The Columbia County Republican Caucus and Convention: A Moment of Reflection
As we approach the Columbia County Republican Caucus and Convention, I find myself reflecting on what has been a remarkable journey over the past two years. These moments of reflection are especially meaningful in odd-numbered years, when Georgia Republican Committees elect new leadership. For me, this election marked a profound personal milestone, but more importantly, it signifies the growth, unity, and strength we've cultivated together.
When I was elected Chairman nearly two years ago, I knew that the road ahead would be challenging. What I didn't know was how historic the 2024 election would become. But one thing was clear from the start—I vowed to never let the mistakes of 2020 repeat themselves. Together, we made history, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished.
Joe Edlemon at the 2024 Columbia County Convention - Proud to serve as Chairman, fighting for the future of Columbia County.
A Campaign Built on Five Core Pillars
When I first ran for Chairman, I promised a campaign grounded in five key pillars—principles that would guide me in this role and that you, as our community, could hold me accountable to. These pillars are the foundation for everything we’ve done and will continue to steer us forward.
Here are the five pillars I based my campaign on:
Strategic Growth
Education & Outreach
Technology & Innovation
Transparency & Oversight
Voter Integrity
In my initial email to you, which marked the beginning of this journey, I shared my vision with you: “My platform is founded on these 5 key pillars—pillars to which I believe you should continually measure me and hold me accountable as your elected Chairman. One constituent asked me how I plan on holding myself accountable for a job well done (or not done). He wanted to know if I had established goals for my time as Chairman and whether I would be willing to step down if I was unable to meet those goals. Bottom line: my entire life has been a litmus test, and I would expect nothing less than true accountability. Are you satisfied with our current accountability?”
Transparency: A Cornerstone of Leadership
From day one, I was met with strong opposition—but I never let that deter me. I made transparency a cornerstone of my leadership, particularly when it came to how we conducted business on the Executive Committee. We opened our doors, inviting members to attend meetings and hold us accountable. Why should we operate in the dark? We livestreamed nearly every meeting and event, making it possible for those who couldn’t attend in person to still engage and participate.
This commitment to transparency ensured that every member had a voice and that we remained a community, not just a committee. It was about more than just openness; it was about fostering trust and accountability.
Standing Firm on Key Issues
Throughout my time as Chairman, we stood unwaveringly with the people on several key issues—issues that many others hesitated to tackle. We fought for illegal immigration reform, advocating for secure hand-marked paper ballots to protect election integrity. We didn't back down when others called for us to silence our voices on these critical issues.
We also pushed back against the harmful content infiltrating our schools and libraries, particularly obscene and perverse material that posed a threat to the innocence of our children. We were often met with fierce opposition and attacks—some from community agitators, some from within our own party, and even from key media personalities locally and across the world. But we didn’t let those attacks deter us. Our focus remained clear: protect our children, advocate for pro-life policies, and ensure that the voices of the people of Columbia County were heard.
Despite the attacks, we remained steadfast in our principles, and in doing so, we upheld the values that define us: faith, family, freedom, and integrity.
The Challenges: A Chairman’s Journey
The road was not always easy. As many of you know, support from former party leaders was nonexistent. Key committee members didn’t always step up to help, leaving me, as Chairman, to shoulder multiple roles. I often had to extend the time and effort necessary to accomplish our goals, spending 80+ hours a week—on top of a full personal and professional life—volunteering my time to ensure that we succeeded. The position was unpaid, and the sacrifices were significant, but I remained dedicated because I knew the mission was bigger than myself. I gave up time, talent, and treasure to make sure Columbia County stood strong.
Despite the lack of external support, we pushed forward. We stood firm, knowing that our work was critical to the success of the 2024 election. And, thanks to our collective efforts, we saw results that speak for themselves.
Key Accomplishments: Standing Strong for Columbia County
Together, we've achieved a lot over the past two years. From training poll watchers to launching initiatives that captured national attention, we’ve made a tangible impact on our community. Here’s a look at some of our most significant accomplishments:
Poll Watchers & Election Integrity
We didn’t just talk about election integrity—we acted on it. We trained and staffed poll watchers for seven elections, ensuring that our elections were fair and transparent. This effort, combined with our unwavering commitment to exposing potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process, was a major part of our success in 2024.
CJ Pearson watches on as patriots in Columbia County conduct a paper ballot tally simulation!
