principal with AxAdvocacy, a government relations, public affairs, and strategic and crisis communications firm. Chartan is a graduate of Duke University.  

 Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts issued the following statement on Chartan joining the Heritage team:  

“America has a golden opportunity in front of her – a chance to lead a national renewal grounded in the principles that made this nation great.  With President Trump at the helm and conservatives leading Congress, we have the opportunity to restore the American dream for so many hard-working families across the country. 

 

“Steve Chartan is an invaluable part of the conservative movement, and we are excited to have him here at Heritage. His experience and dedication will be instrumental in equipping lawmakers with the research and policy expertise they need to craft legislation that puts the American people first. Welcome, Steve. The work to save our republic begins now.”    

Senator Ted Cruz gave the following statement on Chartan joining Heritage:  

“Steve was an exceptional chief of staff, a trusted top adviser, and a key member of my senior leadership team. He was integral as we fought for Texans and advanced conservative principles, and I am grateful for his friendship, wise counsel, policy and procedural expertise, and steady leadership. I congratulate him and Heritage on this announcement and look forward to working with him in his new role on behalf of all Americans to fight for conservative policy and hold Washington accountable.” 

Senator Mike Lee gave the following statement: 

“I have known Steve Chartan for over a decade and seen firsthand his effectiveness, policy knowledge, and procedural skill. He has been a steadfast ally in the fight for freedom in America and I look forward to continuing to work with Steve in his new role at Heritage, a pillar of the conservative movement.” 

Congressman Jim Jordan also gave a statement:  

“Steve Chartan is a seasoned strategist and principled conservative warrior. As executive director, he was instrumental in the House Freedom Caucus’s early successes. He will be a welcome addition to the Heritage team and I look forward to working with him.”    

Chartan also released a statement on joining the Heritage team:  

“It is an honor to join Heritage at this pivotal time for our country. Under Kevin Roberts’ leadership, Heritage is relentlessly fighting to restore American greatness and preserve it for future generations. I look forward to working with the experts and thought leaders at Heritage and policymakers in Congress and the administration in this critical effort.”