Why - Because Votes Win Elections
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
Since I became Chairman of the Republican Party of Merced County in January 2025, our leadership team and volunteers have worked tirelessly to strengthen and grow our local Republican Party. Together with the Republican Women of Merced County, the Merced County Republican Assembly, our elected Central Committee members, volunteers, donors, and grassroots supporters, we have focused on voter registration, community outreach, candidate support, fundraising, and building a Republican organization that serves Merced County year-round.
The results are encouraging.
Republican voter registration in Merced County has continued to grow, from approximately 37,600 registered Republicans in 2022 to nearly 41,000 registered Republicans today. During my chairmanship, Republican registration has increased by more than 1,200 voters, pushing our party to nearly 41,000 registered Republicans and surpassing the 30% registration mark. While this progress reflects the efforts of many dedicated Republicans over several years, I am proud of the momentum our organization has built since January 2025 and the foundation we are creating for future success.
But registration alone does not win elections.
Votes win elections.
Thousands of registered Republicans did not cast a ballot in the June 2026 Primary Election. In several races, the number of Republicans who stayed home exceeded the margin separating the candidates. Imagine what we could accomplish if just one out of every ten Republicans who stayed home decided to vote. A modest increase in Republican turnout could determine the outcome of county, legislative, congressional, and statewide elections.
That is why our mission is bigger than simply registering voters. We must identify, educate, encourage, and mobilize every Republican to vote in every election. Every phone call, every door knocked, every community event, every new volunteer, every donation, and every conversation with a neighbor brings us one step closer to building a stronger Republican majority.
Our mission is simple: Register. Educate. Organize. Vote.
If we continue growing Republican registration while dramatically increasing Republican voter turnout, Merced County can become one of California's leading examples of successful grassroots Republican organizing. Together, we can elect principled conservative leaders, defend our constitutional freedoms, and leave a stronger, more prosperous community for future generations.
The future of Merced County will not be determined by those who sit on the sidelines. It will be determined by those who choose to get involved.
I invite you to join us.
Thank You,
Gene Johnson
Chair, RPMC
