About Me
WHO IS KAITLYN?
Kaitlyn is an eighteen year old Montanan running to Represent House District 84 in the Montana State Legislature.
Most recently, Kaitlyn was named “The Distinguished Young Woman of Montana” for 2022. She represented Montana at the National DYW Finals in Alabama in June of 2022.
Kaitlyn plans to attend Carroll College in the fall of 2022 to study Communications, Catholic Studies, and Political Science after having been awarded the prestigious Bishop Carroll Scholarship.
Kaitlyn currently serves as the Deputy Communications Director for Matt Rosendale for U.S. Congress, has served as the Office Manager for the Montana Republican Party, is a Valedictorian of Helena High School, and a graduate of the National Honor Society.
“While I am only 18 years old and have never run for elected office before, I view that as an advantage. Our political system isn’t working for so many people, meanwhile the same politicians continue to get elected over and over again while only serving their own interests. I am able to step into the job on day 1 and bring a fresh perspective to the Montana Legislature.”
“I feel that it’s unfair for me to complain about issues in the state if I’m not willing to get involved myself.”
Kaitlyn is tremendously excited about the prospect of representing the constituents of House District 84 in the 68th Legislative Session.
THE ISSUES
PRO-FAMILY
Providing Excellent Education in our Schools
As a current Student, it is important to me now more than ever to ensure that other students in our Helena and East Helena schools are provided with a top notch education. We need to return control of schools to the local level and let parents and local communities make the best decisions about what will be taught in the classroom.
Fighting for Life
It’s simple. Every human life is precious and deserving of protection in law. I am proud to have seen the progress made in the 2021 Legislative session with protecting Life, but there is still more work to be done. As a young female, I am the target market of the abortion industry. While anyone can do a great job at bringing Pro-Life legislation onto the floor of our state house, my unique perspective as a young, adopted, Montana woman, will help push this life-saving legislation above and beyond.
PRO-FREEDOM
Reducing the Size and Scope of Government
It seems like the government continues to grow every single day. It’s my belief that the best person to make decisions about their own life, is the individual, not the government. The vast majority of Americans just want to be left alone to raise their families, go to work, and live their life. As a state representative I will always vote to reduce the size of government and vote to get government out of the lives of the citizens of Montana.
Protecting YOUR Second-Amendment Rights
I will work tirelessly to defend the Constitution, especially the Second-Amendment. Firearms are an essential part of Montana Life, and your rights to defend yourself and your families are under attack like never before by an out-of-hand federal administration. As I like to say, the Second Amendment protects the other 26.
PRO-FUTURE
Combating the Drug and Crime Epidemic
The Drug and Crime Epidemic is unfortunately hitting too close to home. Since 2013, violent crime has increased 91% in Montana and Helena/ East Helena's violent crime rate is almost 3x the national average. We need to reach across the aisle with people of all political backgrounds to stop this trend by working to support our law enforcement; and giving them the resources they need to help them in their brave work of protecting our communities.
Ensuring a Bright Future for Montana
As a young person and recent graduate, it breaks my heart to see so many of my peers packing up to move out of state, with no plans of ever returning. Our biggest export should never be our children! More needs to be done to encourage young Montanans to live, work, and raise their families here for a prosperous and bright future.
MY STORY
Kaitlyn is a proud adoptee & conservative activist.
Kaitlyn and her younger brother, Luke, were adopted by their loving parents, James and Lori Ruch. Ever since Kaitlyn found out about the circumstances of her birth and adoption, she has been a proud advocate for Life, and has become very involved on both the cultural and legislative fights of ensuring a Pro-Life future.
Kaitlyn proudly holds the title of “Distinguished Young Woman of Montana” for 2022. She represented Montana on the National DYW Stage in June 2022.
Kaitlyn currently serves as the Deputy Communications Director for Matt Rosendale for U.S. Congress, has served as the Office Manager for the Montana Republican Party at the Headquarters in Helena.
She is the President and Founder of Helena Students for Life, Helena’s largest youth-led Pro-Life Organization.
She is the Montana Public Policy Captain for Students for Life Action where she leads lobbying efforts and testifies for Pro-Life legislation at the state Capitol. Kaitlyn is also an official Students for Life of America Ambassador
Kaitlyn is involved in many grass-roots political organizations. Some of which include:
- RunGenZ 2022 Trailblazer
- President of the Helena Turning Point USA Activism Hub
- Board Member of ProLife Helena
- Ambassador for LiveAction founded by Lila Rose
- Member of Young Americans for Freedom
- Member of Lewis and Clark Republican Women
- Legislative Ambassador for “And Then There Were None”
- Montana Young Republicans
She had the opportunity to serve as a Page for the Montana House of Representatives during the 67th Legislative Session and was sponsored by Representative Derek Skees (HD 11).
Kaitlyn hopes to be a leader for young people and get more freedom-loving, conservative youth engaged in and involved within the political process at the local, state, and federal level.
Kaitlyn is grounded in her conservative beliefs, but is open-minded and believes that conversation and cooperation with people of all backgrounds and political ideologies is an important part of politics.