While it’s too soon to tell who the next commander in chief will be, the field of contenders has begun to take shape. The candidates feature some very familiar names as well as some newcomers who have already made their marks. Who will emerge the victor? Let’s examine the players.

Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus Continues Rise on Capitol Hill

The American automobile celebrated its 100th birthday in 1996. To mark the milestone, the Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus was formed to pay tribute to America’s ever-growing love affair with the car and motorsports. Nearly 20 years later, the caucus continues to raise the industry’s profile in the nation’s capital and in the public’s eyes.

The Future Is Now

What do a car dealer, a former Navy SEAL commander and a financial advisor have in common? They were all recently elected to serve in the U.S. Congress. As a result of the November midterm elections, a lot of new faces have arrived in the nation’s capital. Fifty-eight first-timers were elected to the House of Representatives and 13 to the U.S. Senate. Among them are the future champions of the automotive specialty-equipment industry. While sorting through all of the new names may seem daunting, here are a few to keep an eye on.

Bed Wood & Parts Hosts U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield

Like many car guys, Jeff Major’s passion for street rods, stock cars and classic trucks was acquired as he helped his father in the garage. While working on his own ’57 Chevy pickup not long ago, Major couldn’t find the right wood for the bed of his truck, so he took a page out of his father’s playbook and took matters into his own hands. Literally. It was on that day in 2006 that Bed Wood & Parts was born.

Vintage Air Hosts U.S. Representative Lamar Smith

It’s said that necessity is the mother of invention. If you’ve ever been to San Antonio, Texas, in the summer, you know it’s not uncommon for the mercury to push triple digits. When it’s that hot, having a running air-conditioning system in your car is a must. Enter Jack Chisenhall. When he founded Vintage Air in 1976, no one else was producing air-conditioning systems and components for classic cars and trucks.

MSD Performance Hosts U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke

For more than four decades, the MSD Performance brand has been synonymous with high-performance ignition parts. The company designs, develops, tests and manufactures its entire line of ignition boxes, distributors, EFI systems, coils, sparkplug wires, crank triggers and other performance parts. While known for producing engine timing accessories for auto enthusiasts and the racing circuit, MSD also has a strong commitment to its hometown of El Paso, Texas. Since 1970, MSD’s presence in the community has grown to five buildings covering 150,000 sq. ft. and more than 500 employees.

More than 40 SEMA members met with their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., as part of the May 14 Washington Rally. The meetings were a valuable opportunity to urge members of Congress to pursue a pro-growth, manufacturing and job-creation agenda. Between meetings, Rally participants were treated to a unique lunchtime panel discussion hosted by “Fox News” contributor Frank Luntz, who is known for his trademark public-opinion focus groups.

SEMA’s Guide to November’s High-Stakes Election

The mid-term elections are around the corner, and at no time in recent history has Washington been so divided. Lawmakers could not agree on how to stimulate the economy before becoming mired in the debate to reform the American health-care system.

Sound familiar? That’s because you’ve read those words before. In fact, it was in these very pages just four short years ago. The times have changed, but the song remains the same. Voters are fed up with Washington. Where do things stand heading into November’s midterm elections? Let’s have a look.

Become an Industry Champion by Joining the “Winner’s Circle”

For many, “politics” is a four-letter word. People are fed up with Washington’s antics. Truth is, whether it’s banning the sale of E-15 gasoline, reforming the tax code, spurring job creation or addressing many other critical issues, there’s a lot that’s not happening in Washington, D.C., which affects your bottom line. So we simply can’t afford to sit in neutral while others determine the future of the industry.

Year-Long Celebration to Focus on Increased Member Involvement

This year marks the 10th anniversary of SEMA’s Political Action Committee (SEMA PAC). To commemorate 10 years of protecting the industry in Washington, D.C., SEMA PAC will be unveiling exciting new initiatives. To take full advantage of what SEMA PAC has planned, you must first become “SEMA PAC Approved.” To get started, simply complete the form on the next page. It takes less than a minute to fill out and allows the PAC to share information on how SEMA is working for you in the nation’s capital. You can easily become “PAC Approved” online. Remember, completing the form does not obligate you to contribute to SEMA PAC.