2025 WCRP Appeal Results
From left, Leigh Ann Cates (Secretary); Diane Chenard (1st Vice Chairwoman); Elliott Franklin (2nd Vice Chairman); Steve Hickey (Chairman); Courtney Laginess (3rd Vice Chairman); Brandon Bell (Assistant Treasurer); Peg Raciti (Assistant Secretary); and Tim Raynaud (Treasurer)
Link to Chairman Hickey’s video message
Link to WCRP Contestee Brief Highlights
Link to Full WCRP Contestee Brief
Link to WCRP Exhibits
Response from Former Chairman Miller
Response from CCC Chairwoman Deaver
The Convention Documentary
Media Contacts:
Don Beehler 615.566.0776 / [email protected]
Frank Limpus 615.668.9938 / [email protected]
TENNESSEE GOP RULES FOR NEWLY ELECTED WILLIAMSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY SLATE FOLLOWING MARCH 4TH ELECTION CHALLENGE
Dismisses Brian Clifford-led group’s opinion-based claim of election fraud
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (April 12, 2025) — Officials with the Tennessee Republican Party (TRP) today confirmed the election results of the March 4th Williamson County Republican Party (WCRP) reorganization convention in favor of the Elevate 2025 slate. In doing so, it dismissed a contest of election fraud brought by the Williamson County Conservatives slate.
The Elevate candidates achieved a sweeping 8-0 Board victory in a convention that broke TRP attendance records for a county reorganization convention. Over 1,500 bona fide Republican voters elected Stephen Hickey as chairman, Diane Chenard as first vice chair, Elliott Franklin as second vice chair, Courtney Laginess as third vice chair, Leigh Ann Cates as secretary, Peg Raciti as assistant secretary, Tim Raynaud as treasurer and Brandon Bell as assistant treasurer.
“We thank the Tennessee GOP’s State Executive Committee (SEC) for their thorough examination of the facts surrounding the historic March 4th Williamson County Reorganization Convention,” said Chairman Steve Hickey.
“This review didn’t just confirm our election, it validated the hard work of the Contest and Credenditals Committee (CCC) Chairwoman Debbie Deaver, the countless CCC volunteers, the TRP and other elected officials who truly put together a seamless event. They endured unfounded and withering criticism for their efforts. It’s time they received the praise they are due,” added Hickey.
“Our Elevate team ran on a string of strong party achievements that included substantial fundraising for local GOP candidates, significantly growing membership, and protecting Republican votes in primaries, all of which were critically important to the grassroots conservatives of Williamson County,” said First Vice Chair Diane Chenard.
“As Elevate’s brief makes clear, there is no evidence of fraud to support the WCC’s appeal, just as there is no evidence to support the many false accusations Clifford’s group made throughout their campaign about the Elevate slate, the WCRP, elected county officials and convention volunteers,” said Courtney Laginess, an attorney and the Board’s third vice chair.
“The Tennessee GOP dismissed this appeal because they quickly realized it was baseless and without merit. Our opponents presented no real evidence and had no legitimate case. We encourage everyone to read our brief, which is available on our website for more details,” Laginess added.
Regarding the future, Hickey stated, “Our new Board is eager and ready to get to work on behalf of the WCRP members and to build on the accomplishments of the past two years.
“We are excited to translate our election platform into reality with the help of our members. Our aim is to bring the WCRP to communities throughout Williamson County, to welcome new members – including Trump voters and the next generation of Republican voters – and to continue the operational, fiduciary and ideological excellence of the previous Board. Our predecessors set a high bar; we intend to surpass it.
“We invite fellow members and those interested in joining our Party to watch our socials and email for details on our April Mix and Mingle event later this month.
“Also, we’ll soon announce our first Board meeting, open to all dues-paying members, where we shall discuss timely business, including the establishment of member-led subcommittees.”
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