In a notable development, Rhonda Rebman Lopez has been re-elected as the Chair of the Executive Board of the Republican Party of Monroe County. This comes as part of a broader shake-up in the county’s Republican leadership, with a new slate of candidates backed by Lopez taking on several top county party roles. The election was a testament to the growing influence of Lopez and her cohort in shaping the political landscape of Monroe County.
The Re-election of Rhonda Rebman Lopez
Rhonda Rebman Lopez, a 60-year-old seasoned politician, was re-elected as Chair of the Executive Board by a decisive two-thirds majority. Her victory can be largely attributed to her prowess as a fundraiser. In the recent election cycle, she claimed the title of the top per-capita fundraiser in the state, a feat that did not go unnoticed by party members. Lopez vowed to continue her tireless efforts in strengthening the party, turning out voters and ensuring Republican victories in future elections.
New Faces in Key Positions
Tim Urbanski was elected as Vice Chair, replacing Tonia Shusta. Urbanski, a 77-year-old resident of Big Pine Key, sees his election as a pivotal time for the GOP to unite and consolidate its power in Monroe County. Bettye Chaplin, an 80-year-old real estate professional from Marathon, has been elected Secretary, taking over from Jessica Prescott. Chaplin and Henry Stark, the new Treasurer, were elected unopposed. Stark, a 60-year-old Tavernier resident and President of the Upper Keys Republican Club, succeeds Sherri Hodies, who was recently elected as the new Supervisor of Elections.
Reflections on the Election
The Monroe County GOP election caught the attention of the higher echelons of the Republican Party, with Bill Helmich, Executive Director of the Republican Party of Florida, attending as a special guest. Helmich praised Lopez’s re-election and her fundraising efforts, emphasizing the significance of flipping the Supervisor of Elections office from Democrat to Republican. He also highlighted the Republican Party of Florida’s commitment to observe county elections whenever possible, showcasing the importance of Monroe County in the state’s political landscape.
The Republican Party holds a solid voter lead in Monroe County, with 46% of the 53,697 registered voters identifying as Republicans. This is compared to 28% who are Democrats and 26% who belong to a third party or have no party affiliation. In the last election held on November 5, voter turnout was an impressive 86%, and Republicans won every race. This strong showing underscores the party’s robust presence in Monroe County and the impact of the newly elected leadership will be keenly watched in the coming years.