Candidate Forums & Public Engagement
We held several candidate forums and debates, giving the public the chance to hear directly from those running for office. Full disclosure and informed choices have always been a priority, and these forums were a way to ensure that every voter had access to the information they needed to make decisions at the polls.
Historic Events & National Attention
Some events we hosted became landmarks in the political landscape. The First in the Nation Laken Riley Rally was a prime example. This event garnered national attention, with more than 50,000 people tuning in live, and the rally was featured on Breitbart and other news outlets, reaching hundreds of thousands of viewers.
We also organized two Trump boat parades, proudly supporting President Trump’s America First values, as well as Trump Solidarity Rallies that brought our community together in support of our shared vision for the future.
Beached after the second of two amazing Trump Boat Parades in 2024, enjoying some amazing food with patriots!
Supporting the Community in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
When Hurricane Helene struck, we responded with action. We hosted a community-wide pancake breakfast with special guest Terrence K. Williams, not just to feed the community but also to distribute diapers, wipes, and dry goods to those affected. In the days following the storm, we amassed thousands of rally-goers to greet President Trump as he surveyed the historic damage. Despite being told to “stand down,” we refused to back down. Our rally was a clear message: Columbia County had unwavering support for our President and our community.
Expanding Our Presence
We worked hard to expand our reach and make sure our message resonated far and wide. From spending 32 days at the fair to placing six billboards across 14 key locations in both English and Spanish, we made sure our message was heard by as many people as possible. We also launched a new website and a professional newsletter, taking our communication efforts to the next level.
Engaging Vulnerable Voters
For the first time, we engaged vulnerable voters, specifically targeting nursing homes to ensure that residents were not being exploited by ballot harvesters. We also stood up for voter integrity, ensuring that every citizen’s vote was protected from those who might try to manipulate the system.
Vulnerable Voters Committee - Getting ready to engage the community with fervor!
Building for the Future
Our work didn’t stop at just events and rallies—we built the infrastructure necessary for continued growth. We upgraded our monthly breakfast location, food, and venue and secured a permanent headquarters for our committee through 2025. We also gained full control of our ccgagop.org domain, implemented sustainable technology services, and are now implementing a data governance policy to protect our members’ privacy.
Record-Breaking Voter Turnout
In 2024, we achieved something truly historic: for the first time ever, we had more voters in Columbia County than Richmond County, making us the 9th largest Republican voter base in Georgia, out of 159 counties. This success is a testament to the dedication of every single person who volunteered, voted, and worked tirelessly to make it happen.
Victory Across the Board
Perhaps the most rewarding accomplishment of all was that every single Republican candidate on our ballots was victorious. We educated, we door-knocked, we waved signs, we made phone calls, and we did everything we could to ensure our candidates triumphed. It was a true team effort, and it paid off.
A Final Word on the Journey and Gratitude
As I reflect on these past two years, I can’t help but feel incredibly blessed—not just for the victories we’ve achieved, but for the amazing friends I’ve made, both locally and across the state. It’s truly been an honor to work alongside so many passionate, dedicated patriots who share in our love for country, family, and freedom. The bonds we’ve formed—through hard work, shared goals, and a deep commitment to our values—are some of the greatest treasures of this journey.
The friendships I’ve built in this community are something I will forever cherish. You are the heart and soul of what we’ve accomplished, and I am beyond grateful for your unwavering support, your tireless efforts, and the trust you’ve placed in me as your Chairman. From every local volunteer to state leaders, I’ve witnessed incredible dedication, and I am honored to call you my friends.
I am truly blessed to stand with such a beautiful group of patriots—people who show up, fight for what is right, and believe in the future of our great country. This work wouldn’t be possible without you, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Looking Forward: The Future of Columbia County GOP
As we reflect on the journey we've undertaken together, I am reminded of the words of Ronald Reagan, who once said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." This quote encapsulates the essence of our work. We've fought for the values that make this country great, and we will continue to protect them, for the next generation.
And as we move forward, I find strength in the scripture from Joshua 1:9: "I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go".” With God’s guidance, we can continue to build a future based on faith, freedom, and family.
Together, we will rise to meet the challenges ahead, and with His help, we will continue to make history-we will continue to Make America Great Again!
Thank you for your trust and support over the last two years!
May God Bless You Always,
Joe Edlemon, Chairman - Columbia County Republicans
