Davidson County Republicans to hold annual convention, elect new officers

The Davidson County Republican Party is set to hold its annual convention on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church, located at 222 Mt. Zion Church Road, Thomasville,. The event will serve as an opportunity for party members to engage with candidates, network with fellow Republicans and shape the direction of the party at the local level.

Registration for the convention will take place from 8 am. to 9:30 am, with no admittance after 9:30 am. Attendees will hear from key speakers, including local party leaders and members of the Executive Committee. The convention will also include the election of new officers to lead the party.

The most closely watched race will be for Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party, as current chair Christopher Jessup faces a challenge from former chair Kelly Gallimore. Jessup, who has led the party through recent election cycles, is seeking another term, emphasizing themes of "Unity, Growth, and Winning."

“We are stronger and more united than ever before. Our party has moved from the background to the forefront of statewide Republican victories. I want to continue working to make Davidson County even more the keystone of statewide Republican victories in North Carolina,” Jessup said.

Gallimore, who previously served as Davidson County Republican Party Chair from 2019 to 2021, said she is looking to bring a fresh perspective and expand the party’s reach. She has been active in Republican politics for decades, including serving as Vice President and President of the Davidson County Republican Women, a member of multiple U.S. Congressional District Executive Committees, and a leader within the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women. She is also the only woman from Davidson County to be inducted into the North Carolina Republican Party Hall of Fame.

In a statement to Davidson Local, Gallimore said: "I am running to be the Davidson County Republican Party Chair to broaden the base of the party, moving it forward to bring new and younger members. I will do this by using my past experiences to be a guide for the future."

Davidson County has long been known for its strong Republican presence, with many of its leaders playing influential roles at the district and state levels. Jessup said the party has achieved key accomplishments in recent years, including operating a year-round headquarters, increasing GOP turnout in 2022 and 2024, expanding its volunteer base, and successfully fundraising to support conservative causes.

With a competitive leadership race and a crucial election cycle ahead, the convention is expected to energize local conservatives as they prepare for upcoming elections and continue their efforts to maintain Republican leadership across the county and beyond.

For those interested in attending or getting involved with the Davidson County Republican Party, more information can be found on the party’s official website or by reaching out to local party representatives.