The Republican Party of Arkansas (RPA) Winter State Meeting brought a mixture of familiar faces and new dynamics to the forefront of party politics. Initially, the room was sparsely filled, with about 40% attendance from County Chairs, State Committeemen, and State Committeewomen. However, just moments before the meeting was called to order, a wave of legislators, RPA Executive Committee members, and Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders entered the room, fresh from the Governor’s breakfast. This shift set the tone for a highly charged session.
The Chair Race and the Governor’s Influence
The meeting’s most anticipated moment was the nomination for RPA Chair. Governor Sanders took the floor to nominate Joseph Wood, a candidate who had faced a resounding defeat at the RPA State Convention on June 8, 2024. At that event, Jennifer Lancaster emerged victorious by a large margin, reflecting the will of the elected delegates. However, at the Winter State Committee Meeting, the tables turned. Joseph Wood won the Chair position with an overwhelming majority of 237 votes, defeating challengers Mike Shnaekel and Margot Herzl.
This sharp contrast in outcomes raises a critical question: What accounts for the discrepancy between the State Convention results and the Winter State Meeting votes? The answer lies in the division between The People—the elected delegates—and the establishment, bolstered by government influence.
Rules Change Overturned
During the June State Convention, delegates passed a significant Rules Change aligning the RPA with the Republican National Convention. This change stipulated that elected officials would serve as non-voting ex-officio members, ensuring grassroots voices held sway. However, on July 25, 2024, Joseph Wood and the Executive Committee nullified the convention’s decision, directly defying the will of the delegates.
It is important to note that RPA Rules, Article 1, Section 1, B clearly state: “The final authority in all party matters shall rest in the biennial Republican State Convention, which shall be deemed to have delegated such interim authority to the State Committee and Executive Committee as is necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the party.”
Despite these rules, the establishment’s actions effectively disenfranchised the grassroots delegates, creating a stark contrast between the June Convention and the Winter Meeting outcomes.
The Role of the Governor
Governor Sanders’ presence and influence loomed large over the proceedings. After ensuring her preferred candidate, Joseph Wood, secured the Chair position, Sanders departed shortly after Sharon Wright’s victory as 1st Vice Chair. Wright, part of the establishment-backed slate of candidates, defeated grassroots candidate Kandi Cox. The Governor’s apparent investment in these races raises questions about her alignment with establishment interests and her potential unease with a true grassroots candidate gaining power.
Establishment Wins Across the Board
The establishment slate triumphed across all positions, signaling a clear consolidation of power. For those hoping for a shift toward grassroots leadership within the RPA Executive Committee, the meeting was a disappointment. The elected officials—many of whom aligned with the Governor—directly defied the will of the State Convention delegates, cementing the establishment’s grip on the party.
What Lies Ahead?
As we move into 2025, the future of Joseph Wood’s leadership remains uncertain. Will he remain in his position, or does Governor Sanders have other plans for him? The events of the Winter State Meeting suggest a party deeply divided between its grassroots base and an entrenched establishment. Only time will reveal whether the RPA can bridge this gap or whether the will of The People will continue to be overshadowed by establishment politics.
For Arkansas Republicans who value the power of grassroots organizing, this meeting served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The fight for true representation and adherence to party rules is far from over.
Kandi Cox advocates for life, faith, and family. Her podcast and articles tackle pro-life issues, and politics affecting families, offering hope and truth from a biblical perspective.
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