December 1, 2025
Montgomery County’s Transparency Problem
The Montgomery County Council has once again demonstrated a troubling disregard for transparency and public engagement, this time in the process of filling the remainder of Councilmember Gabe Albornoz’s term. Despite receiving 67 applications, the Council has offered residents virtually no insight into how those candidates were evaluated or why only three were ultimately selected for public consideration. I find this suspicious.
Journalist Adam Pagnucco recently filed a Maryland Public Information Act request seeking access to the applications. According to his reporting, the Council refused to release them, and 64 of the 67 applicants were dismissed behind closed doors without any public disclosure or explanation.
(https://montgomeryperspective.com/2025/11/25/council-eliminates-64-of-67-appointee-applicants-behind-closed-doors/)
This is not what transparency looks like.
Residents deserve a fair, open process, not one that appears predetermined or shielded from public scrutiny. Decisions of this magnitude should not be made in the shadows, nor should residents be excluded from understanding who applied or why certain candidates were eliminated.
Unfortunately, this pattern reflects a broader issue in our County government. Too often, the County Executive and County Council appear more focused on holding onto power and an ideological agenda such as defunding the police, restrictive policies on transportation, energy, and land use, coupled with raising taxes, than on the day-to-day needs of the people they were elected to represent. In a one-party-rule environment, accountability has eroded, and public input is frequently treated as an afterthought.
Montgomery County deserves leadership that values transparency, fairness, and practical solutions. We need officials who will listen to residents, address real community concerns, and conduct public business in the open, not behind closed doors.
If you are considering running for office and are ready to put in the hard work, please contact me directly at [email protected].
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
November 24, 2025
A Chairman’s Thanksgiving Thought
This Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of the importance of dialogue, leadership, and the willingness to engage with people from all walks of life. President Trump’s recent meeting with Mamdani underscores how meaningful it can be when individuals with differing views come together in good faith to talk, listen, and seek understanding.
As Republicans, we give thanks for our families, our freedoms, and the enduring strength of our nation. We value moments when leaders, regardless of party, choose conversation over division and recognize the shared responsibility of serving the public.
Here in Montgomery County, we hope to see the same spirit of openness. Can Democrats and Republicans find opportunities to sit down together? Can progressive Democrats listen to the more conservative voices within their own party and across the aisle as we work through important issues like taxes, housing, education, job growth, and economic development? Our County’s future is strongest when thoughtful perspectives are welcomed, not dismissed.
May this holiday season bring unity, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to the values that make our County strong. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm, peaceful, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
As always, email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
November 17, 2025
Will Jawando for County Executive? Voters Deserve Better
There’s an old saying: “If his mouth is moving, he’s lying.” Few politicians in Montgomery County fit that description better than Will Jawando, the ever-ambitious Councilman now clawing his way toward the County Executive’s office.
Jawando has spent years trying to climb the political ladder. Washington didn’t want him, Annapolis didn’t need him, and now he’s set his sights on Montgomery County Executive. But one thing’s been constant: he’ll say whatever it takes to get elected. One week, he’s calling to defund the police. The next, he’s preaching “public safety.” One month, he’s chasing national headlines with performative progressive stunts. The next, he’s pretending to be the reasonable moderate.
It’s not leadership… it’s opportunism in a nice suit.
A $115,000 “Coincidence”?
A recent Montgomery Perspective article revealed a deeply troubling pattern. Jawando’s failed U.S. Senate campaign reportedly donated $115,000 to the Working Families Party (WFP) — and soon after, that same group endorsed him for County Executive.
Coincidence? Hardly. In politics, timing is everything, and this one stinks of backroom dealing. Call it what it is: a pay-for-endorsement scheme. You don’t write six-figure checks to a political group and then miraculously get their backing out of pure goodwill.
Taxpayer-Funded Ambition
Jawando’s new campaign is being financed by Montgomery County’s public election fund which is fueled by taxpayer money. Because Jawando is using public election funding to finance his County Executive ambitions, he is limited where he can get funding. It now comes out that he is using money from his now-terminated U.S. Senate account, and his federal PAC to also finance his County Executive campaign. Adding insult to injury, Jawando will probably receive over $800,000 of taxpayer money from that public election fund to fuel his County Executive campaign.
