The Republican Party of Florida and the structure of Power within.

Understanding the Political Party Structure

There are almost 6 Million registered Republican voters in Florida.

Why should you care about the structure of political parties? Because it's the framework through which your voice as a voter influences policy, candidates, and the direction of your political party. Here's how it works:

Grassroots Level: The Voter's Foundation

• Voters as the Grassroots: The foundation of any political party isn't the party itself or its elected officials, but the voters. You, the voter, are at the heart of this structure.

• Precincts: These are geographical sections where voters live. On Election Day, you go to a polling place in your precinct to vote.

• Precinct Committeemen and Committeewomen: Each precinct elects representatives (Committeemen and Committeewomen) based on the number of voters. These individuals are the direct link between you and the party. They are responsible for:

  • Canvassing

  • Voter registration

  • Influencing local party decisions

  • Keeping the voters in the precinct informed.

County Party: Building the Base

• Representation at County Level: Precinct representatives form the county party, where they:

  • Elect a County Chair (or Chairwoman) who leads the county party.

  • Work on growing the party, finding candidates, and organizing Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts.

• During Presidential Election Years: Voters also choose a State Committeeman and Committeewoman to represent the county's interests at the local and state level, alongside the County Chair.

State Party: Where County Meets State

• In Florida: With 67 counties, each sending three representatives (County Chair, State Committeeman, and State Committeewoman), you have 201 members at state meetings. Add to this the National Committeeman and Committeewoman, appointees from the Governor and legislative bodies, and elected officials, totaling about 250 +/- people eligible to vote at state party conventions.

• Election of Officers: Every other year, these 250 individuals vote on officers to lead the party at the state level.

The Power Center: The Executive Board

• Florida's Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Executive Board: Comprising 34 members, this board holds significant power:

  • 34 Members: Each of Florida's 28 Congressional Districts elects a Chair for the RPOF Executive Board, plus the RPOF Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and National Committeeman and Committeewoman.

  • Decision Making: At the end of state meetings, the Executive Board convenes to decide the party's direction based on 34 votes.

Why Does This Matter?

• Influence: The decisions at the Executive Board level shape candidate selection, policy direction, and ultimately, governance.

• Your Role: Do you know who represents you in your precinct or county? Do their actions and decisions align with your values?

Call to Action

• Find Out: Learn who represents you at each level of the party structure.

• Get Involved: Attend local meetings, volunteer, or consider running for a party position yourself. Reach out to your county party and become a Precinct Committeeman or woman. Your involvement can influence who gets selected and how the party operates.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with how your representatives vote and act. Here are some resources to start:

  • Florida Republican Party - Check for local meetings or contact information.

  • Florida Republican Assembly - Judeo Christian organization started in California in the 1930’s and Florida in 1998. Ronald Reagan called the Assembly the “Conscience of the Republican Party.”

  • Republican Liberty Caucus - Started by libertarians in the 1990’s.

Remember, the structure of political parties is designed to reflect the will of the people, but it's up to you to engage with it to ensure it does. Do your representatives vote for the will of the people, or do they follow the herd? Your participation can make all the difference.

6 Million registered Republicans and the direction of the Republican Party in Florida is decided by 34 votes.