As Chair of the Republican Party of Merced County (RPMC), I want to extend my sincere appreciation and warm congratulations to the newly elected executive board for the Merced County Republican Assembly (MCRA) - the grassroots team of volunteers that support common sense candidates and policies in affiliation with the RPMC. On Thursday night, January 8, 2026, the members of the MCRA selected a strong and dedicated team to guide the organization forward: Rick Wendling was e

California has long been marketed as the land of opportunity — a place where innovation, agriculture, and natural beauty converge. But beneath the sunshine and slogans, the state is being reshaped by forces that threaten its economic stability, its population, and its future. Rising energy costs, shrinking refinery capacity, regulatory overload, housing instability, business flight, and a growing sense of political stagnation have created a climate of uncertainty for families

As we celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year, we reflect with gratitude on the dedication of grassroots leaders, the energy of our youth, and the unity of neighbors who continue to defend the principles that make America strong. This year has shown that the Republican Party of Merced County is the leading reason for our renewed strength and momentum. Looking forward, we embrace 2026 with renewed purpose: to amplify local voices, preserve our history, and build a future

The Republican Party of Merced County (RPMC) extends its sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who generously contributed their time, experience, and expertise to the development of the current version of the RPMC Bylaws. This document is the result of a collaborative effort spanning multiple years, involving leaders from Republican organizations, elected officials, subject-matter experts, and dedicated volunteers. Their collective commitment ensured th

In American politics, one of the most persistent debates is whether a candidate needs to live inside the specific district they want to represent. Many voters, especially Republicans, treat residency as a requirement of legitimacy. The intention behind that belief is understandable — people want leaders who understand local needs. But in practice, rigid residency purity often harms voters more than it helps, especially in a state where district lines move more than the candid

California is in the grip of sustained one-party control by Democrats, and conservative ideals are being steamrolled. The moment is akin to a professional football team dominating a high school squad that doesn’t even have a quarterback. Why is this happening? Because Republicans are being out-spent, out-voted, out-strategized, out-advertised, and out-manned. The Democrats are ascendant, not necessarily because their policies are inherently superior, but because they relentle

California, once the golden frontier of American promise, is now a state in ideological lockdown. For conservatives, patriots, and builders, it has become a place of contradiction — where freedom is preached but rarely practiced, and where dissent is punished not with debate, but with silence. The question is no longer theoretical: Do we stay and fight, or do we leave and build elsewhere? The Wall of One-Party Rule California’s political structure has hardened into a fortress

When the Elites Devour Their Own: The Self-Loathing of America’s Ruling Class Something remarkable — and profoundly self-destructive — has taken root in modern America. Many of the most passionate crusaders against “white privilege” are themselves white, middle-class professionals. They occupy government offices, classrooms, and university departments, spending their days condemning the very civilization that made their comfort and careers possible. It is a strange phenomenon

California is collapsing. Our schools are failing. Streets are unsafe. Homelessness is skyrocketing. Housing is unaffordable. Taxes are crushing families. Small businesses are fleeing. And those in power—the Democrats who run nearly every major city, the Legislature, and now even our counties—are tightening their grip while pretending everything is fine. Gavin Newsom isn’t fixing the problem. He’s accelerating it. Through measures like Prop 50 and sweeping gun control, he’s p

Casey Steed is a respected broadcaster, civic leader, and advocate for Merced County. As host of Merced’s Six O’Clock News on KYOS 1480 AM/107.3 FM, Casey brings clarity and conviction to the issues that matter most—public safety, local government, and community empowerment. A former candidate for Merced City Council District 4, Casey has never shied away from stepping into the arena. His campaign emphasized transparency, neighborhood revitalization, and a return to common-se

Dear Friends, We’re meeting on Tuesday, October 14th at 5:00 PM at the Pizza Factory (G St. & Olive, Merced). This will be an important session — we have several items to review and vote on. A few key notes: Some of you receiving this message are not currently members of the Central Committee — but we do have openings! We also offer Associate Memberships for just $25/year. Associate Members may participate in all General Central Committee meetings. You may be invited to att

Proposed by: Gene D. Johnson Jr., Chair of RPMC Date Introduced: September 20, 2025 Referred to: Central Committee of the Republican Party of Merced County WHEREAS , the people of California established the California Citizens Redistricting Commission to ensure independent, citizen-led congressional redistricting, promoting transparency and reducing partisan gerrymandering; and WHEREAS , Proposition 50, a legislative constitutional amendment appearing on the November 4, 2025

California is bleeding out—and the wound is self-inflicted. Over 4 million residents  have left the state since 2000, including a disproportionate number of Republicans, middle-income families, and business owners . These aren’t just statistics. These are teachers, builders, veterans, and entrepreneurs—people who once believed California was worth fighting for. Today, Republicans make up over 25% of California’s electorate , yet hold just 9 out of 52 congressional seats . If

As we approach the 2026 gubernatorial election, California faces a defining moment. Two Republican candidates—Sheriff Chad Bianco and reform advocate Steve Hilton—offer distinct visions for our state’s future. Both deserve serious consideration, but the question isn’t just who they are. It’s what kind of leadership California needs. Bianco brings grit and law enforcement experience. Hilton offers systemic reform and policy innovation. One is boots-on-the-ground; the other is.