That means the same residents struggling with high property taxes and living costs are, in effect, paying for Jawando’s campaign while he camouflages his funding sources. Public financing was meant to empower ordinary citizens, not bankroll serial candidates chasing their next office.
Shadow Campaigns and “Plausible Deniability”
You may expect the same outside groups to hit the streets for him: canvassing, leafleting, and advertising, all under the laughable banner of “independent expenditure.” It’s the game of plausible deniability we’re not coordinating, we just happen to be working for the same guy. Voters aren’t fools. They’ve seen this play before.
Time for Oversight
This deserves investigation by the County Inspector General, the State’s Attorney, and the Maryland Board of Elections. Whether Jawando’s actions cross a legal line or merely trample ethical boundaries, the pattern is clear: public money, private ambition, and questionable alliances.
Montgomery County deserves better than another career politician playing fast and loose with ethics, taxpayer funds, and public trust. Jawando talks about justice and transparency but, from where the voters are sitting, it looks like he’s just another hustler in a suit, saying whatever it takes to get elected.
If this is the kind of leadership Jawando offers, the voters’ answer in 2026 should be a simple: “No, thank you.”
Voters deserve better. We need leaders with integrity…people guided by a strong moral compass who seek to serve the public, not themselves. Our communities depend on candidates who will do what’s right for everyone, not just cater to a small, hand-picked group pushing a narrow progressive agenda. It’s time to support individuals committed to fairness, accountability, and the broader good.
If you are interested in running for office, please contact me personally.
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
November 10, 2025
Montgomery County: Maryland’s Rising Star
Although Tuesday’s election results may not have been what we hoped for, Montgomery County continues to shine as Maryland’s rising star.
Last year, Montgomery County proudly received the prestigious Samuel Chase Award from the Maryland GOP for being the most outstanding county in the state. This was an exceptional honor, especially for a deep-blue county like ours.
This achievement is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, women’s clubs, media engagement, and focused social media outreach. To each of you who contributed your time and energy — thank you.
Over the past two years, we’ve seen a turnaround in the number of Republican voters in Montgomery County. After years of steady decline beginning in 2012, our focus on voter engagement and outreach has reversed that trend. Our current leadership is listening to the community and staying focused on clear, common-sense messaging around the issues that matter to the voters: spending, taxes, public safety, education, transportation, and transparency.
This new direction is resonating with voters, and we must keep the momentum going.
As we look ahead to 2026, let’s double down on outreach and engagement to change the hearts and minds of the voters on critical local issues. Together, we can continue to strengthen our presence and expand our message across the County.
We’re calling for volunteers with skills in accounting, finance, writing on local issues, social media, personal outreach, and fundraising. If you’re ready to make a difference, please visit our volunteer page ( https://www.mcgop.com/join ) to sign up and help us continue changing the trajectory of Montgomery County.
If you can’t dedicate your time, please donate to support those working hard on our behalf: https://www.mcgop.com/nb_payment_processor_donation
As always, email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
November 3, 2025
Turn a Private Perk into a Public Crossing
For the past five years a 35 mile hole has existed in the region’s transportation network. Since White’s Ferry shut down in December 2020, over a landing rights dispute on the Virginia shore, there has been no Potomac River crossing between the American Legion Bridge and Point of Rocks. That single closure ripped out a low cost, transportation efficient, low-carbon link that once carried 600 to 800 vehicles a day including commuters, service workers, cyclists, and weekenders who stitched together the economies of western Montgomery and Loudoun counties.
Now comes an opportunity that is both practical and poetic. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly urged the International Monetary Fund to sell its country club property along River Road, the 285 plus acre Bretton Woods Recreation Center beside the C&O Canal and the Potomac. If the IMF is ready to divest, our region should be ready to negotiate a public- private partnership to provide a public park and to restore a river crossing we control.
Call it the “Bretton Woods Crossing,” a modest, publicly owned, electric‑powered ferry and multiuse river link built on the Bretton Woods property on the Maryland side, paired with a landing on public land in Virginia where no single private owner can lock the gate. This would not be a Beltway‑scale bridge; it would be a right‑sized crossing designed to do what White’s Ferry did well: move a few hundred vehicles and many more bikes and pedestrians each day, keep trips local, and knit communities and labor markets back together without inviting sprawl.
