State Central Committee Meeting Summary April 26, 2024

From: Rev. Christian M Mays, D7 Committeeman

To:  Senate District 7 Republicans

Date:  May 12, 2024

Subject:  April 26, 2024, State Central Committee Summary

The swearing in of all members to support the US Constitution, the Ohio Constitution, and the Republican Party bylaws was the 1st item o0n the agenda presented by Chairman Triantafilou.  This was preceded by a short speech given by Jessica Franz on behalf of the Conservative Caucus relating our disappointment in the passage of Issue 1 in November, and although

Lt Governor Husted came to the beginning of the meeting to congratulate everyone, and he also gave an update on the removal of illegal occupiers on The Ohio State University campus. He has been attending SCC meetings recently seeking support for his upcoming campaign for Governor.

The first order of business was to vote for the National Republican Party Committee Committeeman and Committeewoman for Ohio.

• Committeewomen spoke first. Lisa Cooper spoke about the communication challenges with the National party in the past and how she would bridge those for Ohio. Jane Timken talked about the fundraising success she has had.

• For the Committeemen, Jim Dicke praised Jane for her fundraising and talked about his experience as the incumbent. Bob McEwen talked about the history of his contributions in Ohio and the success he’s had in fundraising throughout the country with Turning Point USA.

• During discussion it was mentioned that Trump, Vance, and Moreno endorsed Timken and Dicke although the conservative faction of the SCC supported Cooper and McEwen. And, it was pointed out that several did not welcome a national organization involvement (ie Turning Point USA) in Ohio, but many others recognized and appreciated the help the organization provides to elect Trump, Moreno and other conservatives this Fall.

VOTES:

TIMKIN 52 COOPER 14DICKE 47 MCEWEN 19

There were two executive positions open because the incumbents were not reelected.

• Doug Wills (District 31) was elected Vice Chair with 39 votes v Melanie Leneghan (District 19) 27.

• Diane Redden (District 7) was elected Treasurer with 35 votes v Gary James (District 19) 31 (Gary is currently Asst Treasurer)

The conservative faction of the SCC supported Leneghan and James. (NOTE: Since this meeting, Doug Wills passed away unexpectedly, so a meeting will occur to appoint someone to this position)

Member Josh Brown (District 16) proposed a resolution to address the egregious actions by House Speaker Jason Stephens and the Blue 22 who voted with Democrats to go against the Republican Caucus in January 2023. The resolution defined repercussions for the future to be a deterrent to a similar situation. Discussion occurred with the following points:

• Michelle Schneider (District 8) and others expressed that it was common to work with Democrats in the house. She also said the voters have spoken and reelected many of these members, and it was not up to the Central Committee to question.

• Many said there were already actions taken, and it was time to move forward with unity.

• On the other side, many pointed out that there is every reason to expect that this will happen again if members are not held accountable. And, that Speaker Stephens has incentive to support Democrats in the November election in the areas where the Blue 22 incumbents were defeated in the primary.

During the discussion, someone suggested that the new bylaws named a new subcommittee to review Resolutions although it this subcommittee has not yet been formed. A new motion was made to have the future subcommittee review the resolution once it’s formed. This motion carried 39 to 27.

(NOTE: Since this meeting, Speaker Stephens removed 6 state representatives from their committee chair positions in retaliation for supporting primary challengers of the Blue 22).

Blessings,

Rev. Christian M Mays

Ohio Republican Party, 7th District