James Tang

New York City Chapter Leader

Who introduced you to Maverick PAC and what was your first event?

I was first introduced to Maverick PAC by another OG:  Morgan Ortagus.  She had been chairing the New York City Chapter in 2016 and invited me and many other young prospective members to my first event.  Coincidentally, that event was held at P.J. Clarke’s in midtown Manhattan and saw the great Senators John McCain and Lindsay Graham speak to an intimate room of forty or so people over sliders, beers, and cocktails.  It was fitting that a legendary New York establishment would see two legendary figures in both the Republican Party and in our Nation’s history addressing a crowd of young and enthusiastic people; wanting to get more involved in conservative causes and in getting quality candidates nominated and elected to national office as the Obama era was drawing to a close.  Both Senators spoke to how the best parts of our movement would propel our causes forward during that primary season - that believing in free market principals; a strong national defense and projection of righteous power abroad; and old-school patriotism putting “country first” would win the day and put the Republic back on the right track.  Needless to say, all of that rings just as true today as it did eight years ago (maybe even more so).  Back to Morgan, the rest is history with her.  She cemented herself into the Maverick PAC hall of fame pantheon and went onto serve in the State Department as Mike Pompeo’s Press Secretary.  A few years later, she would introduce me to the Navy Reserve, and like her I would apply for a commission and join.  We’re still close friends today.  

Who is the best speaker you have heard at a MavPAC event? 

That’s a tough call, as we have had so many amazing individuals from government, the military, and business speak at Maverick PAC events over the years.  I might have to cheat at this one a bit and not narrow it down to one person but maybe split it between two generations.  Obviously, the star power of standing next to Senators McCain and Graham at my first event and hearing their inspiring messages of hope, patriotism, and greatness had a profound impact on me.  Their words promulgated everything that I saw as contributing to the greatness of the United States and to the Republic.  In a way those speakers changed my life, because they drew me into membership at Maverick PAC which has definitely been a life-changing affiliation that has made life-changing relationships.  Senator Graham would later come back to speak at our New York holiday party.

A few years later, when New York City was honored to host Mavericks Conference 2019, one speaker of the next generation impressed me and brought the packed house down at the Dream Hotel Downtown.  That man was Senator Tim Scott from South Carolina.  His speech was one of incredible hope tempered with pragmatism and an executable gameplan on how to win Congressional and Presidential races and how to implement amazing policies.  He spoke to his humble beginnings in South Carolina and how only in America could he be sitting in the United States Senate.  He spoke to the policy of Opportunity Zones, his brainchild which President Trump implemented and which has brilliantly brought investments into underprivileged neighborhoods to make them the growth zones of the future.   His talk reaffirmed my belief in the unique specialness of the United States and reaffirmed the importance of organizations like Maverick PAC.  I look forward to seeing more of Senator Scott centerstage on the near horizon!

Name a person you met through MavPAC who you are still friends with or who has played an influential role in your career? 

This is another great question that is difficult to limit to one person.  I have met so many great people through Maverick PAC that are now friends for life.  However, I have a great one-two set of people that have had tremendous influence on me.  Through Maverick PAC in 2018, I first met Joseph Pinion.  Joe was active in the organization and was running for the New York State Assembly in Westchester when we met, and we would  eventually serve together as Co-Chairs of the New York City Maverick PAC chapter along with Ashley Becker and Franci Litvak.  Joe eventually would run against Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a valiant race.  My friendship with Joe would lead to an introduction to another mutual friend - Melissa Marovich.  Melissa had served as president of the New York Young Republicans and was active in Maverick PAC.  After many years of friendship, Melissa and I would eventually begin dating and are now married.  So, the Maverick PAC connection helped inspire a love story and a marriage!  Of course, Joe Pinion was a guest of honor and a groomsman in our wedding party this past September!