The geography is on our side. Bretton Woods lies roughly a dozen miles downstream from White’s Ferry, close enough to restore the missing link for Poolesville, Darnestown, and western Loudoun, yet far enough from the Beltway to remain a local connector rather than a new commuter super‑route.
Why the Bretton Woods Crossing is the right solution:
- Public control ends the hostage situation. White’s Ferry failed not because a ferry is obsolete, but because one private easement on the Virginia bank became a veto on a regional lifeline. A crossing anchored to public land on both shores eliminates that single point of failure. The County’s joint study, commissioned after the closure, recognized ferry service as a valuable, feasible part of the local transportation network. However, the local Montgomery County Executive and County Council have failed to negotiate a solution.
- It’s affordable and fast compared to a bridge. A small electric ferry and two public landings can be built in a fraction of the time and cost of a new Potomac span, especially near Great Falls, where a bridge would face daunting environmental, historic‑resource, and scenic‑river hurdles. The National Park Service process still applies, but a low‑impact ferry that uses existing disturbed areas and limits wake and noise is far easier to permit than heavy bridgeworks.
- It protects the Ag Reserve and parklands. Because the site is not in the Ag reserve and is large, queueing and parking can be designed onsite, keeping spillover traffic off rural roads. Most of the acreage can become public open space and integrated with the C&O Canal National Historical Park system improving river access and habitat restoration while reducing disturbance and reducing real costs.
- It restores resilience. When there’s a crash on the Beltway or flooding upriver, a small, reliable crossing saves hours and fuel. That’s why the 35‑mile gap in crossings is such a glaring vulnerability and why restoring some crossing in that gap matters more than restoring it in the exact same spot.
- It provides income for the County. That location does not have the infrastructure for housing or the fiber and power for a data center therefore the associated County tax income is not probable. However, setting up a public-private Potomac crossing entity could generate revenue for the County.
I offer that we should pursue both options of a White’s Ferry and Bretton Wood’s Crossing. Montgomery County has already put real money on the table in an attempt to secure a deal. Use a Bretton Woods acquisition as leverage, not just a substitute. If Loudoun can close a deal at White’s, terrific. If not, the Bretton Woods Crossing becomes the fail‑safe option that ends our five‑year stalemate.
The loss of White’s Ferry was never just about minutes on Waze. It drained foot traffic from Poolesville’s Main Street and severed everyday ties between two fast‑growing counties. A small, clean, well‑managed crossing, owned by the public and sized to the landscape restores those ties without inviting the unintended consequences of a massive new bridge. If you doubt whether demand exists, ask the residents who once used the ferry daily and the Poolesville businesses who miss them.
Next Steps:
- Signal interest. Montgomery and Loudoun should issue a joint letter to the IMF expressing intent to negotiate for the Bretton Woods property if offered for sale, with the aim of a conservation‑plus‑crossing project. Maryland and Virginia governors should back the move.
- Launch a 90‑day feasibility sprint. Direct agencies to evaluate two or three candidate ferry alignments tied to Bretton Woods on the Maryland side and public landings (i.e., Algonkian or Seneca) on the Virginia side, with a specific focus on electric propulsion, minimal dredging, and towpath protection. Use the 2021 study as the starting point.
- Choose the governance model. Stand up a bi‑county Potomac Mobility Authority (or fold it into the existing Parks/NOVA Parks structure) with a clear mandate: build and operate a small ferry, price it to manage demand, and protect the surrounding parks and the Agricultural Reserve.
- Keep White’s Ferry talks alive. If a permanent easement at White’s materializes, great, run both crossings seasonally and price to balance demand. If not, the Bretton Woods Crossing becomes the replacement.
A private riverfront club created for international officials out of postwar idealism no longer fits the region’s needs in 2025. A public river crossing heals a 35‑mile gap and a riverside park that welcomes everyone. If the IMF is ready to sell, the Washington region should be ready to buy, and to swap an exclusive fairway for a shared future across the Potomac.
As always, email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
October 27, 2025
The Empty Politics of Platitudes
It’s election season and if you’re like me, you are getting bombarded with overused platitudes offered as new ideas, wisdom or comfort, but come across as insincere drivel often gas-lighting voters.
Platitudes sound wise but mean nothing — they’re how politicians avoid hard truths.
