Highlights: Franklin County Republican Convention 2025

Franklin County Republicans enjoyed a message of celebration and change during the 2025 annual convention March 15.  Congressman Brad Knott briefed the group on the impressive momentum gained during 2024 and updated Republicans on the results of the first few weeks of President Donald J. Trump's leadership. In the 119th Congress, Representative Knott serves on the House Judiciary, Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security committees. His focus in Congress is combatting pervasively serious crime, building an environment for continued economic growth in North Carolina’s 13th District and across the nation and defending against persistent threats to our country from within our own borders.

District 13 Chair Roger Farina updated delegates on statewide activities, including new initiatives to improve communications, transparency and accountability. 

District 13 1st Vice Chair Michael Magnanti invited all Franklin County Republicans to review the ongoing draft of an updated Plan of Organization for the state NCGOP and add online comments.  Magnanti, who chairs the Plan of Organization committee, said the committee reads all input and the online version contains the most recent revisions.

State Senator Lisa Barnes updated Republicans on several NC Legislature bills, including a Parents' Bill of Rights, fairness in women's sports, school choice, and reducing the cost incurred on residents' energy bills.

Two NCGOP chair candidates were represented: Brooke McGowan and Jason Simmons (current chair). A Chair will be selected during the State Convention in June.

Meanwhile, Magnanti is running for Vice Chair. Magnanti indicated his interest is on winning the State ticket (State Council seats) as well as the national ticket. He also wants to see active county support. He added he favors much more transparency and input from the grassroots of the Party.

The local Turning Point USA team leader Abigail Tsantles announced a Spikeball/Pizza Party from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025. The event is for ages 16 - 28. It will be located at Joyner Park, Wake Forest. Click here to RSVP.

Several Franklin County Republican leaders were recognized for their outstanding service, including recently retired County Commissioner Danny Pearce. The dearly departed were honored as well.

Resolutions in Honor of Our Dearly Departed:

Patricia Ann & Lowell Thomas Hart

John Jordan Edwards

Michael Wayne Ayscue

Colonel Wyatt Lemuel McGhee III

Resolutions to Honor Their Service to the Franklin County Republican Party:

Russell Bottoms

Reverend Harry Upchurch

Howard Lasher

Paula Walters

Sidney Reynolds

Danny L. Pearce

Ed Strickland

Two Resolutions Passed in Support of Policy

Resolution To Support Age-Appropriate, Content-Appropriate Books and Online Information In Franklin County Schools

Resolution in support of US Citizens Elections Bill of Rights

Delegates Elected

The Credentials Committee, led by Suzanna Lee, indicated 37 delegates and two alternates will represent Franklin County at the upcoming District Convention, April 5, and the State Convention, June 5-8.

Snapshots of the 2025 Annual Convention

From left to right: Roger Farina, District 13 Chair; Ed Strickland, Franklin County Republican Party Chair; Danny Pearce, former Franklin County Commissioner; Opie Pearce, Franklin County Republican Party Secretary; Ed Strickland, Franklin County Republican Party Chair.

From left to right: Julie Grice receives Resolution honoring John Edwards from Opie Pearce, Franklin County Republican Party Secretary; Wyatt McGhee IV received Resolution honoring Colonel Wyatt McGhee III from Opie Pearce, Franklin County Republican Party Secretary; Franklin County Patriots' leader Rose Holmes reads Resolution in Support of US Citizens Elections Bill of Rights.

New Franklin County Republican Party Officers from left to right: Deana Jones, 2nd Vice Chair; Ed Strickland, Chair; Sidney Reynolds, Treasurer; Opie Pearce, Secretary. (Not pictured: James Barrett, 1st Vice Chair.)

The Best Photo of the Day

Clearly a Convention Highlight: Congressman Brad Knott and his absolutely amazing daughter. (Photo courtesy of Rose Holmes.)