Alyssa Erdel, deputy chief of staff for the House Republican Conference, describes her member services role as a “chameleon position” that shifts with the priorities of the lawmakers she supports. Whether working for the conference or a committee, her core mission remains constant: listen, identify gaps, build trust, solve problems, and fill voids.
Now serving under Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Erdel has expanded her portfolio to include managing the communications team, leading meetings, and collaborating on strategy and management. She continues to oversee member services, a role that puts her in constant contact with staff across the conference to assess their needs and connect them with resources.
One of the recent initiatives she highlighted is the “Meet the Cabinet” series, which gives House Republicans direct access to President Trump’s Cabinet members. The goal is to foster relationships and allow lawmakers to make specific requests, bridging the gap between the legislative and executive branches.
Erdel emphasized that connecting staff at the committee and administration levels is just as important as connecting principals. “It’s not about where they stand ideologically. It’s about what their need is,” she said, citing examples like providing Appropriations 101 training for members or their staff.
The conference has also launched mentorship programs for communications directors and schedulers, along with broader staff training. “It’s like arming the entire conference, giving them the tools to be successful,” Erdel said.
With 219 Republican members, each with unique needs, Erdel tailors her approach. For veteran members with stable teams, she works directly with their staffers; for others, she engages on a more personal level.
McClain’s vision, Erdel said, is to “lift up” every member of the House GOP—whether by helping them advocate for priorities with the administration, securing national media attention, resolving constituent issues, or learning about complex policy matters.
The key to success, she noted, is “knowing the members, knowing their districts, knowing their staff, understanding their constituencies.” She added, “Most importantly: Consistent execution, so when you’re hearing of something, you’re not just the eyes and ears—you are consistently executing and making this place just run a little bit smoother and be a little bit stronger.”
Erdel’s work comes as the GOP conference navigates a challenging political landscape, with some Republicans skipping major events like the Dallas midterm convention. Her efforts to strengthen member services are part of a broader strategy to unify the conference and enhance its effectiveness.