I am tired of trite phrases such as: “Hardworking families deserve better.” “We need to come together,” “The system is broken,” “ We need to fix a broken system.” Democrat candidates like Marc Elrich (who has been in local government for 20 years), and Will Jawando and his slate that have been in office for several terms continue to gas light voters with a blow torch. Look in the mirror guys… you created the issues and have no idea how to fix them.
1. Take Wes Moore’s recent announcement that his administration will be laying off over 500+ workers while recently saying that they will be hiring separated federal workers. Does this guy know what he is doing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm7A8x1aBmo
2. Marc (no jobs) Elrich goes around the County touting that Montgomery County has low taxes and is “open for business” however local businesses are fleeing to Northern Viriginia due to excessive regulations. Why not eliminate excessive regulations?
3. The County Council vote to enact rent control to make housing more affordable, not understanding that rent control would stop development of multi-family housing. Eliminate rent control.
4. The County Council unanimously voted the draconian measure to eliminate gas heating to “achieve our climate goals.” Who wrote these climate goals without understanding the limited availability of power on the grid? How many people really want to give up the possible option of gas heating?
5. My personal hero Will Jawando has gone on record to defund the police and put female products in boys bathrooms. I can’t make this up. Platitudes and non-sensical, draconian laws to achieve a false utopia have become the currency of political speech in Montgomery County. They let candidates sound compassionate without committing to a position that makes life easier for the citizens, sound bipartisan without taking a risk of reaching across the aisle, and sound strong without having to act in a way that only supports the small number of people that vote.
Platitudes thrive because they are comforting. Who doesn’t want unity, prosperity, or fairness? But when everyone uses the same words, those words lose their meaning. A promise to “fight for working families” means nothing if it isn’t paired with a clear plan. A vow to “fix the system” means little when a candidate can’t say how /what to fix and is especially egregious when these are the candidates that supported the laws or did not stand in the breach against the crazy.
Political platitudes are a disguise, they make empty space sound full. They fill speeches, ads, and palm cards with noise that give the illusion of depth. I am saddened when I hear the label “racist” or “racial equity” when a person is losing a discussion or defending poor behavior in the name of “Democracy.” But voters are smarter than that. They can tell when they’re being sold slogans instead of solutions… or are they?
Public trust in government has declined not just because of scandals, lack of transparency and gas-lighting, but because of language. People no longer believe politicians mean what they say, because so often, they don’t. When every issue is met with the same hollow reassurance, citizens stop listening and start disengaging contributing to the low voter turnout. Politicians defend their use of broad, feel-good language as a way to inspire. But inspiration without honesty is manipulation. Real inspiration comes from clarity and from the courage to say what’s true, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Platitudes don’t just waste airtime; they waste opportunity. They block meaningful discussion, replacing tough questions with soft answers. When leaders say, “We just need to come together,” it sounds unifying, but it avoids asking why we’re divided and what we must do to bridge that divide.
I offer that our political system depends on intellectually honest disagreement not the polite kind where everyone nods, but the real kind where ideas clash and solutions emerge. Platitudes are the opposite of that. They smooth over conflict when what we need is courage.
The cure for platitudes is not cynicism; it’s authenticity. We need leaders who speak plainly, even imperfectly. Saying “This won’t be easy, but here’s my plan” carries more moral weight than any slogan. So does admitting uncertainty.
I offer that voters don’t want more smooth polish like Will Jawando. They want action that will make their lives better. They want leaders who respect them enough to speak with clarity, to argue with substance, and to lead
with conviction.
Until politicians trade platitudes for truth, our County will keep losing residents, businesses will flee, our children’s test scores will continue to drop, and our tax base will diminish.
I echo the thoughts of Adam Pagnucco in his September 12'th article (https://montgomeryperspective.com/2025/09/12/is-gus-bauman-right/ ). We the voters have the final word over the politicians. Voters must take the time to research who the candidates are and visit their websites. Ask them the hard questions, demand answers and VOTE. That’s the path to a better place for Montgomery County and Maryland.
__________
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan is the Chair of the Republican Party in Montgomery County, MD - the MCGOP. He can be reached at [email protected]
October 20, 2025
Less than one week ago, the Trump administration secured the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza, marking a moment of relief, justice, and hope for families and allies around the world.
