BCYR* is an organization for young Republicans, families, students and patriots who want to keep Bastrop County a Republican stronghold, ages 18-40 in Bastrop County, associate members above age 40 are welcome, too!
*Official chapter of the Texas Young Republican Federation
About Us
The Bastrop County Young Republicans is an organization created to connect, educate and activate young professionals, families, patriots and students between the ages of 18 and 40 in support of the Republican Party.
This chapter is a member of the Texas Young Republicans Federation (TYRF) which is an auxiliary to the Republican Party of Texas.
Our Mission
Connect and engage Young Republicans to build community and develop the next generation of Republican leaders.
Educate and empower Young Republicans through grassroots training and networking with local and statewide activists, leaders, legislators and representatives.
Activate Young Republicans to participate in the political process and campaigns at levels, attend state and national board meetings, register voters and run for public office.
Lisa Clontz
Chair
Lisa Clontz is the Chair of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, a proud mother of two boys, an experienced entrepreneur and a seasoned paralegal across many verticals of law.
With over a decade of experience in growth & digital marketing and three successful exits as a business founder, Lisa brings a results-driven, strategic mindset to her leadership role. She plans to use those skills to grow the Bastrop County Young Republicans chapter by increasing membership, amplifying engagement, and empowering the next generation of conservative leaders.
Passionate about preserving freedom, promoting traditional values, and serving the local community, Lisa is committed to ensuring that young Republicans in Bastrop have a strong, active, and united voice.
Samantha Gerdes, J.D.
Vice Chair
Sam Gerdes has served as General Counsel for LaRue Tactical since 2012 where her main areas of practice are intellectual property, international and domestic firearm regulation, contracts, and labor law. Sam has extensive experience in the firearms industry and is intimately familiar with the manufacture, acquisition, possession, ownership and sale of firearms and items that are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Sam is a member of the Junior League of Austin, a founding board member and Vice Chair of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, serves on the executive board of the Capitol Republican Women, and is a past-President and founder of the New Orleans Chapter of the Texas Exes. She was named a member of the 2024 Texas Federation of Republican Women's "40 Under 40" Class.
Sam and her husband, Representative Stan Gerdes, are both proud graduates of the University of Texas and reside in Smithville, Texas with their son, Stanley.
Kyle Mercer
Treasurer
Kyl Mercer is a business owner, born and riased Texan.
Kylie Cunningham-Straznicky
Secretary
Kylie Cunningham Straznicky is a sixth-generation Texan with deep roots in the Lone Star State.
A registered nurse by profession, she has specialized in emergency care, leadership, and program management. Kylie is passionate about advancing liberty, free-market principles, and personal responsibility—values that guide both her personal and political life. Her mission is to help ensure that Texas remains true to its heritage and values.
A founding board member of the Bastrop County Young Republicans, Kylie has also served in leadership roles with other liberty-focused organizations. Outside of her civic and professional commitments, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring the Texas outdoors.
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