We were honored to be part of the delegation from Burnet County to the 2026 RPT Convention.  Burnet County Republican Club and Burnet County Republican Women Club were well represented among the delegates.  Our fellow Burnet County delegates were (in ABC order) Carolyn Alexander, Mary Jane Avery, Debra Barger, Debra Coffey, Jonathan Covey, Janet Crow, Joy Evans, Kay Guidry, Kathy Hussey, Cynthia Klentzman, Carolyn Richmond, and Gail Teegarden.  Jonathan Covey was elected Parliamentarian for SD 24, and Gail Teegarden was on the Organization Committee representing SD 24.  Sally served as the SD 24 representative to the Credentials Committee under Chairman Bonnie Wallace (also of SD 24!).  It was an amazing experience and one I would be happy to repeat.  As part of our work on that committee, we were able to strengthen the role of the committee at future Conventions.

The work of the Convention actually begins in the weeks after the County/SD Conventions are held.  Platform, Rules and Priorities meet to organize, refine, compile, etc. the Resolutions submitted by each SD/County. Each committee consists of 1 member from each SD/County and a Chairman.  The week of the Convention, committee meetings are held and delegates and others can sign up to testify to the committees for or against the items being considered.  This is the heart of the work of the Convention, and a time when your voice can be heard.  It was a meaningful time for Russell & Sally to be able to appeal to the Platform Committee in favor of including Equal Protection as one of the Priorities for the next legislative session.  Sitting in on these hearings is really eye-opening as to how the process works, and the power of the voice of the grassroots.  We were also able to attend a very informative presentation hosted by Humans First that dealt with issues surrounding data centers in Texas.  Rep. Wes Virdell of HD 53 was part of the panel.

On Thursday, the Convention began.  There’s a lot of excitement and celebration mixed in with the work.  We were treated to  a welcome by Chairman Abraham George, a concert by Natasha Owens (find her on YouTube), and speeches by many of our Republican candidates and office holders.  Some of those we heard were Governor Abbott (accompanied by a live elephant!), Ken Paxton, Mayes Middleton, Don Huffines, Bo French, Dan Patrick, Nate Sheets, Jimmy Blacklock, Robin Armstrong, & Debbie Georgatos.  A high point for Sally was hearing the music of Rock Church Choir at the opening of one of the General Sessions.  Major themes of the speakers were the need for unity, and encouragement to work hard to get out the vote for the General Election on November 3rd in order to Keep Texas Red. 

In our SD 24 Caucus, we had 2 very important responsibilities.  We held the election for our State Republican Executive Committee members and cast our votes for the Party Chairman and Vice Chairman.  We are pleased to share that both Mary Jane Avery and Andy Eller were reelected for the coming term.  They’re a hard-working pair who do a lot, including a monthly Newsletter that anyone can sign up for.  The result of the vote for the Party Chairman and Vice Chairman was the election of Chairman D’Rinda Randall and Vice Chairman David Covey.  Russell & I have known David for quite awhile and are pleased that he’s been elected (and yes, he’s Jonathan’s brother).  We look forward to their leadership and future communication with them, and feel they’ll be a good team.  We also want to give a shout out to Senator Pete Flores for addressing the Caucus and providing coffee and other beverages at our 8 a.m. SD 24 Caucus meeting.  We heard the other SD’s were jealous!

During General Sessions, the work of the whole body of delegates continues.  There is opportunity to discuss the Platform, Planks, and Priorities.  Amendments are presented and debated according to established rules and the use of Robert’s Rules of Order.  If you’re a delegate, it’s wise to brush up on that skill set!  This time in the convention is the last opportunity for delegates to voice their opinions before the final vote.  It’s an exciting and emotional time for many.  Sally & Russell were ready to speak for Equal Protection, and stood in line at the mics for many hours in case there was a need.  The last item on the agenda is the actual vote taken via scantron for the 10 Principles, the Platform & each Plank, and the Legislative Priorities.  This is a somewhat tedious process, and can be confusing, but it’s the heart of what we’re there for.  What an honor to have a voice in the direction of the Republican Party for the 80th Legislative Session!

We encourage you to begin planning ahead for the 2028 Convention Season.  It begins with Precinct and County Conventions following the Primary Election.  Mark your calendars now with a reminder to watch for and set aside those dates.  In the meantime do your homework, educate yourself, be involved at the local level, vote wisely and encourage others to do the same.  Let’s Keep Texas Red this November!