After more than two years in captivity, the return of these hostages is a victory for diplomacy, resolve, and the moral standard that the United States must always uphold.
Conversely, this past weekend’s “No Kings” rallies do not represent the values of the majority of the citizens that live and work in our community. While everyone has the right to free speech, these rallies promote destruction, violence, and misinformation rather than constructive dialogue based on facts. These rallies are nothing more than a partisan stunt designed to demonize millions of Americans who hold different political views.
I encourage anyone reading this to “do the right thing,” to be positive ambassadors of the truth, to listen and to communicate in an open, intellectually honest way. Consider asking a few simple questions:
- Have your taxes and fees increased? Have you seen any benefits in your everyday lives?
- Do you think that the MCPS Boundary Analysis study should be used to institute bussing? See: https://youtu.be/0EGSBr3MXQE
- How are you dealing with the County’s Green Laws? Did you know that you can’t have gas heating and cooking in your homes after 2035? See: https://youtu.be/Yb-0db-Ivfk
- Given the rise in antisemitism in the County, do you feel safe where you live, work, worship or your kids go to school?
- How are your kids doing in public school? With all the money that we have given the school system, why are the latest MCAP scores showing 55% proficiency? See: https://reportcard.msde.maryland.gov/Graphs/#/Assessments/ElaPerformance/3ELA/3/6/3/1/15/XXXX/2025
- Do you support Will Jawando’s defunding the police and taking school resource officers out of schools? See: https://youtu.be/l9R2vVXJFW0
Instead of slogans of anger, we should focus on what the local elected officials have given us and propose practical solutions that strengthen our community. True progress comes from working together.
Our community deserves leadership and activism that build bridges, not events designed to tear people down or undermine the democratic process. We must reject efforts that encourage chaos or disrespect toward our institutions and one another. Yes, you will see me at various Democrat events having two-way conversations with various candidates, asking questions, and offering solutions.
Republicans believe in limited government, constitutional balance, and freedom for every citizen — the very opposite of tyranny. While the “No Kings” movement stages protests, we are focused on addressing the real issues facing our County: inflation, taxes, public safety, and the education of our children.
It’s time to stop the theatrics and start working for the American people. The “No Kings” movement divides; Republicans are working to deliver results.
As always, email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
October 13, 2025
The MCGOP Convention - An Amazing Success!
The premiere conservative political event in Montgomery County did not disappoint. It featured great speakers, great candidates, and a moving tribute to Charlie Kirk. The event also acknowledged many issue-focused groups, woman’s clubs, and supporters.
Emcee Dennis Melby headed up the event with insightful humor. Laura Benson made sure everything flowed flawlessly. There were many other hands that contributed to the success of the event including: Lori Jaffe, Brigitta Mullican, Greg Decker, Tracy Colligan, June Nicholas, Sara Hoffman, Vikki Birkett, Dan Cuda, Josh Knaap, Helene Meister, Jeff and Dee Rubin, Cynthia Cuestas and many others.
The event included an invocation by Gene Schaerr, the National Anthem beautifully performed by Jennifer Biddison, and the Pledge of Allegiance by Lily Sorell. There was Dee Rubin’s panel on the MoCo Supreme Court victory, and a presentation by Sandy Tuttle, Martha Hale, and Patsy Dillingham on their Back the Blue success.
Nicolee Ambrose, MD RNC Chairwoman, updated us on the success of the voter integrity fight in Montgomery County.
Our special guest, Jim Trusty of the Ifrah Law Group, enlightened and entertained the attendees with stories ranging from Letitia James’ residence to the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago.
Our lunch speaker John ‘Dragon’ Teichert, Brig Gen (Ret) provided great stories and leadership insight from his years as a military commander. Lunch was sponsored by Monte and Darby Gingery.
Special thanks to our candidates who were able to provide an overview of their campaign platforms.
A great time was had by all!!!
For those of you that have Facebook, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1248913733936534&set=pcb.1248920587269182
As always, email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
October 6, 2025
Less than a week until the premiere political event in Montgomery County …. The MCGOP Convention.
This is the premiere conservative political event in Montgomery County and features great speakers, great candidates, and a moving tribute to Charlie Kirk. We will also be acknowledging our many issue-focused groups, woman’s clubs, and supporters. There will be opportunities for volunteers to get involved and serve their community.
