CCGOP County Chairs and Election Highlights

This is an attempt to compile a history of the CCGOP. This is not complete and has been created from memory. If you know of any other events, dates, award recipients, or corrections, please email chairman@ccgop.com.

2023-present
Sherry Yocum

2021-2023
David Allen

2019-2021
Dennis Bailey
August 2020 (During DNC), Republicans became
majority party in Cleveland County.

2017-2019
Joel Shores

2015-2017
Ronnie Whetstine
Betsy Harnage, first Republican elected Register of Deeds.
Republicans carry all partisan races on the ballot in
Cleveland County for the first time.

2014-2015
Tracy Montgomery
Robbie Morgan elected Coroner
(First Republican other than commissioner elected to local office)
Mike Miller elected District Attorney
(District 27B, Cleveland & Lincoln County)

2013-2014
Ted Alexander

2011-2013
Tom Tanguay

2009-2011
Wes Westmoreland

2009-2009
Jason Falls

2007-2009
Wayne King
Debbie Clary elected to NC Senate
(only GOP legislative pick-up in the United States)

2005-2007
Kathy Livsie

2001-2005
Wes Westmoreland

2001
John Cabiness

1997-2001
Tim Moore
1998, Charlie Harry, Jim Crawley & Ray Thomas,
First Republican majority on County Commission

1995-1997?
CC Guy

1993-1995?
Charlie Harry?
1994, Dennis Davis first Republican elected to NC Senate
from Cleveland County;
Debbie Clary first female Republican elected
from Cleveland County (NC House)

1991-1993?
Dennis Davis

1991-1993
Scott Griffin?

1989-199
Dr. Bill Claytor

1987-1989?
Cheryl Sisk

1986-1987?
Col. Pat Hamner
1988, John Weatherly first Republican elected to state office (NC House) 
and Charlie Harry first Republican elected to local office (County Commission)

1981-1986
John Cabiness?

1979-1981
Skip McCartney?

 Awards

Cleveland County GOP Lifetime Achievement

Lifetime Achievement Award is given to one who has dedicated their life to the party, and has made its ideals a mainstay in their life.

2017- Debbie Clary
2015 – Dr. Jerry Self
2011- Chuck Heath
2005 – John Cline
2004- Gaines Washburn
Ruth Wilson

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John Weatherly

Cleveland County Republican of the Year

The Republican of the Year is given annually to someone who has best exemplified the ideals and goals of the Republican party and has been instrumental in advancing our positions during the past year.

2017 – Dennis Bailey & Patti Alexander
2015 – Nick Berryhill & Guy Smith
2013- Don Allen & Ruth Wilson
2005- Matthew Canipe
2004 – Jerry Self

Cleveland County Spirit of Reagan Award

The Spirit of Reagan Award recognizes the person who best exemplifies the legacy of Ronald Reagan.

2017 – Speaker Tim Moore
2005 – Will Troutman

Cleveland County Spirit of Ruth Wilson Award

Spirit of Ruth Wilson Award is presented to the woman who has stood firm in her beliefs, even when it has not been the popular thing to do.

2017 – Carole Allen
2005, Inaugural Year – Ruth Wilson

North Carolina GOP Hall of Fame

John Cline, 1997
Jerry Scruggs, 1999
Ruth Wilson, 2001
Debbie Clary, 2015