Chairman Jerry Austin expressed optimism about an increase in Republican voter registration in Richmond County.
                                 Matthew Sasser | Daily Journal

Chairman Jerry Austin expressed optimism about an increase in Republican voter registration in Richmond County.

Matthew Sasser | Daily Journal

<p>Congressman Richard Hudson said he was “thrilled” to to have the opportunity to represent Richmond County again in the newly drawn Congressional District 9.</p>
                                 <p>Matthew Sasser | Daily Journal</p>

Congressman Richard Hudson said he was “thrilled” to to have the opportunity to represent Richmond County again in the newly drawn Congressional District 9.

Matthew Sasser | Daily Journal

ROCKINGHAM — The upcoming election for Richmond County Board of Commissioners will feature the highest number of Republicans ever running for this particular office.

Of those candidates running in this election cycle, six — Justin Dawkins, Karen Everett, Jason Gainey, Danny Pearson, Robin Roberts and Rick Watkins — were present at the Richmond County Republican Party’s annual convention on Saturday.

“It’s hard to believe we’ve only had until this recent election, 2020, we had one Republican as a county commissioner,” Chairman Jerry Austin said. “Now, we have five.”

The race for the Board of Education is non-partisan, although two candidates were recognized for their presence at the meeting — Scotty Baldwin and Eddie Rainwater.

Two candidates running in the recently redrawn District 52 Seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Jamie Boles and Ben Moss, also shared some brief remarks at the meeting. Both candidates discussed their mutual friendship and disappointment that they are running against each other in the redrawn district.

“People say that Moore and Richmond County don’t have a lot in common, but they do,” Boles said. “We all believe in liberty and the pursuit of happiness. You need less government in your lives.”

Moss said that himself and Boles have a lot in common.

“The great thing about this is, whoever wins between us in the primary, is going to represent you in the fall,” Moss said. “Rest assured, you’re going to have a Republican represent you in the General Assembly.”

The husband of April Wood, who is running for NC Supreme Court, spoke on her behalf. Ashley Brower, who is running for Clerk of Superior Court, also shared why she was running for office.

Congressman Richard Hudson, who was making multiple campaign stops around the area on Saturday, dropped by at the second half of the convention. Hudson shared that he was “thrilled” that the redistricted congressional map permits him the opportunity to represent Richmond County again.

He previously represented Richmond County from 2013 to 2015. Hudson recently stopped in Hamlet to share his focuses going into the campaign season.

“There’s a lot of conservative folks here that are pro-life, pro-gun, love the Lord and their families,” Hudson said. “They just didn’t know they were Republicans yet. Thanks to the hard work from a lot of people, this county has come a long way politically.”

Hudson also said he was proud to be ranked the 12th most conservative member of Congress and the most effective legislator from North Carolina, according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

“My approach is to find a problem that I need to solve for the people back home and then go find a Democrat that will work with me,” Hudson said. “You don’t have to compromise your principles to reach across the aisle to get things done. In fact, when you’re rooted firmly in your principles, then you can easily reach across because you know your limits, you know where you can go.”

Hudson criticized the direction of America under President Joe Biden.

“The highest inflation in 40 years, record gas prices, crime in our cities run rampant, 2 million illegal aliens crossing our border since Biden has become president,” Hudson listed. “2 million. That’s the entire population of Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and Fayetteville, walked across our border. It’s unbelievable.”

North Carolina State Senator David Craven, who currently represents District 26 (Randolph, Guilford) also spoke at the event. He is the incumbent for the newly redistricted NC Senate District 29, which contains Montgomery, Richmond and Anson County, as well as parts of Randolph and Union County.

“It’s been an honor and a privilege to get to know some people down here in Richmond County,” Craven said.

Toward the end of the meeting, Austin shared some recent statistics he received from Elections Director Connie Kelly.

Austin said that from 2016 to Feb. of 2022, the Republican Party has grown 23%, while the Democrat Party has dropped 15%.

“That tells y’all where the mindset is of everybody,” Austin said.

Currently in Richmond County, there are 27,358 registered voters. Of those registered voters, 12,346 are Democrats and 6,925 are Republicans, according to Austin.

U.S. Senate Candidate Lichia Sibhatu concluded the meeting by sharing why she is running for office.

“We need diversity in our party,” Sibhatu said, citing the 50 million legal immigrants who participate in our nation’s economy.

Local election important dates:

• Deadline to register to vote is April 22

• Absentee ballots will be available March 28

• One-stop early absentee voting from April 28 – May 14

• Primary and Board of Education elections on May 17

• 2022 General Election is Nov. 8, 2022