Although the presidential race hogs most of the news cycles, the races that will determine the Senate majority are quietly taking shape. Which of these candidates are friends to traditional banking? Who will shape up to be foes to free markets and economic growth? Which races will we as banking leaders want to weigh in on? We'll be watching the races closely to see where we should jump in to tip the scales like we successfully do.

CNN has already published their "10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2024," and Reuters last week gave their "Six senate races to watch." The Wall Street Journal noted that "Republicans have a great chance to retake the Senate in 2024," but cautions "But they did in 2022, too--abortion access, economy and Trump's legal troubles are seen as unpredictable factors." The Associated Press is pointing out this week that "Democrats target GOP strongholds Texas and Florida with Senate majority on the line."

So stay tuned for a wild ride this year as together we, as Friends of Traditional Banking, watch these races closely. We'll produce a watch list of our own later this year, which we'll narrow down to the couple of races in the fall where we can have the largest impact as we do what only FOTB can do!

Florida Bankers Association's new President and CEO Kathleen L. Kraninger, has joined Friends of Traditional Banking's Advisory Council. Appointed by four Presidents to government posts and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Kraninger has been a trusted counselor and advisor to cabinet members and members of Congress of both parties for decades – focused on problem solving over politics and outcomes over credit. 

Kraninger was Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from December 2018 until January 2021, and has served on the board of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Financial Stability Oversight Board, and as chair of the Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council. Kraninger graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University and earned a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She is a member of the Pennsylvania and DC Bars. 

Michigan's vacancy on Friends of Traditional Banking's Banker Board has been filled by David Lamb. Since 2015, Lamb has been Chairman, President and CEO of Oxford Bank and its parent company, Oxford Bank Corporation, headquartered in Oxford, Michigan which has been operating continuously under local ownership and management since 1884. Lamb started 35 years ago as a bank examiner transitioning to executive positions at several of the largest banks as well as acquiring and building a very small bank. Lamb has served for many years on the board of the Ann Arbor YMCA as well as other organizations focused on food security and developing underserved youth. He earned an MBA with Accounting focus.

Todd Cooper has been appointed to represent Idaho on FOTB's Nationwide Banker Board. President of Idaho First Bank in McCall, Idaho since 2020, he brings over 30 years of banking experience to the post. An MBA graduate of Idaho State University, Cooper has been Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo in Boise, the Economic Development Director at Boise State University, and a volunteer on numerous community boards.

Eric Bennett has been named to FOTB's Advisory Council. He has been the Director of Government Relations for the Mississippi Bankers Association since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience working with government and banks of all sizes. Bennett earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law and double majored in public policy leadership and political science at the University of Mississippi. He's worked with the 13th Judicial Circuit in Mobile, Mississippi, and the United States Senate Budget Committee.

See the full list of banking professionals involved with Friends of Traditional Banking's leadership HERE.