The phrase "chief sponsor" refers to the main individual or organization that supports, promotes, or funds a particular event, project, or legislation. They are the primary supporter and take a leading role in ensuring its success. Full definition
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D - Calif., chief sponsor of legislation that Democrats are pushing following Orlando, got numbers in March from the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, an investigative arm of Congress. (fortune.com)
Assemblywoman Margaret Markey (D - Queens), chief sponsor in the Assembly of the Child Victims Act, told advocates she decided to fight for reform because of a family member who was a victim of sexual abuse as a child. (nydailynews.com)
The bill was written with the help of Vote Hemp by chief sponsor Rep. Ron Paul (R - TX), and it garnered 11 additional cosponsors. (votehemp.com)