Local Republican Party leaders are putting the finishing touches on plans for upcoming county conventions, that vital first step of electing delegates that will ultimately select delegates for upcoming state and national events in advance of the 2024 elections.

Jimmy Barrier chairs the Vance County GOP, which plans to have its county convention on Friday, Mar. 24 at Pool Rock Reception and Convention Center. He was joined by Mike Magnanti, vice-chair of the Granville GOP and David Woodson, Warren County GOP treasurer on Tuesday’s TownTalk with John C. Rose.

Granville County will host its county convention one day before the Vance County event – Thursday, Mar. 23 at the Granville County Expo and Convention Center. Doors open at 4:30, Magnanti said.

Warren County held its convention Saturday, Mar. 4, Woodson said. The GOP doesn’t have a large presence in Warren County, “but it’s growing,” Woodson reported.

“I’m excited about the momentum,” he said. “2024 will be here before you know it – we need to be ready.”

Political activity begins at the precinct levels in February, which leads to county conventions in March – that’s usually when the group elects officers and district delegates. The district and state conventions are held in June, followed by the national convention in July, Magnanti explained.

“It’s all about organizing the county, so that we can move forward to the state convention and the national convention,” he said.

As chairman, Barrier said his job is simple, but not always easy. “My job is to get candidates elected,” he said. He would like to see more Republicans throw their hats into the ring to run for local office.

“Come in and help us and show us what you want us to do,” he said, inviting the community to attend the upcoming Vance County convention. “It’s ‘us,’” he said. “It’s our party.”

Barrier said everyone is welcome to attend the Vance GOP convention, but only registered Republicans will be able to take part in any votes during the business portion; registration and credentialing begins at 5:30 p.m. and the business meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Scheduled to speak are State Sen. Lisa Stone Barnes and N.C. Rep Frank Sossamon.

Magnanti said State Treasurer Dale Folwell heads up a long list of speakers, including elected officials as well as other candidates running for office.

“This is a great meeting to…get to see what’s going on,” he said. “This is a great one to come to.”

The county conventions are certainly a time to conduct the business of the organization, but Woodson said, “it’s definitely a rally and it’s a community outreach.” Calling local conventions the grassroots of this nation’s political system, he continued by saying, “This is where it really all happens. “People are getting interested…they want to hear some answers and hear some options.”

Vance County GOP:

vancegop@gmail.com or find Vance County NC Republican Party on Facebook

Granville County GOP:

www.granvillegop.org or email info@granvillegop.org; find them on Facebook and Twitter

Warren County GOP:

warrennc.gop@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.