Lessons from the CA-13 Primary and What It Means for Kevin Lincoln vs. Adam Gray A common belief in politics is that the candidate with the most money wins. There is some truth to that. Campaigns require resources to communicate, organize, and turn supporters into voters. But elections are more complex than a single factor. The 2026 CA-13 Republican primary between Kevin Lincoln and Vin Kruttiventi, followed by the general election matchup between Kevin Lincoln and Adam Gray,

Who We Are and Whom We Represent The Republican Party of Merced County (RPMC) is the official Republican County Central Committee established under California law. We are not simply another Republican club or grassroots organization. We are the statutory governing body of the Republican Party within Merced County, entrusted with representing Republican voters throughout the county and advancing Republican principles, candidates, and causes. ​ Many people assume that a County

Endorsed Candidates Moving Forward To the Republicans and Non-Partisan Voters of Merced County: First and foremost, as Chairman of the Republican Party of Merced County, I want to extend my deepest congratulations to all of our candidates who successfully fought their way through the primary election and are now officially headed to the ballot this November. Running for public office is not just a political decision; it is a profound personal sacrifice. To every Republican ca

The Republican Party of Merced County is focused on one mission: building a stronger Republican team for the people of Merced County. Our volunteers, candidates, donors, and grassroots supporters work tirelessly to elect Republicans who will stand for our values, support our communities, and fight for responsible leadership. That effort requires unity, loyalty, and commitment to the Republican cause. Because of that, the Republican Party of Merced County Central Committee can

Merced County community members - Across California, we continue to see policies that make it harder—not easier—for working families to achieve the dream of homeownership. The latest discussions surrounding Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fees tied to Assembly Bill 130 are a clear example. These policies attempt to reduce driving by increasing the cost of housing—especially in inland communities like ours. But here in Merced County, we see a better way forward. Don’t Punish Comm

As California continues under its top-two primary system, Republican voters in Merced County have a clear strategic opportunity: ensure strong Republican representation in the general election, no matter how the primary breaks. Across key races including the Governor’s race, California’s 13th Congressional District, and State Senate District 4, our focus must remain on turnout, voter registration, and disciplined participation. These are the tools that determine whether Repub

As we move deeper into this election cycle for California’s 13th Congressional District, one message must be clear to every Republican in Merced County: participation determines outcomes. This is a competitive district, and every vote, every conversation, and every registered supporter will matter in the weeks ahead. Kevin Lincoln has received the formal endorsement of the Republican Party of Merced County. At the same time, Vin Kruttiventi has earned strong support from the

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