The Powell County Republican Party has had a historic year. Under new leadership and a new
executive committee, the party has shifted the local political landscape. From voter registration
to visibility in the community, Powell County Republicans have made it clear we are here to stay.
On March 8, 2025, the Powell County Republican Party elected a new leadership team with three
simple goals. First, flip the county to more registered Republicans than Democrats for the first
time in modern history. Second, raise more money than the local Democrats. Third, build a long-
term plan to elect Republicans and keep them elected. Big goals for a small party, but sometimes
that is how you get big results.
By November, Powell County Republicans had, for the first time in the modern era, surpassed
Democrats in voter registration. As of the February report, registration stands at 4,526
Republicans (47.72 percent), 4,245 Democrats (44.75 percent), and 713 registered as Other (7.52
percent). In short, we are witnessing a new era of Republican strength in Powell County, one
built on growth, organization, and a modern vision for local politics.
Fundraising has also been a bright spot. According to Kentucky Registry of Election Finance
reports, Republicans began 2025 with $77.75 cash on hand, while Democrats started with
$3,083.37. During 2025, Republicans raised $17,065.00 and spent $13,271.19, ending the period
with $3,871.56 cash on hand. Democrats raised $4,000.06, spent $4,460.87, and ended with
$2,622.56. That represents more than a 200 percent increase in Republican receipts and a real
cash advantage of $1,249.00 over Democrats. For a county party, that is no small feat.
The growth has also been visible. During fair week and the parade, Republicans showed up in
force. If you attended, you probably noticed it took about ten minutes for the Republican
contingent to pass through the parade lineup. Some folks thought the parade had stalled. It had
not. We just had a lot of people walking.
The party also hosted its first Reagan Day Dinner, featuring a strong turnout of elected officials,
staff, and consultants from across the state. Notable guests included House Speaker David
Osborne, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, and State Treasurer Mark Metcalf. For a
first-year event, it was a strong showing and a sign that Powell County is back on the political
map.
Looking ahead, Republicans are focused on building a durable bench. This cycle, more than
twenty Republicans are running for local office, compared to thirteen Democrats. Incumbents
will be tested, and voters will decide whether they are satisfied with the status quo or ready for
change. Either way, Republicans are positioned to remain competitive across most partisan
offices, creating real opportunities for improvement in local leadership and accountability. The
May primary should be an interesting one for local politics watchers and for anyone who follows
county government.
We also have a rare opportunity in the 91st House District. Powell County has not elected one of
its own to the Kentucky General Assembly since 1972. With an open seat, voters have the
chance to change that by electing Darrell Billings as our next state representative. The growth of
our local Republican Party would not have been possible without Darrell’s leadership and service
on our executive committee, and he has been a steady voice for Powell County priorities.
While local issues remain our primary focus, voters are also paying attention to the bigger
picture. Polling consistently shows that Kentuckians are most concerned about the cost of living,
jobs and economic development, public safety, and supporting families. Those concerns are front
and center in the upcoming U.S. Senate and congressional races. Powell County Republicans are
committed to supporting candidates who will fight for lower taxes, economic growth, strong
communities, and Kentucky values in Frankfort and in Washington. National politics may
dominate the news, but local roads, water lines, and jobs still matter most when you wake up in
Powell County.
Thank you to our community for the support you have shown the Powell County Republican
Party. We appreciate the volunteers, donors, and neighbors who have stepped up. We invite
everyone to attend our events, get involved, and follow us on Facebook. We look forward to an
exciting election year and to continuing the work of building a stronger Powell County.
– Powell County Republican Party
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