The convention will be at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Registration opens at 7:45 am and the main program starts at 8:30 am.
Please register with the QR code or link below:
https://www.mcgop.com/convention2025_20251011
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
September 29, 2025
Come one / come all to the premiere political event in Montgomery County …. The MCGOP Convention.
This is the premiere conservative political event in Montgomery County and features great speakers, great candidates and a moving tribute to Charlie Kirk. We will also be acknowledging our many issue focused groups, woman’s clubs and supporters and providing opportunities for volunteers to get involved and serve their communities.
The convention will be at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD 20879. Registration openings at 7:45 am and the main program starts at 8:30 am.
Please register with the QR code or link below:
https://www.mcgop.com/convention2025_20251011
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!!!
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
Yep, WE LISTEN - what do you think? Write me at [email protected]
September 22, 2025
On September 20th, a public remembrance vigil was held in Rockville, Maryland to honor Charlie Kirk. The event was sponsored by the Montgomery County Republican Party (MCGOP), and the Potomac Woman’s Republican Club (PWRC).
The event brought together nearly 300 of Charlie’s supporters, followers, and community members to reflect on his contributions and celebrate the values he championed.
Charlie’s life was ended by an assassin’s bullet during an event at Utah Valley University in what authorities have described as a politically motivated assassination.
Charlie Kirk was a man of unwavering faith, a father, a husband, a son and patriot who dedicated his life to America.
Charlie Kirk was more than a strong voice in the conservative movement, he was a champion for free speech, a leader who rallied the youth, and a man who believed deeply in his convictions. We remember him not only for what he said, but how he said it: passionately, boldly, but always ready to listen.
Charlie worked to give young people a platform to engage, debate, and speak out for what they believed in. His goal was to engage in thoughtful discourse, to cultivate courage, to encourage conviction, and to strengthen the public square through intellectually honest dialogue.
Charlie Kirk was laid to rest on Sunday, September 21, 2025. His ceremony was watched by millions all over the world. The tributes were amazing.
Charlie’s challenge to all of us was to rise above the noise, concentrate on facts, to exercise speech even when it’s hard, and to affirm truth with both compassion and resolve.
With the assassination of Charlie Kirk, America has lost a powerful voice for good. He had a profound impact on all Americans, particularly the young. I am reminded of the quote.
“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible sense of resolve.”
I offer that the political assassination Charlie Kirk has awakened all of us and that we have the duty to carry on Charlie’s message.
As Charlie said: It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, in the pursuit of liberty & freedom.
Please feel free to send me your thoughts ([email protected]) on what Charlie Kirk meant to you.
We are all Charlie now….
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
September 15, 2025
In Memory of Charlie Kirk
In loving memory of Charlie Kirk, a man of unwavering faith, a father, husband, and patriot who dedicated his life to America:
Charlie Kirk was more than a voice in the conservative movement, he was a champion for free speech, a founder who rallied youth, a husband and father, and a man who believed deeply in his convictions.
From the early days of Turning Point USA, he strove to give young people a platform to engage, debate, and speak out for what they believed in. His goal wasn’t simply to win arguments, but to cultivate courage, to encourage conviction, to strengthen the public square through robust dialogue.
“It's bigger than you, I want you to remember that... It's bigger than me - you are here to make somebody else's life better, the pursuit of liberty & freedom.”
Charlie’s tragic killing on September 10, 2025 sent shockwaves across the country. It felt like a wound in the fabric of civil discourse. Charlie’s challenge to all of us was to rise above polarization, to defend speech even when it’s hard, to affirm truth with both compassion and resolve. We remember him not only for what he said, but how he said it: passionately, boldly, always ready to debate, always willing to lead. Charlie demonstrated that it is possible to believe strongly enough to defend those beliefs in public, to submit one’s convictions to the test of argument and counterargument.
With the assassination of Charlie Kirk, America has lost a powerful voice for good. He had a profound impact on all Americans, particularly the young. I am reminded of the quote “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible sense of resolve.” I offer that the murder of Charlie Kirk has awakened a new breed of conservatives who will carry and expand his message.
What are your thoughts? Please e-mail me at [email protected] to share your thoughts about Charlie Kirk and his impact on you and his impact on America.
Stay strong and God bless America.
