3 things N.C. Republican clubs should start doing
Local GOP clubs are the key to winning statewide elections. They now have an opportunity to shape the future of the party
There’s a reason why every primary election candidate makes the rounds at their local Republican clubs. These aren’t just social gatherings; they’re proving grounds, and a great way to get connected to the grassroots.
I had the privilege last week of speaking to the Hornet’s Nest Republican Men’s Club here in Charlotte. It was a great reminder of just how important these local clubs are to winning elections in North Carolina. But it also gave me some ideas for how they can take an active role in shaping the future of the state GOP.
Over the past few months, I’ve written a lot about why Republicans keep losing big statewide races. The short version is this: Democrats have built their party specifically to win the governor’s mansion. If Republicans want to do the same, I’m more convinced than ever that the effort starts with local clubs.
Here are three powerful ways local Republican clubs can take charge and shape the future of North Carolina politics.
1. Identify talent
After Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s implosion, candidate recruitment has become one of the hottest topics in Republican circles. Local clubs can lead the charge in finding strong, electable conservatives.
When people say the word “electable,” there’s always the fear that this means compromising on values. But I don’t see a need to water down principles; it’s about finding candidates who can win while staying true to conservatism — someone who is normal, competent, and can effectively communicate our values in the suburbs.
Building the bench of future governors starts at the local level: finding strong candidates for school boards, city councils, and county commissions. That’s where the clubs first come in.
Say you’re a local club president. Do you know somebody that makes you think — that guy should run for office? Talk to them about it. Invite them to a club meeting. Talk them up to your friends. Offer to set up a steering committee to help organize their campaign.
2. Fund that talent
The next step in the funnel has to do with fundraising. We’ve got a lot of bright, talented people in North Carolina but one thing they don’t have is statewide name ID or a donor network. Republican clubs can help fix both.
Money isn’t everything, but it’s important. Democrats in Council of State races out-raised Republicans three-to-one last year.
Trust me, I know how hard it is to get people to donate. Collecting money is extremely hard. But for a local Republican club, it should be a core mission.
One idea: Create a club PAC that supports strong conservative future statewide candidates. Even small-dollar donations make a difference. Imagine if every member of a club committed to giving $10 a month to support future statewide candidates through a leadership fund. That money adds up quickly.
Hosting fundraisers is another key strategy. Instead of waiting for candidates to come to you, proactively build a war chest and be ready to support the right people when the time comes.
3. Take a stand in primaries
One of the biggest mistakes Republicans make as a party is staying neutral in primaries. Party affiliated organizations are super scared of getting involved, but I don’t see it as optional. Primaries are by definition a party activity.
Local clubs can establish a system for vetting candidates, with a focus on looking for people who can actually win — not just those who check the most ideological boxes. Then, once a strong candidate emerges, get behind them 100%.
Yes, there’s a risk of disagreement and hurt feelings. But if everyone in the club adopts Amazon’s principle of “disagree and commit,” it can work.
From social clubs to political powerhouses
Local Republican clubs have always been important, but now is the time to unleash their full potential. If Republicans want to start winning again, these groups need to become political powerhouses.
That means identifying and supporting great candidates, raising real money, and engaging in primaries to ensure the party is putting forward the best possible people.
Winning doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when committed conservatives put in the work. And it starts at the local level.
Quick hits
I had two Observer columns publish this week. The first looked at Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s first weeks in office, and how painfully obvious it is that he sees it as a springboard to bigger and better things. Don’t be surprised if he runs for U.S. Senate in 2026. Read here: Jeff Jackson is treating the NC attorney general’s office like a networking event
The second one was an analysis of North Carolina’s economic incentive deals. They’re failing almost as fast as the state is doling them out. Read it here: NC’s big incentive deals are failing at a staggering rate. We’re getting played
There wasn’t a lot of legislative movement this week due to the winter storm, so the Hurricane Helene relief bill is still making its way through the process. I published a premium article the other day about how to best message about it. Rep. John Bell just followed the strategy almost exactly. Coincidence? Perhaps. Shout-out to Rep. Bell for a good use of social media, as well.
Important reads
'I intend to run': NC's top Republican [Phil Berger] gearing up for contentious primary (Anderson Alerts)
‘A sleeping giant.’ Republican NC auditor talks DMV, DEI and new election powers (N&O)
Most school districts have lots of kids who struggle with reading. This one is different (American Public Media)
‘JD gets the game’: Vance embraces role as social media provocateur (Politico)
Downsizing Happens (Erick-Woods Erickson)
Top spenders on social media this week
Question of the week
Last week, I asked you about how much money you contributed to political campaigns in the last cycle. The results were an almost perfect bell curve.
This week, let’s do a quick approval rating for House Speaker Destin Hall. I’ve been impressed with him so far, but I’d love to get your take.
I always appreciate your writings. However, I must take exception to the idea that local GOP clubs should do more work in the primary. This only works if you have competent and thoughtful leadership. In my county-the leaders select their primary favorites based strictly on compliance and ideological purity-which means there is little to no consideration of complex issues or the complex needs of constituents. A robust club should be working to have more town halls, on and offline, with a broad strategy for educating and energizing voters. Their heavy-handed process has the effect of stifling good candidates, not elevating the best.
I think you raise valid points on what local clubs can do, but until the state party allows them to "vet candidates" and support them in primaries the local clubs have their hands tied. The state plan of organization hinders local clubs and their leadership from taking a bold stance.