A renewed voice for conservatives

In 1983, five members of Congress, led by Rep. Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), huddled in a room in the Cannon House Office Building to discuss an idea that would change the House of Representatives forever. They sought to establish a vanguard of conservatives who could ultimately lead the Republican Party to reclaim the House majority for the first time in 38 years.

Those men saw America fading from the conservative ideals upon which our nation was founded. They were not in search of grand designs, but a return to proven principles. They conceived the Conservative Opportunity Society on values of free markets, individual liberty, and limited government. It is time we return to these founding principles.

While that was a different decade, rhetoric like “defund the police” and policies that hurt small businesses and erode the rule of law all across America — generate the same emotions in me that the federal welfare state of the 1980s brought about in Mr. Gingrich. As our party’s leadership begins a new chapter, it is critical that dedicated conservatives have a united voice and an energized coalition. This group can be the guiding light.

As the newly elected chairman of the Conservative Opportunity Society, I can promise that we will push a conservative agenda that represents these same values many before me have sought to protect.

An honest and responsible Congress, which the American people can trust, was at the heart of the society’s founding. Like Mr. Gingrich, I am an unapologetic fighter. I want to rekindle the flame that transformed the Republicans and assemble a resilient force that stands as a bulwark against government overreach. I want this force to exist not only in the 117th Congress, but every Congress moving forward.

The Conservative Opportunity Society will not simply be an opposition force to show what conservatives are against, but an advocate of what conservatives stand for. Specifically, how conservative ideas can translate into action that would benefit the American people and earn their support in every Congress moving forward. The values preached by our founders have stood the test of time. It is the obligation of each generation of conservative leaders to remind the American people of that fundamental truth.

Our nation was built on the promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” and without the defense of economic freedom, limited government, and conservative values, these promises are in grave danger. These very principles have made America a blueprint for success, therefore we need our party to promote and steward them for generations to come.

Ralph Norman represents the 5th District of South Carolina.